Journey of Adulthood, Global Edition, 8th edition

Applies Successful Aging to Adult Development

Journey of Adulthood, 8/e by Barbara R. Bjorklund discusses the aspects of “successful aging,” covering growth and development from emerging adulthood to old age. The author combines new and classic research as well as first person experience of adult development. This title helps students understand the development of adults as they leave adolescence and move through their adult years until the end of life. Comprised of both large longitudinal studies and major theories of adult development as well as smaller studies of diverse groups, students will see the influences of gender, culture, ethnicity, race, and socioeconomics background on this journey.

• Relates to the Real World – With updated references throughout, the 8th edition reflects the changes in the world around us and how they affect adult development. Topics include new information on how adults of all ages are becoming active users of social media, a look at the recent increase of single-person households, and how Facebook friends fit into one’s social convoy.
• Explores Diversity – Multidisciplinary research, such as nursing and public health, has been integrated. Coverage on research being done by the international community, including contributions from Swedish, Japanese, Israeli, and Egyptian scientists.
• Integrates Theory - Rather than a separate chapter, theories material is interwoven into the chapters dealing with the topics of those theories.

Chapter 1:

• Current events added to table of normative history-graded influences.
• The role of methylation in epigenetic inheritance.

Chapter 2:

• ŸResearch on noise exposure levels for MP3 players.
• Evidence that high levels of sports participation in adolescents is risk for osteoarthritis in young and middle adulthood.
• Studies of master athletes (up to age 90) and their oxygen uptake abilities.
• The connection between blue screens (smart phones, tablets, e-games) and insomnia.
• The prevalence of hookups -- casual sex without commitment -- among emerging adults.
• The concept of food deserts -- neighborhoods with a high number of fast food restaurants and a low number of stores selling healthy food.
• Results of a new national survey on sexual activities for adults 70 to 94.
• The question of resveratrol as an anti-aging supplement.

Chapter 3:

• New findings on genes that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• The relationship between sports-related head injury and Alzheimer’s disease.
• The prevalence of head injury in combat veterans and the increased risk of PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease.
• The health risk of perceived racial discrimination.
• The rising use of assistance animals and comfort animals to foster independence in people with disability.
• The increased number of people living with chronic disease in our communities and how we are learning to put the emphasis on the people part of the label.

Chapter 4:

• New research on executive function and working memory.
• Evidence of stereotype threat affecting memory ability of older people.
• Assistance with medication adherence provided by electronic devices and pharmacy packaging.
• The increased use of social networking by older adults, along with cell phone use and e-games. E-readers have not gained as much in popularity.
• New research on effective driver’s training for older adults.

Chapter 5:

• Research on emerging adults and young adults who return to their parents’ home due to the poor economy in the last decade. Much of this shows that it fosters intergenerational solidarity.
• Increased cohabitation rates in the U. S. and other countries that have progressive attitudes toward women and lower religious involvement.
• New studies about the toll of unhappy marriages on self-esteem and health.
• Lower birth rates for teens and higher birth rates for women over 40 in U. S.
• More gender equality in housework and childcare tasks for dual career parents.
• Research on how same-sex parents divide up housework and childcare tasks.
• Racial inequality in how roles in middle adulthood is experienced.
• The concept of grandfamilies, children being raised by grandparents when parents are not present in the household.
• Ÿ Increase in households that consist of only one person.

Chapter 6:

• Several studies investigating online dating services along with some advice about how best to use them.
• Comparison of social convoys for age groups up to 90 years.
• Longitudinal study of attachment from birth to 18 years.
• Five key components that predict very well a couple’s relationship quality 5 years into the future.
• Long-term married couples – almost half report being “very intensel