Personal, Social and Emotional Development of Children

Book excerpt: This is the second in a series of four books which form part of the Open University course in Child Development. They provide a detailed and thorough undergraduate-level introduction to the central concepts, theories, current issues and research evidence in developmental psychology. These books assume no previous knowledge of the field and encourage the reader's active involvement, especially through the use of activities. Examples drawn from case-studies, psychological research and practise stimulate critical appreciation of the issues covered. Selected short readings accompany the chapters to present ideas from a variety of sources. Personal, Social and Emotional Development in Children is about key aspects of development from the attachments of early childhood through to adolescent years. It considers the influences that shape development and the processes through which they operate. The book involves the reader with central debates in developmental psychology by reference to a mixture of classic studies and recent research. Particular chapters deal with the growth of emotions, the development of self-identity and the establishment of moral understanding. These are linked with considerations of the experiences of growing up in families and the specific issues of adolescence.