This new text, which is meant for courses on theories of human development, offers nine theories that fall into three main families: those that stress biological systems, those that stress environmental factors, and those that stress a dynamic interplay between biological and environmental forces. The nine theories that were chosen have a lengthy and fruitful history in the field of human development, and they are still changing as a result of fresh discoveries. The book is more pertinent to the study of adulthood and aging now that social role theory and life course theory are included. Students' capacity to evaluate theories critically, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each theory, and comprehend how each theory influences research and practice is all improved when the theories are grouped according to families. The introduction of the three families includes a synopsis of the distinctive viewpoints of each theory and the reasoning behind their grouping.
