A lively & engaging new edition this book examines child development as a process involving the whole child within multiple mutually influencing contexts. With an emphasis on biological & cultural factors it explores the pathways of development shared by all children plus the diverse developmental patterns that unfold in them as individuals. * Continued emphasis on the biocultural perspective: this continues to provide an integrated conceptual framework for understanding development. * New research: there is a focus on the latest research on executive function including its role in school achievement. Coverage of advances in neuroscience continues emphasizing the relationship between brain development & the childs experience. There is an exploration of new research into how the prenatal environment affects subsequent development & health. * New focus on media: there is a more thorough & expansive presentation of childrens use of interactive media & communications technology emphasizing implications for cognitive development & social relationships. * New emphasis on culture & biology: the joint roles of biology & culture are examined with respect to how they affect the development of mental & physical health problems including obesity eating disorders & suicide The cultural contexts of parenting practices & sibling relationships are discussed in light of new research.