The essential reference for human development theory, updatedand reconceptualized The Handbook of Child Psychology and DevelopmentalScience, a four-volume reference, is the field-defining work towhich all others are compared. First published in 1946, and now inits Seventh Edition, the Handbook has long been consideredthe definitive guide to the field of developmental science. Volume 1, Theory and Method, presents a rich mix ofclassic and contemporary theoretical perspectives, but the dominantviews throughout are marked by an emphasis on the dynamic interplayof all facets of the developmental system across the life span,incorporating the range of biological, cognitive, emotional,social, cultural, and ecological levels of analysis. Examples ofthe theoretical approaches discussed in the volume include thosepertinent to human evolution, self regulation, the development ofdynamic skills, and positive youth development. The research,methodological, and applied implications of the theoretical modelsdiscussed in the volume are presented. Understand the contributions of biology, person, and context todevelopment within the embodied ecological system Discover the relations among individual, the social world,culture, and history that constitute human development Examine the methods of dynamic, developmental research Learn person-oriented methodological approaches to assessingdevelopmental change The scholarship within this volume and, as well, across the fourvolumes of this edition, illustrate that developmental science isin the midst of a very exciting period. There is a paradigm shiftthat involves increasingly greater understanding of how todescribe, explain, and optimize the course of human life fordiverse individuals living within diverse contexts. ThisHandbook is the definitive reference for educators,policy-makers, researchers, students, and practitioners in humandevelopment, psychology, sociology, anthropology, andneuroscience.