Facilitating Growth Through Lifespan Development

Provides readers with a unique and illuminating review of theories and research that describe and explain the lifespan, including its normative tasks and progressions, and the challenges and roadblocks that can be encountered.

A human being's development is a complex, multidimensional process, one open to variations and variances. For professional counselors to effectively serve those in need or provide preventative programs fostering the development of wellness, understanding the intricate nature of human development and the factors that impact that development is vital. Facilitating Growth Through Lifespan Development provides readers with a unique and illuminating review of theories and research that describe and explain the lifespan, including its normative tasks and progressions, and the challenges and roadblocks that can be encountered. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between one's biological foundations and the physical-social-psychological environments in which an individual's development plays out. The book is organized alongside stages of development, transitioning from conception to death. Each chapter presents theory and research depicting the unique neurological and cognitive changes experienced during a particular stage of development; normative changes in emotional and social development; and conditions that reflect development "outside of the norm" and invite mental health intervention and prevention efforts. Throughout, cases and self-directed exercises foster greater levels of reader engagement and practical application. Featuring a novel approach to the subject, Facilitating Growth Through Lifespan Development is an ideal textbook for courses and programs in mental health counseling and human development.