How are we to understand the complex forces that shape human behav ior? A variety of diverse perspectives, drawing on studies of human behavioral ontogeny, as well as on humanity's evolutionary heritage, seem to provide the best likelihood of success. It is in an attempt to synthesize such potentially disparate approaches to human develop ment into an integrated whole that we undertake this series on the genesis of behavior. In many respects, the incredible burgeoning of research in child development over the last decade or two seems like a thousand lines of inquiry spreading outward in an incoherent starburst of effort. The need exists to provide, on an ongoing basis, an arena of discourse within which the threads of continuity between those diverse lines of research on human development can be woven into a fabric of meaning and understanding. Scientists, scholars, and those who attempt to translate their efforts into the practical realities of the care and guidance of infants and children are the audience that we seek to reach. Each requires the opportunity to see-to the degree that our knowledge in given areas permits-various aspects of development in a coherent, integrated fash ion. It is hoped that this series-which will bring together research on infant biology, developing infant capacities, animal models, the impact of social, cultural, and familial forces on development, and the distorted products of such forces under certain circumstances-will serve these important social and scientific needs.

No one would deny the proposition that in order to understand human behavior and development, one must understand "feelings. " The in tere st in emotions is enduring. Yet, within the discipline of psychology, the study of feelings and emotions has been somewhat less than re spectable, a stepchild to the fields of cognitive science and psycho linguistics. PerusaI of the language acquisition literature reveals a greater concem among psychologists for the acquisition of prepositions than for terms that convey feelings. Without question, issues related to emo tion, its development, and its measurement have been neglected in the research literature until quite recently. From a developmental perspective, Piaget and his followers have articulated a complex theory of transition and change in intellectual behavior. Nearly a century ago, Freud proposed an elaborate theory of personality development in which some aspects of emotional growth were considered. We await the construction of a comprehensive theory of emotional development. Recognizing such a need, we set out over a decade ago to solve what seemed to be a relatively simple problem: By observing young children, could one successfully classify children in terms of individual differences on emotional dimensions such as happiness, fear, and anger? The task appeared easy. One could send graduate students into a preschool and ask them to observe children for several days, after which th ey would rank the children in terms of differences on various emo tional dimensions.

This lively and engaging book conducts a thorough review of the current research literature in developmental psychology and socialisation, and then clearly links theory to practical applications in both clinical and everyday situations. Life's first important lessons on how to handle emotions often emerge early on within family relationships, forming the foundation for emotional development over the life-span. Couples, siblings, parents and extended family members all have profound influences on each other's emotional lives as well as on the lives of the children they are socialising. Students can expect to learn a wide range of relevant topics bringing together theory, practice and research in a comprehensive and lucid way. Covering the main topics of emotional development, this textbook reviews contemporary research and makes recommendations for how students might practically use the findings in their future studies or in practice. Filled with a wealth of resources and suggestions for further reading, this book is an ideal supplementary text, suitable for students taking undergraduate and postgraduate courses on developmental psychology, family psychology, and child clinical psychology. This book may also be helpful for those taking undergraduate and postgraduate courses on social work, counselling, education studies and family studies.

This volume assembles the most recent thinking and empirical research from key theorists and researchers on how children, from preschool through early adolescence, make sense of their own and others' emotional experience. Contributors discuss the control of emotion, the role of culture, empathic experience, and the emerging theory of mind that is implicit in children's views of emotion. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The ability to express, understand, and regulate emotions is a crucial element in individual functioning and interpersonal interaction. This important volume presents a fresh look at early child development by exploring the very beginnings of emotional competence in young children. What do toddlers and preschoolers understand about their own and other people's feelings? What are the connections between emotions, socialization, and healthy relationships? How do changes in other areas of development, like cognition, fuel emotional competencies? What problems ensue when emotional development is delayed, and how can they be ameliorated? Including numerous case studies, original findings, and an extensive review of the literature, the book sheds light on the emotional experience of the very young and points toward exciting directions for future research.

Reviews the knowledge on socialization processes from earliest childhood through adolescence and beyond. This book presents theories and findings pertaining to family, peer, school, community, media, and other influences on individual development. It covers the important areas of genetics and biology, cultural psychology, and affective science.

A fascinating exploration of the relationship between gender and emotion.