Handbook of Life-span Development

The doubling of our average life span since the turn of the 20th century is considered by many scholars to be one of the most important changes in human existence. This definitive text is the only volume to fully address, through a multidisciplinary perspective, the biological, cognitive, and psychological development that occurs from infancy through old age, and how the sociocultural and institutional factors interface with these changes. Edited by leading research scholars in the field of life span development, the volume also includes contributions of specialists in behavioral genetics, socioemotional selectivity theory, ecological models, and more. It examines the dynamics of close relationships and informal ties among the elderly population, child-parent attachment relationships as a life span phenomenon, developmental tasks across the life span, continuity and discontinuity in temperament and personality traits, the sociocultural context of cognition across the life span, and variability in approaches to social problem solving from early to later life. Given the number of recent demographic shifts, it also explores issues related to fertility, life expectancy, environmental contexts, technology, immigration, and public policy. Key Features: Integrates the full life span from infancy through old age in each chapter Considers multidisciplinary perspectives that address personal relationships, cognitive development, and social, emotional, and physical health across the life span Provides a concise but thorough resource for graduate seminars in lifespan-related studies Highlights future issues in all areas of life span study