In the topically organized
Children in Context, award-winning author Tara L. Kuther emphasizes three core themes of child development: the importance of context, the relevance of research, and the applied value of developmental science. By examining child development through real-life contexts—such as gender, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status—Kuther engages students with up-to-date data, relatable examples, and cross-cultural stories, offering insights that directly connect to their own experiences and future professions.
Table of Content
Preface
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Development: Themes, Theories, and Research
Understanding Development
Core Concepts In Developmental Science
Theories Of Child Development
Research In Child Development
Applied Developmental Science, Ethics, And Intersectionality
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Careers In Child Development: Foundations Of Development
Chapter 2: Biological and Environmental Foundations of development
Genetic Foundations Of Development
Chromosomal And Genetic Abnormalities
Reproductive Technology And Genetic Disorders
Heredity And Environment Interactions
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 3: The Prenatal Period, Birth, And The Newborn
Prenatal Development
Environmental Influences On Prenatal Development
The Prenatal Environment And Prenatal Care
Childbirth
The Newborn
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 4: Brain, Perception, And Motor Development
Processes of Brain Development
Brain Development
Motor Development
Motor Development as a Dynamic System
Sensory and Perceptual Development
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Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 5: Physical Development and Health
Body Growth in Infancy and Childhood
Body Growth and Maturation in Adolescence
Threats to Infants and Children’s Health
Threats to Adolescent Health
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Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 6: Cognitive Change: Cognitive-Developmental and Sociocultural Approaches
Piaget’s Theory: Sensorimotor Reasoning In Infancy
Preoperational Reasoning In Early Childhood
Concrete Operational Reasoning In Middle Childhood
Formal Operational Reasoning In Adolescence
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 7: Information Processing Theory
Information Processing Theory
Attention
Working Memory And Executive Function
Long-Term Memory
Thinking
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 8: Intelligence
Approaches To Understanding Intelligence
Measuring Intelligence
Contextual Influences On Intelligence
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 9: Language Development
Foundations Of Language
Language Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Language Development In Childhood And Adolescence
Explanations for Language Development
Apply Your Knowledge
Summary
Key Words
Careers in Child Development: Cognitive Development
Early Childhood Educator
Elementary Education
Secondary Education: Middle School Teacher and High School Teacher
Special Education
ESL Teacher
Neuropsychological Technician
Speech-Language Pathologist
Developmental Psychologist
Chapter 10: Emotional Development
Emotional Experience
Emotional Regulation
Temperament
Attachment
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 11: Self, Identity, And Personality
Self-Concept
Self-Esteem
Identity
Ethnic-Racial Identity
Achievement Motivation
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Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 12: Moral Development
Moral Reasoning
Prosocial Behavior
Aggression and Antisocial Behavior
Religion And Spirituality
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 13: Gender
Sex Differences and Gender Stereotypes
Gender Typing
Gender Identity in Childhood and Adolescence
Transgender Identity
Sexual Activity in Adolescence
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Careers in Child Development: Socioemotional Development
Social Worker
Substance Abuse Counselor
Child Life Specialist
Applied Behavior Analyst
Clinical Psychologist and Counseling Psychologist
Intervention Research
Chapter 14: Families
The Family as a System
Parenting
Family Constellations
Challenges For Families
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Chapter 15: Contexts of Development
Children’s Play
Peer Relationships
School
Media
Risk And Resilience
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Words
Careers in Child Development: Contexts of Development
Preschool and Child Care Center Director
Recreation Worker
School Counselor
School Psychologist
Marriage and Family Therapists
User Design and Usability
Toy and Media Research
About the author
Tara L. Kuther is professor of developmental psychology at Western Connecticut State University, where she has taught courses in child, adolescent, and adult development for nearly three decades. Dr. Kuther earned her MA and Ph D in developmental psychology from Fordham University. She is a Fellow of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (American Psychological Association, Division 2), has served in various capacities in the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the Society for Research on Adolescence, and is the former chair of the Teaching Committee for the Society for Research in Child Development. Dr Kuther is author of the award-winning Lifespan Development: Lives in Context as well as Lifespan Development in Context: A Topical Approach, Child and Adolescent Development in Context, and Adolescence in Context. Dr. Kuther is coauthor of Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World (with Robert Morgan). Her research interests include social cognition and risky activity in adolescence and adulthood.
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