Appealing to the many different backgrounds and career goals of individuals interested in child development, this book offers current and balanced coverage of theory and research--with a focus on the application of that research. This chronologically arranged text is filled with useful learning tools. Feldman's unique approach illustrates the scope and diversity of the field of child and adolescent psychology and capitalizes on readers' inherent interest in the subject by asking them to relate what they are learning to their own experiences.  

A lively conversational writing style helps to create dynamic and engaging coverage of many chapter topics, including: behavioral genetics, ethnography, brain development, cultural differences in autobiographical memories, emotional intelligence, emotional regulation and relational aggression, home schooling, teenage stress, alcohol consumption, use of Prozac and childhood depression, adolescent Web surfing, and the downside of self-esteem.