Lifespan Human Function and Occupation provides allied health students with a thorough and nuanced understanding of human development through a unique multi-dimensional framework, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, which can then be translated into best-practice in their professional careers.
The book is divided into three complementary sections. Section 1 provides a thorough overview to the key concepts within occupational science, before introducing the life course perspective, detailing individual developmental theories in context with social and environmental determinants of health, as well as presenting Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory to illustrate the overarching role of culture in the development process. The following section explores nine distinct life stages, from prenatal and infancy to parenthood and fragile adulthood, with each chapter providing a thorough profile informed by the theoretical building blocks of Section 1. There is discussion of key issues such as substance abuse, job insecurity, working life conditions, early childhood development, structural racism, and impacts of COVID-19. The final section of the book, meanwhile, explores developmental differences and unpredictable, non-normative influences, such as trauma and developmental disability. This section includes a chapter focused on disability advocacy, as well as a chapter on neurodevelopmental disabilities.
With each chapter featuring a range of pedagogical features, including learning objectives, case examples, and review questions, this comprehensive textbook will be essential reading for students across occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and other healthcare and rehabilitation disciplines, as well as those studying public health.
Section 1 The Life Course Perspective
1 Multidimensional Development
2 Environmental Contexts of Health
3 Societal Perspectives of Populations and Health
Section 2 Life Stages
4 Occupational Science and Theoretical Foundations
5 Prenatal and Infant Development
Appendix Postural Infant Reflexes
6 The Preschool Years
Appendix Communication
7 Middle and Late Childhood
8 Adolescence
9 Emerging Adulthood
10 The Family and Parenthood
11 Maturity: Early and Middle Adulthood
Appendix Loneliness
12 Late Adulthood
Section 3 Disability Across the Life Span
13 Fragile Adulthood
14 Public Policy and Disability
15 Neurodevelopmental Differences
16 End of Life
Biography
Anne F. Cronin, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA, is a professor emeritus in the Division of Occupational Therapy at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Dr. Cronin earned an occupational therapy degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; a master’s degree in health services management from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri; and a PhD in medical sociology from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Cronin has extensive clinical experience as an occupational therapist with persons with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition, she is credentialed as an assistive technology professional. She has used assistive technologies to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being for people with diverse abilities.
