Adulthood: An Introduction offers a thorough foundation to learn, consolidate, and apply developmental concepts and current knowledge to the psychology of adult development. It illustrates major ideas with carefully selected research that is widely referenced and topically pertinent to development in early, middle, and late adulthood.
This comprehensive text reviews the five domains of development, including biological development, cognitive development, personality development, social development, and ecological influences in development. It introduces multicultural perspectives and contexts in these discussions, as well as developmental themes such as nature and nurture, early and later experiences, and the individual’s active role. Accompanied by learning objectives and section reviews, vignettes portray numerous adult experiences, and commentaries for students offer additional information and interpretation with the students’ perspectives in mind.
Designed to encourage students to think critically about topics of adulthood in both academic and applied settings, Adulthood is appropriate for undergraduate students in psychology and related disciplines, such as addiction studies, speech pathology, criminal justice, nursing, and business.
Combined with a complete ancillary package, the book provides activities for individuals and groups, critical thinking questions, vignette-specific questions and responses, perspectives across disciplines, and much more. Additional resources for both students and instructors are available in the book's Support Material.
Section I. Themes, Theories, and Methods of Study
1. An Introduction to Adult Development
2. Theories of Adult Development
3. Methods of Studying Adulthood
Section II. Biological Foundations of Adulthood
4. Biological Systems in Adult Development
5. Lifestyles and Health
Section III. Cognition, Intelligence, and Personality Development
6. Intelligence, the Brain, and Cognitive Processes
7. Cognitive Processes, Wisdom, and Creativity
8. Personality and Self
9. Mental Health
10. Family and Personal Relationships
Section IV. The Context of Adulthood
11. Careers and Retirement
12. Dying and Death
Biography
Rita M. Curl-Langager graduated from the University of Kansas and is Professor Emeritus from Minot State University, USA. She taught developmental psychology courses for over 30 years, successfully developed and funded several community-based programs for adults, and served on executive committees for numerous community agencies. Dr. Curl-Langager is a 2022 Who’s Who in America listee and a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Gerontological Association of America.
"Adulthood will appeal to everyone who wants to know more about a period of life that is often not given the coverage it deserves in developmental psychology. For students, this book has many activities that are designed to make learning last and keep student interest high. I highly recommend this well-written book for general audiences as well as for use in universities."
Diane F. Halpern, PhD, Professor Emerita, Claremont McKenna College and former President, American Psychological Association
