Introduction to Human Development and Family Science

Bridget A. Walsh is a Professor of HDFS at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA. She is a CFLE. She obtained her Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University in Child Development, her Master’s degree in Psychology from Villanova University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Albright College. Her research focuses on home visiting.Dana A. Weiser is a Professor and Chairperson of Human Development and Family Sciences as well as a Faculty Affiliate of the Women’s and Gender Studies program at Texas Tech University, USA. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno in Interdisciplinary Social Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Government from Claremont McKenna College. Her research examines what families and society teach individuals about romantic relationships and sexuality.

“This textbook is a one-of-a-kind resource for introducing students to human development and family science. The applied focus on human development, family life education, career and professional development, and cultivating family strengths provides students with a nuanced understanding and foundational knowledge needed to enter the family sciences field. The text is exactly what is needed to provide both an introductory and a comprehensive view of family life education.”Helyne Frederick, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.“This is the textbook we have needed for our students that recognizes the family as a pivotal context for human development and humanizes the experience of children, families, and professionals. It is full of engaging and rich teaching materials, including vignettes, real-life experiences, student perspectives, concise chapter summaries, an integration section concluding each chapter, and journal prompts to support reflection. If only all textbooks were as accessible and engaging for students!”Gina A. Cook, California State University, Stanislaus, USA.

• 1. Defining Human Development and Family Science2. Diverse Families 3. Introduction to Theories in HDFS4. Introduction to Research in HDFS5. Introduction to FLE and Its Applications6. Family and First Years (Prenatal Development, Infancy, and Toddlerhood)7. Family and Childhood (Early Childhood and Middle Childhood)8. Family and Adolescence 9. Family and Adulthood 10. Family and Late Adulthood 11. Cultivating Strengths12. Applied Experiences and Careers13. Professionalism and EthicsAppendix A. CFLE Content and Practice GuidelinesAppendix B. Consuming Research