Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Section 1. The life-span perspective. Introduction -- Section 2. Beginnings. Biological beginnings -- Prenatal development and birth -- Section 3. Infancy. Physical development in infancy -- Cognitive development in infancy -- Socioemotional development in infancy -- Section 4. Early childhood. Physical and cognitive development in early childhood -- Socioemotional development in early childhood -- Section 5. Middle and late childhood. Physical and cognitive development in middle and late childhood -- Socioemotional development in middle and late childhood -- Section 6. Adolescence. Physical and cognitive development in adolescence -- Socioemotional development in adolescence -- Section 7. Early adulthood. Physical and cognitive development in early adulthood -- Socioemotional development in early adulthood -- Section 8. Middle adulthood. Physical and cognitive development in middle adulthood -- Socioemotional development in middle adulthood -- Section 9. Late adulthood. Physical development in late adulthood -- Cognitive development in late adulthood -- Socioemotional development in late adulthood -- Section 10. Endings. Death, dying, and grieving.

Helps students complete and understand the assigned material in a number of ways. This book provides a comprehensive roadmap to the text material, pointing out the core concepts fundamental to students' learning and performance.