Child and Adolescent Development in Context
Second Edition
- Tara L. Kuther - Western Connecticut State University, USA
February 2026 | SAGE Publications, Inc
Like children themselves, development is dynamic. In the chronologically organized Child and Adolescent Development in Context, award-winning author Tara L. Kuther brings developmental research to life by framing it within real-world contexts, illustrating how internal factors interact with a wide range of social, environmental, and cultural influences. Through highly relatable examples and vivid cross-cultural stories, Dr. Kuther engages students while emphasizing three core themes: the centrality of context, the importance of research, and the practical value of developmental science. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of these themes and the ability to apply them to their own lives and future careers. The new Second Edition features an expanded exploration of intersectional influences, a new section on intersectionality in Chapter 1, and the addition of "Developmental Cascades", a brand-new feature that illustrates how changes in one domain can influence others.
This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Development: Themes, Theories, and Research
Chapter 2: Biological and Environmental Foundations of Development
Chapter 3: The Prenatal Period, Birth, and the Newborn
Chapter 4: Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Chapter 5: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Chapter 6: Socioemotional Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Chapter 7: Physical Development in Early Childhood
Chapter 8: Cognitive Development in Early Childhood
Chapter 9: Socioemotional Development in Early Childhood
Chapter 10: Physical Development in Middle Childhood
Chapter 11: Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood
Chapter 12: Socioemotional Development in Middle Childhood
Chapter 13: Physical Development in Adolescence
Chapter 14: Cognitive Development in Adolescence
Chapter 15: Socioemotional Development in Adolescence
Glossary
References
Supplements
The author provides a detailed approach that does not overwhelm beginning students.
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Pre pub Review