Context and Development

<p>The purpose of this book is to explore meaningful integrations of developmental processes and functioning with conceptualizations of context -- a term traditionally denoting physical settings social arenas or perceptual or social backdrops in relation to a focal point. However the study of context has taken a considerably more unique and vibrant form in recent years -- the term is becoming more than a substitute for background independent variables. Rather the contributions of context to behavior thought feelings -- and vice versa -- are becoming central issues in many research domains. <br><br> This text is a collection of empirical and theoretical accounts for understanding context; its focus is on integrating the study of context with the science of developmental psychology. Although the authors work in many different areas of the field and with different populations they all converge on a central methodological/conceptual theme of contextualism which is presented as the dynamic integration of intraindividual factors with environmental and social/environmental factors.</p>