Emotional Development
The Organization of Emotional Life in the Early Years

In the past, researchers have treated the development of the emotions and the task of emotional regulation as two separate topics, the former emphasizing 'normative' questions and the latter emphasizing 'individual' differences. Until now, understanding the first topic has never been seen as relevant for the second. This is the area pioneered by Emotional Development. This book presents the early phases of emotional life from a developmental perspective. It argues that emotional generation hinges on the developing ability to express arousal or 'tension' in accordance with one's context. It reveals the common core processes underlying the emergence of specific emotions and the capacity for emotional regulation. It explains the timing of emotional emergence, why emotions function as they do, and also explores individual styles of emotional regulation. Close ties between emotional development, cognitive, social and CNS development are discussed, too.

Reviews & endorsements

'A masterful account of emotional development during the early years. It is an enormous challenge to provide an integrated picture of our current knowledge concerning the increasingly organized complexity that takes place in this area. Sroufe has done just that. In lucid prose, rich with examples, a coherent story is told from a developmental systems perspective. Using a central concept of regulation, the author also includes key aspects of cognitive, social, and physiological development, as well as particular aspects of attachment. As the reader would expect, the author's extensive experience and insights from longitudinal and experimental work carried out over nearly three decades is included. A strong clinical perspective is also evident; dimensions of individuality, meaning, and adaptation are pervasive.' Robert N. Emde, University of Colorado

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Product details

• Date Published: September 1997
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521629928
• length: 280 pages

• dimensions: 231 x 151 x 18 mm
• weight: 0.417kg
• contains: 5 b/w illus.
• availability: Available