Child Development

by Feldman, Robert S.

• ISBN13: 9780131829619
• ISBN10: 0131829610
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

Appealing to the many different backgrounds and career goals of individuals interested in child development, this book offers the most current, balanced coverage of theory and research—with a focus on the application of that research—woven into a rich chronological presentation filled with useful learning tools. Feldman's unique approach illustrates the scope and diversity of the field of child and adolescent psychology and capitalizes on readers' inherent interest in the subject by asking them to relate what they are learning to their own experience as developing humans. A lively conversational writing style exists among the many chapter topics including behavioral genetics, ethnography, brain development, cultural differences in autobiographical memories, emotional intelligence, emotional regulation and relational aggression, home schooling, teenage stress, alcohol consumption, use of Prozac and childhood depression, adolescent Web surfing, and the downside of self-esteem. For individuals with careers and an interest in the field of child development.

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Child Development.

An Orientation to Child Development. Children: Past, Present and Future.

2. Theoretical Perspectives and Research: Asking and Answering Questions on Children's Development.

Perspectives on Children. The Scientific Method and Research. Research Strategies and Challenges.

3. The Start of Life: Genetics and Prenatal Development.

Heredity. The Interaction of Heredity and Environment. Prenatal Growth and Change.

4. Birth and the Newborn Infant.

Birth. Birth Complications. The Competent Newborn.

5. Physical Development in Infancy.

Growth and Stability. Motor Development. The Development of the Senses.

6. Cognitive Development in Infancy.

Piaget's Approach to Cognitive Development. Information-Processing Approaches to Cognitive Development. The Roots of Language.

7. Social and Personality Development in Infancy.

Forming the Roots of Sociability. Forging Relationships. Differences among Infants.

8. Physical Development in the Preschool Years.

Physical Growth. Health and Wellness. Motor Development.

9. Cognitive Development in the Preschool Years.

Intellectual Development. The Growth of Language. Schooling and Society.

10. Social and Personality Development in the Preschool Years.

Forming a Sense of Self. Preschoolers' Social Lives. Moral Development and Aggression.

11. Physical Development in Middle Childhood.

The Growing Body. Motor Development and Safety. Children with Special Needs.

12. Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood.

Intellectual and Language Development. Schooling: The Three Rs (and More) of Middle Childhood. Intelligence: Determining Individual Strengths.

13. Social and Personality Development in Middle Childhood.

The Developing Self. Relationships: Building Friendship in Middle Childhood. Family Life in Middle Childhood.

14. Physical Development in Adolescence.

Physical Maturation. Stress and Coping. Threats to Adolescents' Well-Being.

15. Cognitive Development in Adolescence.

Intellectual Development. Moral Development. School Performance and Cognitive Development. Picking an Occupation: Choosing Life's Work.

16. Social and Personality Development in Adolescence.

Identity: Asking “Who Am I?” Relationships: Family and Friends. Dating, Sexual Behavior, and Teenage Pregnancy.

Glossary.
References.
Acknowledgements.
Name Index.
Subject Index.