The Oxford Handbook of Emotion, Social Cognition, and Problem Solving in Adulthood

This comprehensive volume offers a groundbreaking synthesis of the rapidly expanding field connecting socio-emotional development with cognitive aging, charting the emergence of a vital new area of psychological science. Editor Paul Verhaeghen presents the first major overview of how social, motivational, and emotional factors fundamentally shape cognition and behavior throughout adulthood, drawing together a decade of innovative theories and empirical findings. The work systematically explores the dynamic interplay between emotional experience, social understanding, and complex problem-solving as they evolve across the adult lifespan, moving beyond traditional cognitive models to capture the full complexity of psychological development.

What distinguishes this handbook is its integrative approach, bridging domains that have traditionally been studied in isolation to reveal their profound interconnectedness in adult functioning. Researchers and advanced students in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and gerontology will find this an indispensable resource that not only summarizes current knowledge but also identifies critical directions for future investigation into emotional and social cognition across adulthood. The volume's rigorous examination of how our emotional and social capacities transform alongside our cognitive abilities provides essential insights into the complete picture of psychological development throughout the adult years.