Makes explicit a reconceptualization of the nature of emotion that over the past decade has fostered the study of emotion regulation. Documents the stability of two emotional dispositions: irritability and inhibition. (RH)

Recounts the career of William L. Stern. Stern developed a personalistic psychology emphasizing the individual's role and the importance of context in development. Stern's contributions to developmental psychology concerned: (1) the tension between activity and reactivity in the developing individual; (2) the exchange between a person and the…

Research on intergenerational continuities should consider: (1) both sides of the family; (2) the effect of change on continuities; (3) discontinuities; (4) societal and family influences; (5) variations in the meaning of traits; (6) misleading differences; (7) risks derived from personal characteristics and experiences; (8) identification of…

Reflects on researchers' conceptions about psychological growth over the last century. Discusses five themes relevant to developmental research: (1) the selection of phenomena for study; (2) the use of continuous dimensions or categories to describe children's characteristics; (3) continuity versus discontinuity in development; (4) the influence…

Maintains that context effects and genetic effects are among the confounding factors that make it impossible to reject the null hypothesis of zero long-term parenting effects on child outcomes. Asserts that group socialization theory attributes outside-the-home socialization to identification with a peer group and assimilation of group norms, but…