Defines life-span developmental psychology as the study of constancy and change in behavior throughout the life course. Advances metatheoretical view regarding development. Stresses focus on the dynamic and continuous interplay between growth (gain) and decline (loss). Examines structural contextual factors and study of range of plasticity in…

Examines adolescents' responses to a survey on smoking, smoking behavior, and psychological well being, along with information on household composition, income and parental education. Outcomes suggest that some of the key explanatory factors in take-up are temporary, psychological states. Argues that adolescent smoking is in large measure an…

Offers selective reviews on adult outcomes of severe mental retardation, autism, conduct disorders, mild retardation and adjustment disorders of childhood. Discusses important prospective study of mild retardation. Stresses that adjustment disorders of childhood only rarely continue into adult life; but incidence of these disorders is on the…

Comments on Belsky, Steinberg, and Draper's article in this issue. Offers three likely reasons for adaptation of human behavior. Argues that Belsky, et al. use only two of these reasons in their proposed evolutionary theory of socialization. Suggests that an evolutionary approach is useful if it integrates diverse facts, aids clinical practice,…

Sex differences in the major categories of childhood behavior disorders most relevant to the issue of continuity between child and adult disorders are reviewed. Explanations for these differences are explored with attention given to both the different experiences and the different endowments of the sexes. (Author/MP)

Constructs a model applying evolutionary biology theory to the development of children's sense of justice. Maintains that competition for scarce resources causes many of the moral problems involving justice. Examines the place of emotions in the sense of justice. Hypothesizes rules of justice that predate cultural history. (CH)

The concept of reproductive strategy is applied to the study of childhood experience and interpersonal development to develop an evolutionary theory of socialization. The relationship between this theory and prevailing theories of socialization is considered, and research consistent with the evolutionary theory is reviewed. Discusses directions…