Adult Development and Aging

Recommended Prerequisites

A solid knowledge on Development Psychology is highly recommended. The student must have good English reading skills since many bibliographic references are in English.

Teaching Methods

Expositive method supported by the presentation of slides; interrogative methods; oral or written reflection based on the presentation of audiovisual materials.

Analysis of texts on key concepts in the area of adult development and aging.

Active methodologies based on case studies presented in written texts or using audiovisual materials; reflection and problem solving from concrete questions, applying critical thinking, in small groups followed by sharing in the large group; role-play strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will have a greater understanding:

1. To analyse interdisciplinary perspectives of adult development and aging;

2. To develop a crtical thinking about biological, cognitive, psychosocial, and affective changes of the adults and older adults;

3. Demosntrate the psychological, cultural and societal implications resulting from the growth of the aging population;

4. Systematize special problems facing the aging individual such as unemployment, precariat, poverty, isolation, elder abuse, suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness.

5. Demonstrate critical, creative, and scientific skills to make ethical and logical decisions when examining

gerontological topics.

6. Apply research and theories of adult development to the real world.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.         Theories and Models of Human development: from emerging adulthood to adulhood and late adulthood

2.         Transition from the emergency of adulthood into adulthood

3.         Characteristics of adulhood

4.         Physical changes

5.         Cognitive changes

6.         Continuity and change in personality traits over the life course.

7.         Wisdom, expertise, and creativity

8.         Health and well-being

9.         Social relationhips and intimacy

10.       Love and the family

11.       Work (unemployment), retirement, and leisure patterns

12.       Transition from work to retirement

13.       Positive Aging

14.       Problems in late adulhood: poverty, isolation, physical abuse, suicide, substance abuse, and mental health.

Head Lecturer(s)

Joaquim Armando Gomes Alves Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Frequency: 10.0%
Critical review of journal article: 10.0%
Synthesis work: 80.0%

Bibliography

Bjourklund, B.R. (2016). The Journey of Adulthood, 8th Edition. Florida Atlantic University: Pearson.

Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2018). Adult development and aging. Cengage Learning. ISBN: 0-534-52066-9.

Fry, P. S., & Keyes, C. (2010). New frontiers in resilient aging: Life-strengths and well-being in late life. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Simões, A., Lima, M., P. Vieira, C. M. C., Ferreira, J. A., Oliveira, A. L., Alcoforado, L., Neto, F. F., Ruiz, F., Cardoso, A. P., Felizardo, S., & Sousa, L. N. (2006). Promover o bem-estar dos idosos: Um estudo experimental. Psychologica, 42, 115-131.

Newman, B.M., & Newman, P.R. (2015). Development Through Life: A Psychological Approach (12ª Edition). Stamford, Cengage Learning. ISBN-13:978-1-285-45996-7.

Whitbourne, S.K., & Whitbourne, S.B (2017). Adult Development and Aging: Biopsychosocial Perspectives, 7th Edition. New York: Wiley. ISBN: 1118425197.