Socioemotional Development in the Toddler Years: Transitions and Transformations

This volume explores the key developmental transitions that take place as 1- to 3-year-olds leave infancy behind and begin to develop the social and emotional knowledge, skills, and regulatory abilities of early childhood. Leading investigators examine the multiple interacting factors that lead to socioemotional competence in this pivotal period, covering both typical and atypical development. Presented is innovative research that has yielded compelling insights into toddlers' relationships, emotions, play, communication, prosocial behavior, self-control, autonomy, and attempts to understand themselves and others. The final chapter presents a systematic framework for socioemotional assessment.

Celia A. Brownell, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, where she directs the Early Social Development Laboratory and has served as Chair of the Developmental Psychology Graduate Training Program and as Director of Graduate Studies. She has been a coinvestigator on the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development since its inception in 1990. Dr. Brownell is an associate editor of Infancy, the official journal of the International Society on Infant Studies. She has conducted research on social development of infants and toddlers for over 25 years.

Claire B. Kopp, PhD, is a developmental psychologist whose research interests focus primarily on the social and emotional development of young children, with particular emphasis on the development of regulatory processes. Her writings have also addressed biosocial risk factors that adversely influence children’s development. Dr. Kopp has published widely in these areas, with research funded by both federal and private agencies. She taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Kopp is a frequent reviewer for developmental, psychological, and pediatric journals. She is a source of developmental information for parenting magazines, and her book for parents, Baby Steps: A Guide to Your Child’s Social, Physical, Mental, and Emotional Development in the First Two Years, is in its second edition. Dr. Kopp also consults with public and private agencies on early development.