Defines the field of developmental psychopathology, and briefly describes the articles contained in this volume. (PCB)

Focuses on the development of children's understanding of feelings. Presents a coding system which describes four levels of emotional understanding, each of which is linked to developmental differences in nonsocial, cognitive abilities. Clinical vignettes illustrate the utility of this cognitive-developmental perspective in clinical observations.…

A social development theory of self is introduced as a framework for developmental psychopathology. Built on some of Piaget's principles, the theory is taken into the social domain and used to define the movements of self and important others throughout life. (PCB)

Discusses whether the cognitive development of developmentally delayed autistic children is the same as that of younger, normal children or whether it differs in significant ways that have implications for clinical assessment and treatment. (PCB)

Two approaches that apply Piaget's theory of cognitive development to the study of child psychopathology are presented. (PCB)

Considers the period of adolescence and describes how cognitive-developmental concerns might apply to the understanding of adolescent problems in interpersonal and affective adaptation. Also investigates ways in which intervention practices with adolescents might be placed within a cognitive-developmental context. (PCB)

Examines research which suggests that children's developing knowledge about traditional gender roles has a substantial influence on how children process information pertaining to gender. Evidence also shows that as children attain gender constancy, their behaviors become especially responsive to gender-related information. (Author/RWB)

Supports the position that although individual differences have often been ignored, children do differ in the stereotyping of their gender identities and attitudes (gender schemata). Stresses that children with traditionally stereotyped gender schemata process information about gender differently from children who have less stereotyped schemata.…

Takes the position that despite changes in society and in the ways that researchers conceptualize gender schemata, stereotypes about occupations persist. Questions to what extent experimental interventions have been successful, and considers how intervention and intervention goals should be reformulated for the future. (Author/RWB)

Discusses the possible relationships between family socialization agents and gender schemata. Focuses on the interplay of the two types of family variables--distal and proximal--and gender schemata. Distal variables discussed are: (1) socioeconomic level; (2) ethnicity; (3) intact versus one-parent families; (4) maternal employment and sibling…

Claims that despite recent efforts to eliminate sex inequities in education, schools continue to provide numerous inputs into the child's gender stereotyping system. Reviews research on sex differences in teacher attitudes, classroom and peer interactions, instructional practices, and other school experiences central to gender schemata…