With its comprehensive, succinct, and applied coverage, this book introduces readers to the issues, forces, and outcomes that make us who we are. It helps readers gain the foundations in important theories and research that enable them to become educated interpreters of developmental information.

1. The Study of Human Development. Part I: PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT, INFANCY, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD. 2. Biological Foundations: Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth. 3. Tools for Exploring the World: Physical, Perceptual, and Motor Development. 4. The Emergence of Thought and Language: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Early Childhood. 5. Entering the Social World: Socioemotional Development in Infancy and Early Childhood. Part II: SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. 6. Off to School: Cognitive and Physical Development in Middle Childhood. 7. Expanding Social Horizons: Socioemotional Development in Middle Childhood. 8. Rites of Passage: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence. 9. Moving Into the Adult Social World: Socioemotional Development in Adolescence. Part III: YOUNG AND MIDDLE ADULTHOOD. 10. Becoming an Adult: Physical, Cognitive, and Personality Development in Young Adulthood. 11. Being With Others: Forming Relationships in Young and Middle Adulthood. 12. Work, Leisure, and Retirement. 13. Making It in Midlife: The Biopsychosocial Challenges of Middle Adulthood. Part IV: LATE ADULTHOOD. 14. The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues. 15. Social Aspects of Later Life: Psychosocial, Retirement, Relationship, and Societal Issues. 16. The Final Passage: Dying and Bereavement. Glossary. References. Name Index. Subject Index.