How do we make sense of people? Human behaviour is complex, so that understanding ourselves and others calls for both objective and subjective viewpoints, as well as a flexible appreciation of human development over time. Dr Sula Wolff believes that knowledge about personality development is essential in three important domains: in the appraisal of deviant behaviour at all ages; in the development of social policy for children; and in therapeutic interventions for children and their families. In this book, originally published in 1989, Dr Wolff gives a comprehensive account of the major aspects of personality development in childhood. She reports research findings and presents developmental theories in their historical context, stressing the interplay between biological and cultural influences on development. Her account includes a wealth of illustrative case histories, with children and parents speaking for themselves; these provide fascinating reading and give substance to statistical results and theoretical propositions. Clearly and simply written, the book will be of interest to many people, and will still be of value to medical students, psychiatrists in training, students in social work and psychology, and teachers in special education.

Some children seem different, detached, disinterested in the games of other children. They prefer their hobbies to friends of their own age and if forced into community activities, as they often are at school, can become aggressive and difficult. In Loners, Sula Wolff describes a childhood personality syndrome that has frequently been neglected. Often using children's own words, their lives and problems become real as she unwraps their stories from first referral to adulthood. Some have become talented and successful adults, whilst others are less fortunate in later years. Carefully documented and meticulously researched, this study makes compelling reading.

How do we make sense of people? Human behaviour is complex, so that understanding ourselves and others calls for both objective and subjective viewpoints, as well as a flexible appreciation of human development over time. Dr Sula Wolff believes that knowledge about personality development is essential in three important domains: in the appraisal of deviant behaviour at all ages; in the development of social policy for children; and in therapeutic interventions for children and their families. In this book, originally published in 1989, Dr Wolff gives a comprehensive account of the major aspects of personality development in childhood. She reports research findings and presents developmental theories in their historical context, stressing the interplay between biological and cultural influences on development. Her account includes a wealth of illustrative case histories, with children and parents speaking for themselves; these provide fascinating reading and give substance to statistical results and theoretical propositions. Clearly and simply written, the book will be of interest to many people, and will still be of value to medical students, psychiatrists in training, students in social work and psychology, and teachers in special education.

Some children seem different, detached, disinterested in the games of other children. They prefer their hobbies to friends of their own age and if forced into community activities, as they often are at school, can become aggressive and difficult. In Loners, Sula Wolff describes a childhood personality syndrome that has frequently been neglected. Often using children's own words, their lives and problems become real as she unwraps their stories from first referral to adulthood. Some have become talented and successful adults, whilst others are less fortunate in later years. Carefully documented and meticulously researched, this study makes compelling reading.

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