Facets of adult development: A book review essay

Adult development is a broad topic. Typical adult development texts include chapters on adult development theories, physical and cognitive changes, and changes in personality, social roles, and identity. The three unique texts reviewed in this essay include these aspects of adult development. The books were chosen for their diverse content and for their appeal to different readerships. All are appropriate as supplemental texts in adult development courses. Adulthood, the most accessible text, concisely and critically analyzes major adult development theories and information on social roles in adulthood. Middle adulthood: A Lifespan Perspective is a scholarly text that explores middle age from historical, psychological, and cultural perspectives. Last, Identity Development: Adolescence Through Adulthood provides a comprehensive (but Eurocentric) perspective on identity development throughout the lifespan. A review and critique of each text follows.