This authoritative, engaging text examines the key role of relationships in child and adolescent development, from the earliest infant-caregiver transactions to peer interactions, friendships, and romantic partnerships. Following the sequence of a typical social development course, sections cover foundational developmental science, the self and relationships, social behaviors, contexts for social development, and risk and resilience. Leading experts thoroughly review their respective areas and highlight the most compelling current issues, methods, and research directions. End-of-chapter suggested reading lists direct students and instructors to exemplary primary sources on each topic.

This authoritative, engaging work examines the key role of relationships in child and adolescent development, from the earliest infant-caregiver transactions to peer interactions, friendships, and romantic partnerships. Sections cover foundational developmental science, the self and relationships, social behaviors, contexts for social development, and risk and resilience. Leading experts thoroughly review their respective areas and highlight the most compelling current issues, methods, and research directions. Pedagogical Features: *Structured to follow the sequence of a typical social development course. *Chapters are brief and can be assigned along with primary source readings. *Includes end-of-chapter suggested reading lists. *Coverage is broader and higher-level than other social development texts. *Designed with the needs of students in mind, in terms of writing style, size, and price.