3. Review the material presented in this chapter to address the extent to which developments that occur during adulthood can be conceptualized as (a) gradual or (b) stage-like.

Key Points:

• An overview of the topics covered in the chapter including those elements of physical development, cognitive development and social and emotional development occurring in adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood, respectively.
• The central issue here is whether change during adulthood is continuous and gradual, or whether it is marked by major transitions.
• There is some evidence of broad patterns of adult development (perhaps even stages), yet there is also evidence of considerable diversity between individuals through, for example, different individual life choices.