This authoritative text provides you with an integrated perspective on child development that synthesizes biological, social, cultural, and socioeconomic influences. The combined features that distinguish it from other titles can be summarized with an acronym: CARE (Cutting edge research, Applied developmental science, Readability, Essential knowledge). Written in an engaging manner by respected child development experts, the book incorporates both classic and cutting-edge research. At the same time, it emphasizes the application of developmental psychology to real world problems, focusing on the ways in which knowledge of child development can inform social policy and practice in the fields of child care, education, mental health, and family life. The broad array of real-life examples includes many that will resonate with you, regardless of your background, field of study, or occupational goal. With its distinctive and effective combination of cutting-edge research, applications, readability, and essential knowledge, this text will help you gain an understanding and appreciation of what today's scientists are discovering about child development, how they study the process, and how you can use this knowledge to improve the lives of infants, children, and adolescents around the world.