This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of empirical knowledge about adult development and learning. It is addressed to practitioners in the helping professions who help adults adapt, learn, and grow. The handbook begins with an examination of the concept of adult development and a discussion of persons (practitioners) who facilitate adult development. The second chapter covers the ways in which the societal context of family, community, and nation influences the process of adult development and learning. In chapter 3 the life cycle trends in family role performance for United States adults is discussed. Chapter 4 presents generalizations about age-related trends regarding performance in education, occupation, and community. Physical condition and health are covered in the fifth chapter. Chapter 6 deals with stability and change in adult personality characteristics, including self-concept, adjustment, and morale. In chapter 7 the age-related trends in adult learning abilities and strategies are discussed. Examining the interrelationships among the major variables from the preceding chapters, chapter 8 focuses on women's roles in family and work. The ninth chapter covers adjustment to change events. The last chapter summarizes the book's major generalizations and their implications for social policy and action by practitioners. In the appendix the major tasks in conducting research on adult development and learning are discussed. An extensive bibliography completes the handbook. (EM)