The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals, 4/e, provides an in-depth look at the science of human development, highlighting theories and research that have useful applications for individuals working in fields such as education, counseling, and social work. The main purpose of this book is to provide the reader with information that can be translated into professional “best practice” applications. Throughout, the text reflects the contemporary view that life span development is a process deeply embedded within and inseparable from the context of family, social network, and culture.