Theories of Human Development

Eleven theories of human development that continue to guide research and practice are examined in this engaging text. The theories are grouped into three families: those that emphasize biological systems, those that focus on environmental factors, and those that reflect an interaction between the two. This organization enhances students' ability to evaluate, compare, and contrast theories both within and across families. Each family of theories is introduced with a brief overview of their unique perspectives and the rationale for grouping them together. Discussion of each theory includes the cultural/historical context during the theory's development, key concepts and ideas, extensions of the theory in new directions, a research example, an example of how the theory is applied in contemporary practice, and an analysis of how the theory answers six basic questions that a theory of human development should address. Each chapter begins with a case example and related application. The text is ideal for advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students in courses in theories of development, lifespan or child development, within psychology, human development, family studies, education, and social work.

The Third Edition features:

• A new chapter, Theories of Social Justice, which addresses definitions of social justice, the development of social justice reasoning, emotional foundations, and behaviors related to activism, with particular focus on societal conditions of privilege and disadvantage that create social inequities and impact developmental outcomes.

• Consideration of social justice themes as they emerge across theories.

• Increased focus on how theories account for and characterize individual differences, and the value of diversity for human adaptation.

• New emphasis on gender and sexual identities across theories.

• Epilogue has been revised to focus on implications for family dynamics and links from theory to practice.

• Greater attention to the role of culture as it is featured within each theory, as a component of the macro environment, and as it is internalized through socialization processes.

• Addition of new visual material including photos and figures to enhance and extend key concepts.