xxii

Many characteristics of this book have been acclaimed since the first edition and have been retained in this revision.

Writing about the science of human development should be lively, just as real people are. Each sentence conveys attitude as well as content. Chapter-opening vignettes describe real-life situations. Examples and clear explanations abound, helping students connect theory, research, and experiences.

Inclusion of neuroscience is a familiar feature of this book. Virtually every chapter includes a section on the brain, often enhanced with charts and photos to help students understand the brain’s inner workings. The following list highlights some of this material.

Epigenetics and brain function in depressed individuals, p. 7; illustrated (PET scans of brains of a depressed and a nondepressed person), p. 7

Neurological plasticity, pp. 21–22; illustrated, p. 21

Prenatal growth of the brain, pp. 60–61; illustrated, p. 61

Teratogenic effects on brain development, pp. 72–75; illustrated, p. 73

Impact of anoxia on the brain, pp. 75–76

A View from Science: the effects of pesticides and other chemicals on fetal brain development, p. 76

Consequences of low birthweight on brain development, p. 79

Brain development in the first two years, pp. 93–97; illustrated, pp. 94–95

Experience-expectant and experience-dependent brain development, p. 96

Dangers of shaken baby syndrome, p. 97

Parts of the brain in which hearing and language comprehension occur, p. 97

Brain abnormalities as possible cause of SIDS, p. 106

Consequences of stunting for brain growth, p. 111

Limitations of Piaget’s theory as revealed by brain scans, p. 117

Brain developments that support social emotions, pp. 132–133

The effect of the stress hormone cortisol on the developing brain, p. 134

Opposing Perspectives: Genetic influences on temperament, especially the combination of DRD4 VNTR and 5-HTTLPR genes, pp. 135–136

Brain maturation and synchrony, pp. 137–138

Brain development in early childhood (prefrontal cortex, myelination, lateralization, the limbic system), pp. 166–173; illustrated, p. 167

Abnormal growth of the corpus callosum and ADHD, p. 171

Maturation of the brain and theory of mind, p. 180

The impact of toxic stress on the developing brain, p. 181

Neuroscience research on bilingualism, as well as its benefits, pp. 185–186

The influence of myelination of the limbic system and growth of the prefrontal cortex in development of emotional regulation, pp. 203–204

Development of the prefrontal cortex and rough-and-tumble play, p. 208

Brain development and the development of empathy and antipathy, p. 219

Decreases in instrumental and reactive aggression as prefrontal cortex matures, p. 220

The effect of lead exposure on brain development, pp. 227–228

The effects of physical exercise on the brain, p. 240

Formation of brain connections during middle childhood, p. 248

Neurological advances and selective attention, p. 249

Neuroscience confirming usefulness of information-processing approach, p. 250

Development of control processes in middle childhood, p. 252

Brain development in middle childhood, pp. 253–254

xxiii

Research on how the brain works like a muscle, p. 268

Plasticity and specific learning disorders, p. 272

The effects of cumulative stress on brain function, p. 286

Brain abnormality as a possible factor in bullying, p. 303

The role of the pituitary gland in hormone production, pp. 316–317

The role of the brain in regulating circadian rhythms, pp. 317–320

Adolescent brain development; heightened arousal of reward areas of the brain, pp. 326–329

Proportion of gray matter from childhood through adolescence, illustrated, p. 327

Benefits of adolescent brain development, p. 329

Dual processing as a result of brain maturation, pp. 333–336; illustrated, p. 334

Role of 5-HTTLPR in depression, p. 370

Drug use and potential harm to the brain, pp. 379–381

The impact of alcohol on the adolescent brain, p. 380

Physiological responses affecting neurological patterns, p. 392

Brain development and postformal thought, pp. 399–400; illustrated, p. 400

Link between exercise and mental health, p. 429

Harmful effects of alcohol on the brain, p. 432

The aging brain and intelligence in adulthood, pp. 444–452; illustrated, p. 446

The impact of stress on cognitive function, p. 447

Brain plasticity in adulthood, p. 461

Brain activity in musicians and non-musicians to illustrate automatic skills, p. 459

Cognitive reserve, p. 459

Expertise and the brain, p. 461

Personality and the brain, p. 469

Link between friendship and mental health, p. 477

Reactive attachment disorder among adopted children, p. 483

Psychological implications of unemployment and income disparity, p. 491

Genes, genetic clock, and life expectancy, pp. 512–513

Cellular aging and telomeres, p. 513

Aging and the brain, pp. 520–525

Information processing in late adulthood, pp. 522–525

Brain diseases in late adulthood, pp. 525–533

Benefits of brain plasticity and exercise in late adulthood, pp. 530–531

Depression and other reversible conditions confused for neurocognitive disorders, pp. 532–533

Intellectual abilities of older adults, pp. 534–536

Religious involvement and depression in later life, p. 554

Mental capacity in late adulthood, p. 564

Major neurocognitive disorder and elder abuse, p. 567

Limbic system and prefrontal cortex affecting how children understand and cope with death, p. 576

Effects of drugs in palliative care, p. 584

End-of-life brain functioning, p. 585

Cross-cultural, international, multiethnic, sexual orientation, poverty, age, gender—all these words and ideas are vital to appreciating how people develop. Research uncovers surprising similarities and notable differences: We have much in common, yet each human is unique. From the discussion of social contexts in Chapter 1 to the coverage of cultural differences in death and dying in the Epilogue, each chapter highlights possibilities and variations.

New research on family structures, immigrants, bilingualism, and ethnic differences in health are among the many topics that illustrate human diversity. Listed here is a smattering of the discussions of culture and diversity in this new edition. Respect for human differences is evident throughout. You will note that examples and research findings from many parts of the world are included, not as add-on highlights but as integral parts of the description of each age.

Inclusion of all kinds of people in the study of development, p. 4

Second-language learning to illustrate sensitive periods, p. 10

Multi-contextual considerations in development (SES, cohort, family configuration, etc.), pp. 11–15

Culture defined; the need to include people of many cultures in developmental study, pp. 15–16

xxiv

Social constructions and cultural differences, p. 16

Concept of neurosexism as an example of difference-equals-deficit error, p. 17

Learning within a culture/cultural transmission (Vygotsky), pp. 17–18

Race and ethnic group defined and discussed (includes Opposing Perspectives), pp. 18–19

Age and regional differences in ethnicity across the United States (Visualizing Development), p. 20

Cultural and contextual influences on David’s life (A Case to Study), p. 22

Age diversity in cross-sectional research and cohort diversity in cross-sequential research, pp. 38–41

Ethical dilemmas in the treatment of Ebola in West Africa, pp. 42–43

Genetic variations among people: alleles, p. 48

Male and female sex chromosomes, pp. 51–52

Opposing Perspectives: international differences in sex selection, pp. 52–53

Prevalence of twins in certain cultures, p. 55

Birthing practices in various cultures, pp. 62–63

Rates of cesarean births in selected countries, pp. 64–65

Cultural differences in home births versus hospital births, pp. 66–67

Incarceration of pregnant women who use alcohol and other psychoactive drugs, p. 75

Low birthweight and the immigrant paradox, p. 78

Rates of low birthweight in various countries, pp. 78–80, illustrated, p. 80

Cultural differences in alcohol use and abuse, pp. 81–82

Prevalence of nearsightedness in the United States and various Asian countries, pp. 82–83

Opposing Perspectives: cultural differences in co-sleeping, pp. 92–93; rates in various countries, p. 92

Infant mortality rates in various countries, p. 104

Susan Beal and her research on SIDS, pp. 105–106

Successes of immunization in various countries, p. 107

Breast-feeding and HIV-positive women in Africa, p. 108

A View from Science: changing trends in breast- and formula-feeding over the years, pp. 109–110

International rates of stunting, p. 111

Malnutrition: wasting in developing nations, pp. 111–112

Cultural and family differences in infants’ exposure to language and language use, pp. 120–122

Sociocultural explanation for language, p. 123

Cultural differences in emotions encouraged in toddlers, p. 131

The infant brain as a “cultural sponge,” pp. 132–133

Genetic and gender differences in infant/toddler temperament, p. 136

Ugandan mothers’ contact-maintaining behaviors, p. 140

Influence of SES on attachment type, p. 142

Outcomes for Romanian orphans adopted by North American, European, and Australian families, pp. 143–145

Gender differences in parent–infant relationships, p. 147

Gender differences in child care, pp. 148–150

Toddlers’ learning of gender roles according to social learning theory, p. 152

International comparisons of infant caregiving differences, pp. 154–157

Parental leave policies in selected countries, p. 155

Changes in obesity rates in Brazil versus the United States, p. 165

Handedness and the difference-equals-deficit error, pp. 168–169

Culture as a determinant of how one thinks and acts (social learning, Vygotsky), pp. 176–178

Study of overimitation in South Africa, Botswana, and Australia, p. 178

Bilingualism in various nations; ethnicity and bilingualism in the United States; English proficiency among U.S. children whose home language is not English, pp. 185–187

Cultural differences in parental preference for various preschool programs, pp. 192–194

Effects of intervention programs on low-SES children, pp. 194–197

Ethnic and SES differences in children’s activities, illustrated, p. 206

Cultural differences in young children’s play, pp. 208–209

A View from Science: cultural differences in caregiving styles, p. 213

Sex and gender differences, pp. 213–218

Cultural differences in child discipline, pp. 221–222

Opposing Perspectives: cultural attitudes toward spanking, pp. 222–223

Correlation between lead and crime in various countries, p. 228

Regional and ethnic differences in child maltreatment, p. 230

Cultural differences in recess time, p. 242

A View from Science: childhood obesity in the United States, by ethnicity; genetic propensity toward obesity and diabetes, pp. 242–243; illustrated, p. 245

Childhood asthma and ethnicity in the United States, pp. 244–246

xxv

International and sociocultural contexts in the role of instruction, pp. 249–250

Cultural differences (Muslim children memorizing the Quran) in role of memory, p. 252

Cultural differences in metaphorical understanding, p. 255

Bilingual education, pp. 255–257

International schooling and differences by nation, pp. 257–261

Gender differences in school performance, p. 261

Ethnic and SES differences in academic performance, p. 262

Cultural considerations in IQ testing, p. 269

Consideration of children with special needs, pp. 270–273

Cultural differences in self-esteem in middle childhood, pp. 283–284

Children’s reactions to stress in Louisiana (Hurricane Katrina), Sri Lanka (tsunami), and Sierra Leone (war and child soldiers), pp. 286–288

SES and resilience, p. 287

Family function within various structures, including families headed by same-sex couples, pp. 290–298

International rates of single-parent families, illustrated, p. 298

Effects of SES on family structure and function, p. 299

Shyness and popularity in North America and China, p. 301

Gender differences in bullying, p. 303

Efforts to control bullying in various nations, p. 304

Gender differences in children’s retribution/restitution behavior, pp. 308–309; illustrated, p. 309

Ethnic differences in timing of puberty, p. 320

Gender differences in reaction to early or late puberty, pp. 321–322

Influence of body fat on onset of puberty (girls), p. 322

Nutritional deficiencies: U.S. ethnic examples, pp. 323–324

Age differences in logical thinking, p. 337

Middle school engagement and dropout risk by SES and ethnicity, p. 342

Comparison of international scores on PISA, p. 346

Formation of religious, ethnic, political, and gender identity, pp. 353–356

Ethnic prejudice and self-esteem, p. 361

Adolescent same-sex relationships and changing attitudes about same-sex marriage, pp. 364–366

Differences in sex education, U.S. and Europe, pp. 367–368

Genetic and gender differences in risk of depression, pp. 369–370

Gender differences in rates of teen parasuicide and suicide, pp. 371–372

Adolescent rebellion as a social construction (international comparisons), p. 373

Ethnic differences in arrest statistics, p. 373

Gender differences in adolescent crime, p. 375

International comparisons: adolescent use of alcohol and cigarettes, p. 376

Differences in teen drug use by age, gender, and generation, pp. 376–379

Secondary school attendance around the world and by gender, illustrated, p. 382

Cultural phenomenon of emerging adulthood, pp. 390–391

Implications of acceptability of premarital sex for women, p. 394

The effect of globalization on the spread of infectious diseases, including STIs, p. 395

Sex differences in risk taking, illustrated, p. 396

Stereotype threat—ethnic and gender factors, pp. 401–402

Gender gap in college education “paying off” for graduates, p. 403

Ethnic and gender differences in U.S. college enrollment, illustrated, p. 409

Exposure to diversity in college advances cognition, pp. 410–412

Identity status changes in Sweden, p. 413

International differences in number of emerging adults living at home, p. 405

Gender differences in friendship, pp. 418–419

Cultural differences in romantic relationships, pp. 419–420

International differences in cohabitation, p. 422

Cultural and gender differences in smoking rates, pp. 430–431; illustrated, p. 431

Cultural and gender differences in alcohol use, pp. 431–432

International differences in adult obesity, pp. 432–433; illustrated, p. 436

Gender differences in skin and hair appearance with age, p. 437

International and SES differences in disease and life expectancy, pp. 438–440

Sex, fertility, and menopause in adulthood, pp. 440–443

Age differences in intellectual abilities, pp. 445–446; illustrated, p. 446

Impact of women’s education on reduction of disaster fatalities, p. 452

xxvi

Stress and disasters around the world, pp. 453–454

Gender differences in coping styles, p. 455

Concept of weathering in African American community, pp. 455–456

Expertise and age, p. 461

Well-being and self-esteem in various nations, p. 468

International and gender differences in marriage rates, pp. 470–471; illustrated, p. 471

International, cultural, and SES differences in marital happiness and divorce rates, pp. 471–472

Gay and lesbian partners, pp. 474–475

Gender differences in consequences of divorce, pp. 475–476

Danish research on impact of family bonds, p. 478

Cultural differences in sibling relationships, p. 479

Gender differences in parental roles, pp. 481–482

Nonbiological parents, pp. 482–485

Cultural differences in caregiving, pp. 488–489

Stress of unemployment in various nations, p. 491

Diversity in the workplace, pp. 492–493

Immigrants in the workforce, p. 494

Impact of nonstandard work schedules on women of varying SES, p. 495

Finding the balance between work and life, pp. 496–498

A Case to Study: explores whether women can have a family and a career, pp. 496–497

Ageism and attitudes about aging, pp. 503–507

Bicycle riding among elderly in several nations, p. 508

Demographic shift in the United States and other nations, pp. 508–510

Results of severe calorie reduction in several countries, p. 512

Ethnic differences in genetic predisposition for type 2 diabetes, p. 513

Ethnic differences in telomere length, p. 513

Ethnic, SES, and religious differences in life expectancy, p. 514

Sexual activity in late adulthood, pp. 515–516

Accommodations that could enable older adults to continue driving, p. 518

Gender and ethnic differences in rates of heart disease, p. 519

Prevalence of major NCD (dementia) around the world, p. 515; pp. 526–527

Gender, ethnic, income, and age stratification, pp. 544–548

Trends in volunteering around the world, p. 551

Aging in place, p. 552

Filial responsibility around the world, pp. 557–559

Cultural differences in caring for the frail elderly, p. 562; pp. 565–566

Religious and cultural differences in understanding and rituals relating to death, pp. 575–577

Age differences in how people react to death, pp. 576–579

International and cultural differences in rates of people receiving hospice and palliative care, pp. 582–585

Cultural differences in acceptance of euthanasia, pp. 586–587

Cultural and international differences regarding grief and mourning, pp. 592–597

My mentors welcomed curiosity, creativity, and skepticism; as a result, I am eager to read and analyze thousands of articles and books on everything from the genes that predispose children to autism spectrum disorder to the complications of zygosity. The recent explosion of research in neuroscience and genetics has challenged me, once again, first to understand and then to explain many complex findings and speculative leaps. My students continue to ask questions and share their experiences, always providing new perspectives and concerns.

xxvii

The book’s basic organization remains unchanged. Two chapters begin the book with coverage of definitions, theories, genetics, and prenatal development. These chapters function not only as a developmental foundation but also as the structure for explaining the life-span perspective, plasticity, nature and nurture, multi-cultural awareness, risk analysis, gains and losses, family bonding, and many other concepts that yield insights for all of human development.

The other six parts correspond to the major periods of development. With the exception of a lone chapter on prenatal development and birth, and another lone chapter on emerging adulthood, each age is discussed in two chapters, one for the biological and cognitive, and one for the social world. The topical organization within a chronological framework is a useful scaffold for students’ understanding of the interplay between age and domain.

Students learn a great deal from this book’s illustrations because Worth Publishers encourages authors to choose the photographs, tables, and graphs and to write captions that extend the content. Observation Quizzes that accompany many of them inspire readers to look more closely at certain photographs, tables, and figures. The online Data Connections further this process by presenting numerous charts and tables that contain detailed data for further study.