Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

1. Introduction --Definitions : change over time --The contexts of development --Developmental study as a science --Ethics and science --Theories of development --What theories do --Grand theories --Emergent theories --Comparisons and controversies --pt. I. The beginnings --Heredity and environment --Genetics : foundations in biology and ethics-- Genetics : foundations in biology and ethics --From genotype to phenotype --Environmental influences on emotional conditions --Inherited abnormalities --Prenatal development and birth --From zygote to newborn --Risk reduction --Low birthweight --The normal birth --Birth complications --Bonding after birth --pt. II. The first 2 years : infants and toddlers --5. The first 2 years : biosocial development --Body changes --Early brain development --The senses and motor skills --Preventive medicine --Nutrition --6. The first 2 years : cognitive development --Sensorimotor intelligence --Information processing --Language : what develops in two years? --Theories of language learning --7. The first 2 years : psychosocial development --Emotional development in infancy --Emotions in the social context --Theories about caregiving --Attachment --Infant day care --Conclusions in theory and practice --pt. III. The play years --8. The play years : biosocial development --Size and nourishment --Brain growth and development --Mastering motor skills --Injuries and death --Child maltreatment -- 9. The play years : cognitive development -- How children think : Piaget and Vygotsky -- Information processing -- Language -- Early-childhood education --10. The play years : psychosocial development --Emotional development --Theories of emotions --Prosocial and antisocial behavior --Parenting patterns --Boy or girl : so what? --pt. IV. The school years --11. The school years : biosocial development --A healthy time --Development of motor skills --Children with special needs --12. The school years : cognitive development --Building on Piaget and Vygotsky --Information processing --Language --Moral development --Schools, values, and research --Conclusion --13. The school years : psychosocial development --Understanding self and others --The peer group --Family influences --Coping with problems --pt. V. Adolescence --14 .Adolescence : biosocial development --Puberty begins --The biological changes --Emotional responses to physical growth --Health and hazards --15.Adolescence : cognitive development --ntellectual advances --I Schools, learning, and the adolescent mind --Adolescent decision making --16.Adolescence : psychosocial development --The self and identity --Depression and self-destruction --Rebellion and destructiveness --Family and friends --Conclusion --Supplemental charts, graphs, and tables --Appendix A. Appendix B. More about research methods --Appendix C. Suggestions for research assignments --Glossary.