Which of the following correctly lists the three basic eras of adulthood and the distinct periods within each, according to developmental psychology?

• A. Early adulthood (emerging adulthood, young adulthood), middle adulthood (midlife transition, middle age), late adulthood (young-old, old-old, oldest-old)
• B. Infancy (neonatal, toddler), childhood (early childhood, late childhood), adolescence (early adolescence, late adolescence)
• C. Childhood (infancy, toddlerhood), adolescence (early adolescence, late adolescence), adulthood (early adulthood, late adulthood)
• D. Prenatal (germinal, embryonic, fetal), infancy (neonatal, toddler), adulthood (early, middle, late)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that developmental psychology divides adulthood into three main eras: early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.
2. Recognize that each era contains distinct periods that describe specific stages within that era. For example, early adulthood includes emerging adulthood and young adulthood.
3. Identify the periods within middle adulthood, such as the midlife transition and middle age, which reflect changes and developments typical of that stage.
4. Note the subdivisions within late adulthood, including young-old, old-old, and oldest-old, which help describe the aging process in more detail.
5. Compare the options given and match them to the correct structure of adulthood eras and their periods as defined in developmental psychology.