Adult Development and Aging: Biopsychosocial Perspectives, 4th Edition

by Susan Krauss Whitbourne (University of Massachusetts, Amherst); Stacey B. Whitbourne

• ISBN13: 9780470646977
• ISBN10: 0470646977
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-12-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The fourth edition continues to provide psychologists with a fresh and engaging approach to the field of psychology of adult development and aging. It focuses on three themes: a multidisciplinary approach, positive images of aging, and the newest and most relevant research. Recent articles and updates to the information on demography, economics, and public policy are presented. The Aging in the News feature includes a story of a remarkable achievement by a middle-aged or older adult. The Assess Yourself boxes are also updated with new questions. Psychologists appreciate this mix of examples and discussions that make the material come to life.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Chapter 1 Themes and Issues in Adult Development and Aging.

The Biopsychosocial Perspective.

Four Principles of Adult Development and Aging.

The Meaning of Age.

Social Factors in Adult Development and Aging.

The Baby Boomers Grow Up: Changes in the Middle-Aged and Older Populations in the United States and the World.

Summary.

Chapter 2 Models of Development: Nature and Nurture in Adulthood.

Models of Individual-Environment Interactions.

Sociocultural Models of Development.

Psychological Models of Development in Adulthood.

Biological Approaches to Aging in Adulthood.

Summary.

Chapter 3 The Study of Adult Development and Aging: Research Methods.

Variables in Development Research.

Descriptive Research Designs.

Sequential Research Designs.

Correlational Designs.

Types of Research Methods.

Measurement Issues in Adult Development and Aging.

Ethical Issues in Research.

Summary.

Chapter 4 Physical Changes.

Appearance.

Body build.

Mobility.

Vital Bodily Functions.

Bodily Control Systems.

Nervous System.

Sensation and Perception.

Summary.

Chapter 5 Health and Prevention.

Diseases of the Cardiovascular System.

Cancer.

Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System.

Diabetes.

Respiratory Diseases.

Demetia and Related Neurological Disorders.

Summary.

Chapter 6 Basic Cognitive Functions: Information Processing, Attention, and Memory.

Information Processing.

Driving and Aging.

Memory.

Summary.

Chapter 7 Language, Problem-Solving, and Intelligence.

Language.

Everyday Problem Solving.

Intelligence.

The Psychology of Wisdom.

Summary.

Chapter 8 Personality.

Psychodynamic Perspective.

Trait Approaches.

Social Cognitive Approaches.

Cognitive Perspective.

Possible Selves Theory.

Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings.

Summary.

Chapter 9 Relationships.

Marriage and Intimate Relationships.

Families.

Siblings.

Grandparents.

Friendships.

Summary.

Chapter 10 Work, Retirement, and Leisure Patterns.

Work Patterns in Adulthood.

Vocational Development.

Vocational Satisfaction.

Age and Vocational Performance.

Retirement.

Leisure Pursuits in Later Adulthood.

Summary.

Chapter 11 Mental Health Issues and Treatment.

Psychological Disorders in Adulthood.

Elder Abuse.

Suicide.

Treatment Issues in Mental Health Care.

Serious Psychological Distress.

Summary.

Chapter 12 Long-Term Care.

Institutional Facilities for Long-Term Care.

Community-Based Facilities.

The Financing of Long-Term Care.

Legislative Issues in Care of Older Adults.

Characteristics and Needs of Nursing Homes and Their Residents.

Psychological Issues on Long-Term Care.

Summary.

Chapter 13 Death and Dying.

Technical Perspectives on Death.

Cultural Perspectives.

The Dying Process.

Issues in End-of-Life Care.

Bereavement.

Summary.

Chapter 14 Successful Aging.

Theoretical Perspectives on Successful Aging.

Subjective Well-Being.

Productivity and Creativity.

Successful Aging: Final Perspectives.

Summary.

Glossary.

References.

Photo Credits.

Name Index.

Subject Index.