Come lo sviluppo emotivo influenza l'individuo fin dalla prima infanzia. In questo testo, ormai considerato un classico, Alan Sroufe riporta l'attenzione sullo sviluppo emotivo precoce e sull'importanza che ricopre fin dai primi anni di vita, rivelando i tempi, le funzioni comuni e i processi fondamentali alla base delle emozioni specifiche che dipendono dagli stili individuali di regolazione emotiva di ciascuno di noi. L'analisi spazia dalle reazioni emotive più facilmente identificabili, come gioia, rabbia e paura, ? fino a quelle più complesse, con un focus sul processo di formazione ed evoluzione delle emozioni nei bambini. Considerando lo sviluppo un processo integrato, l'autore sostiene dunque che le emozioni rappresentino il più complesso degli stati mentali, nella misura in cui esse si mescolano con tutti gli altri processi e li condizionano. Di conseguenza, lo studio del loro evolversi non può prescindere da un'attenta valutazione dello sviluppo cognitivo e dalla qualità della rete sociale al cui interno si dispiega l'esperienza del soggetto.

The definitive work on a groundbreaking study, this essential volume provides a coherent picture of the complexity of development from birth to adulthood. Explicated are both the methodology of the Minnesota study and its far-reaching contributions to understanding how we become who we are. The book marshals a vast body of data on the ways in which individuals' strengths and vulnerabilities are shaped by myriad influences, including early experiences, family and peer relationships throughout childhood and adolescence, variations in child characteristics and abilities, and socioeconomic conditions. Implications for clinical intervention and prevention are also addressed. Rigorously documented and clearly presented, the study's findings elucidate the twists and turns of individual pathways, illustrating as never before the ongoing interplay between developing children and their environments.

Intended for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students, this volume presents a coherent view of the individual's development from birth to adulthood. Sroufe et al (all U. of Minnesota) have spent 30 years on this comprehensive examination of children in their families, studying 180 children who were born into poverty, from the time of their birth through age 28. The book is divided into three sections, the first on understanding development, with information on comprehensive longitudinal research, an outline of the study, the conceptual and theoretical supports, and methods of assessment and follow-up. The second section addresses development and adaptation throughout infancy, childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. The third section is on development and psychopathology, including early experience and later emotional disturbance, clinical implications, and ongoing issues in social relationships. Appendices contain interview questions, a life stress scale, and outlines of longitudinal study assessments. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)