This book is unique in focusing on the role of conflict in psychological and social development: the hows, whens, wheres, and whys of conflict in everyday life. A major theme of Conflict in Child and Adolescent Development is how the management of conflict can enhance the psychological growth of individuals and strengthen relationships among people.

Although conflict in human affairs has fascinated theorists and researchers for centuries, this book, was the first to focus on the role of conflict in psychological and social development: the hows, whens, wheres, and whys of conflict in everyday life. Conflict is not always a negative, destructive event; research shows that it has many positive effects in the development of individuals and their interpersonal relationships. A major theme of Conflict in Child and Adolescent Development is how the management of conflict can enhance the psychological growth of individuals and strengthen relationships among people. Leading scholars present findings based on empirical research from psychology, anthropology, sociology, sociolinguistics, and family relations to provide an intriguing picture of what is known about conflict and to preview future research.