The fifth edition of this best-selling topical approach to child development continues its tradition of being the most current and comprehensive text available. Laura Berk, renowned professor and researcher in the field of child development, has updated the text with a heightened emphasis on inclusion of interdisciplinary research, diverse pathways of change, the critical interplay between biology and environment in child development, and greatly strengthened links between applications and theory or research. This edition's substantial revision brings forth all the new themes that represent the burgeoning, changing field of child development at the crossroads of a new millennium.

Laura Berk carefully considers the complexities of child development, presenting classic and cutting-edge theories in an especially clear, engaging writing style, with a multitude of research-based and real-world examples. The helpful topical organization emphasizes to students the interrelatedness of all aspects of development physical, cognitive, emotional, and social throughout the text narrative and in special features. Students are provided with an especially clear and coherent understanding of the sequence and underlying processes of child development.