Includes bibliographical references (p. 574-625) and indexes.

Foundations -- Basic concepts and methods -- Theories of development -- Prenatal development and birth -- Policy question : should pregnant women who use illicit drugs be prosecuted? -- Infancy -- Physical, sensory, and perceptual development in infancy -- Cognitive development in infancy -- Social and personality development in infancy -- Policy question : are "safe haven" policies a good idea? -- Early childhood -- Physical and cognitive development in early childhood -- Social and personality development in early childhood -- Policy question : "deadbeat dads" : irresponsible parents or political scapegoats? -- Middle childhood -- Physical and cognitive development in middle childhood -- Social and personality development in middle childhood -- Policy question : has test-based reform improved schools in the United States? -- Adolescence -- Physical and cognitive development in adolescence -- Social and personality development in adolescence -- Policy question : should video games be regulated by the government? -- Early adulthood -- Physical and cognitive development in early adulthood -- Social and personality development in early adulthood -- Policy question : what reforms are needed in the student loan system? -- Middle adulthood -- Physical and cognitive development in middle adulthood -- Social and personality development in middle adulthood -- Policy question : what types of couples should be sanctioned by society? -- Late adulthood and the end of life -- Physical and cognitive development in late adulthood -- Social and personality development in late adulthood -- Death, dying, and bereavement -- Policy question : how should stem cell research be funded and regulated?