ThisSecond Edition is a bestselling introduction to emotional, psychological, intellectual and social development throughout the lifespan. Written for students training in fields such as social work, healthcare and education, the book covers topics which are central to understanding people whether they are clients, service users, patients, or pupils. For this Second Edition, a new chapter has been added (Chapter 10: It Takes a Village: the Sociological Perspective) exploring the wider social factors which influence human growth and development. Activities are provided within each chapter to help student test theoretical concepts against their own experience and intuitions.