Lifespan Development: The Journey from Beginning to End was written for a one-semester introductory course in developmental psychology that is usually required for psychology majors. The course also tends to be required for nursing majors, and it is recommended for students who plan to attend medical school or graduate school in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or pharmacy.
The text covers the life span from prenatal development to the end of life. It presents a biopsychosocial focus, emphasizing the interdependent and interactive nature of development at all life stages. The intention was to create a straightforward text that is comprehensive, without being encyclopedic, and that covers the main theories of human development, recent research, and current issues related to the main topics of human development. Throughout the text, the material is related to applications in the areas of parenting, interpersonal relationships, education, and the world of work. Critical thinking exercises encourage closer examination of selected topics, and links to current websites and videos keep the content updated as new issues arise. Each chapter is followed by a multiple-choice quiz designed to further stimulate the student’s thinking process. The text is adaptable for variety of teaching schedules, instructor styles, and student populations.
Chapter 1: Meet the Science of Lifespan Development
Chapter 2: Prenatal Development
Chapter 3: Childbirth and the Newborn
Chapter 4: Infancy (Year 1)
Chapter 5: Toddlerhood (Year 2)
Chapter 6: The Preschool Years (Ages 3-5)
Chapter 7: Middle Childhood (Ages 6 – 11)
Chapter 8: Adolescent Development
Chapter 9: Emerging Adults (Ages 18-29)
Chapter 10: Early Adulthood (Ages 30–40)
Chapter 11: Middle Adulthood (Ages 40–65)
Chapter 12: Late Adulthood (65—Death)