Handbook

Human development is shaped by interactions between the individual and the environment. This subject explores normative human development across the lifespan, from prenatal to adult development and ageing. Major theories of psychosocial development will be covered, and processes of socialisation and identity formation will be highlighted. Ecological systems theory serves as an organizing framework to examine the influence of social environments and relationships at different developmental periods. Variation in development is considered, including empirical research and theory on the influence of social class, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, and other background variables on development.