Development Across the Life Span
📘 About This Book
Robert Feldman offers students a chronological overview of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development--from conception through death with his text Development Across the Lifespan . The text presents up-to-date coverage of theory and research, with an emphasis on the application of these concepts by students in their personal--and future professional--lives. The text taps into students' inherent interest in the subject of human development, encouraging them to draw connections between the material and their own experiences. This book is available with MyDevelopmentLab, which includes a full eText, videos, self-tests, flashcards, and MyVirtualChild- the interactive simulation which allows you to raise a virtual child from birth to age 18, and monitor the effects of your parenting decisions.
📖 Summary
Robert S. Feldman presents a comprehensive and engaging chronological overview of human development in his text, Development Across the Life Span. Published in 2011, the book guides readers through the remarkable journey of human growth starting from conception and continuing all the way through death. By organizing the material chronologically, Feldman allows students and enthusiasts to trace the continuous unfolding of human potential, highlighting how early experiences lay the foundation for later stages of life. The core of the book is structured around four primary domains of development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. Throughout each chapter, Feldman seamlessly weaves together up-to-date theoretical frameworks and rigorous scientific research, ensuring that readers receive a scientifically grounded education in developmental psychology. However, the text goes beyond mere academic theory by placing a heavy emphasis on practical application. Feldman actively encourages students to connect the abstract concepts found in the pages to their own personal lives, as well as to their future professional endeavors. This approach taps directly into our inherent human curiosity about why we grow, think, and behave the way we do. By making the material deeply relatable, the book transforms developmental psychology from a passive subject of study into an active tool for self-reflection and professional preparation. Furthermore, the 2011 edition integrates modern digital learning tools, such as MyDevelopmentLab, which expands the educational experience beyond traditional text. Features like the MyVirtualChild simulation allow readers to step into the role of a parent, raising a virtual child from birth to age eighteen while observing the real-time consequences of their parenting choices. Ultimately, Development Across the Life Span serves as an exhaustive, accessible, and deeply practical guide to understanding the complex tapestry of human life from its very beginning to its final chapter.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a thorough chronological overview of development from conception to death
Balances up-to-date academic theory with practical, real-world applications
Engages readers by connecting psychological concepts to their personal lives
Includes interactive digital resources like the MyVirtualChild simulation
⚠️ Cons
May require access to companion digital platforms like MyDevelopmentLab for the full interactive experience
Chronological text structure can be dense given the vast scope of the entire human lifespan
❓ FAQ
What is the primary focus of Development Across the Life Span? +
The book focuses on a chronological overview of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from conception through death.
When was this edition of the book published? +
This edition of the book was published in 2011.
Who is the author of the book? +
The book was authored by Robert S. Feldman.
What digital learning components accompany the text? +
It is available with MyDevelopmentLab, which features an eText, videos, self-tests, flashcards, and the MyVirtualChild simulation.
How does the book encourage student engagement? +
It taps into students' inherent interest in human development and encourages them to connect the material to their personal and professional lives.



