Includes bibliographical references (pages [363]-398) and index

Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Introduction: Concepts of Development 1
2 Why are People So Different from One Another? 12
Maturation 12
Genetic Influences 16
Why Do People Differ in Their Experiences? 26
Environmental Influences 37
3 Change and Continuity: Some Developmental Processes 62
Some Developmental Issues 64
Change and Continuity 77
Brain Maturation 80
Genetic Influences 85
Environmental Influences 90
4 The Growth of Social Relationships 110
Selective Attachments 110
Attachment Qualities across the Life Span 121
Disorders Associated with Attachment 126
Social Cognition and Social Relationships 136
Rivalry, Jealousy and Compensatory Relationships 139
Qualities of Social Relationships 141
Friends and Acquaintances 145
The Importance of Peer Relationships 151
5 Anxiety and Aggression: Fears and Delinquency 156
Emotional Expression and Understanding 156
Fears and Anxiety 161
Anger, Aggression and Conduct Disturbance 167
Temperamental Differences 185
6 The Growth of Intelligence and of Language 188
Stages of Cognitive Development 191
Special Cognitive Strategies and Skills 197
Reading and Spelling 204
Influences on Intelligence and Scholastic Attainment 210
Behavioural Consequences of Cognitive Impairment 217
Language 219
7 Adolescence: Sexuality, Self-image and Depression 229
Puberty 229
Sexuality 238
Social Experiences in Adolescence 248
Self-concepts and Identity 252
Changing Patterns of Psychiatric Disorder 255
8 Adulthood: Marriage, Careers and Parenting 260
Continuity and Change 260
Marriage 268
Army Experience as a Potential Turning-point 280
Work 282
Parenthood 289
Infertility 300
9 Mid-life Transitions and Old Age 306
Concepts of Life Stages 306
The Empty Nest 310
Grandparenthood 313
Looking after Elderly Parents 317
Male Sexuality 319
The Menopause 322
Age Trends in Psychiatric Disorder 327
Physical and Mental Decline 330
Psychosocial Functioning 340
Bereavement 343
Retirement 346
10 Epilogue: Transitions and Turning-points: Continuities and Discontinuities