ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the discussion of cross-cultural research and an overview of lifespan development, followed by a description of developmental characteristics of the four lifespan stages and relevant issues occurring during each. Understanding multicultural differences will allow counsellors to improve students' thoughts and feelings about themselves and thus perhaps prevent occurrences of behavioural and emotional difficulties. In the United States, African American children tend to have longer legs and be taller than European American children are taller than Asian American children. Some African American adolescents have high self-esteem and others have lower self-esteem. Regardless of the definition and type, elderly African Americans are increasingly susceptible to abuse and deserve the attention of mental health professionals. The concerns of elderly European Americans include health problems and long-term illnesses and hospital care, fear of living alone, lack of financial means, inability to deal with medical professionals and social service workers, and increased medical bills.
