Development through Adulthood

From love, parenthood, life crises, fulfilment, funerals, friendships, retirement, birth and death, these experiences are just a glimpse at the various developmental stages covered by this illuminating textbook of the stages during adulthood that contain some of the most pivotal and formative years of our entire lives. What, then, are their psychological consequences, and how can intangible experiences such as these be reliably described, explained and understood in psychological research? In this unique text, author Oliver Robinson authoritatively and fluently guides the reader through the interdependent areas of our cognitive, psychological, social, cultural and moral lives that constitute this fascinating area in psychology. This book delivers an interdisciplinary understanding of the changes that occur across the human life span as well as the psychological research tools needed to measure them. Providing an empirical analysis, this text considers models for understanding behaviour and development, methods of collecting data and study design. This is invaluable reading for students studying human development, gerontology or an applied social science. Academically rigorous and elegantly written, it is the perfect guide to classic and current research in adult development. The first of its kind in the UK market, this accessible and fascinating book is essential reading for those interested in fully understanding adulthood and ageing.

Now updated for its second edition, this illuminating textbook explores the developmental stages and changes during adulthood that define some of the most pivotal years of our lives. Relationships, cognitive ageing, parenthood, personality shifts, life crises, fulfilment, funerals, friendships, retirement, and death – all are presented in light of psychological theory and the latest research.Taking a thematic approach, the chapters cover interdependent areas of our cognitive, psychological, social, cultural and moral lives that constitute this fascinating area in psychology. Providing an empirical analysis, Robinson considers models for understanding behaviour and development, methods of collecting data and study design.Academically rigorous and elegantly written, Development through Adulthood is the perfect guide to classic and current research in the field. It is essential reading for students studying adult or lifespan development, gerontology and the psychology of ageing. It will also appeal to those studying an applied social science, and anyone interested in fully understanding adulthood and ageing. New to this Edition:- Spotlights on landmark studies, fully updated to cover the latest key research in each subject area- Increased focus on gender issues- Real-world applications boxes updated with current and relevant examples of important intervention strategies