Abstract
As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, with its continued expansion of the aging population, there is a growing need for psychologists and others to master the complex needs and concerns of this diverse group. This volume is designed to fill this need. To provide robust coverage of the latter half of life, it adopts a lifespan developmental perspective to summarize essential topics in the psychological arena of adult development and aging. The book focuses on continuity and change in biopsychosocial processes across multiple domains of adult development. The handbook is divided into seven parts spanning the major domains of adult development and aging (ADA) and related disciplines. Each chapter addresses the description, explanation, and optimization of a particular domain of ADA. Chapters consider the history of their domain, with a summary of key classic findings used to provide a context for discussing the major theoretical orientations and latest empirical work in the area. Adopting a lifespan perspective, each chapter considers early antecedents and pathways with a focus on key processes and outcomes in adulthood. Authors examine aging within historical and cultural contexts, with recognition of the diversity of development across such factors as socioeconomic status, sex/gender, ethnicity, culture, cohort, and historical period, and address both individual and social processes. When relevant, reviews of current practices and existing or potential interventions are included. Each chapter concludes with a discussion of unresolved or controversial issues and potential questions for future research.