This important book introduces the basics of prenatal psychology and works through the current scientific findings in the psychology and psychosomatics of pregnancy and birth. Through exploring bio-psycho-social relationships, as well as historical and cultural perspectives, this interdisciplinary approach easily breaks down specialist discussions into easy-to-understand concepts. Bridging the gap between foetal programming and psychological research and practice, this accessible book presents the history of the field and the basic concepts of prenatal development before exploring the behavioural dimensions of life before, during, and immediately after birth. Topics include sensory and emotional development in the womb, perception and brain development, the influence of environmental factors and prenatal imprinting and long-term effects. The author also delves into the concept of attachment and support and analyses body symptoms, sensations, feelings and inner images in dreams and imaginations, through the role of art creations and biographical narratives. As a whole, this book provides a therapeutic synopsis of the entire existence, which begins with conception. Explaining how experiences in the prenatal period influence basic psychological imprints across the lifespan, this book is an essential resource for students in a wide range of interrelated disciplines, including developmental psychology, paediatric medicine, neuroscience, infancy and early child development, nursing, social work and early childhood education. It may also be of interest to researchers, clinicians and related professionals.

`This is an impressive work... and will provide the advanced reader with a rich source of theory and evidence. There is a huge amount to be got from the book and I suspect it will become a key work' - J Gavin Bremner, Department of Psychology, Lancaster University The Handbook of Developmental Psychology is a comprehensive, authoritative yet frontier-pushing overview of the study of human development presented in a single-volume format. It is ideal for experienced individuals wishing for an up-to-date survey of the central themes prevalent to developmental psychology, both past and present, and for those seeking a reference work to help appreciate the subject for the first time. The insightful contributions from world-leading developmental psychologists successfully and usefully integrate different perspectives to studying the subject, following a systematic life-span structure, from pre-natal development through to old age in human beings. The Handbook then concludes with a substantive section on the methodological approaches to the study of development, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This unique reference work will be hugely influential for anyone needing or wishing for a broad, yet enriched understanding of this fascinating subject. It will be a particularly invaluable resource for academics and researchers in the fields of developmental psychology, education, parenting, cultural and biological psychology and anthropology.

This book provides an overview of fetal psychobiological research, focusing on brain and behavior, genetic and epigenetic factors affecting both short and long-term development, and technological breakthroughs in the field. These focal points intersect throughout the chapters, as in the challenges of evaluating the fetal central nervous system, the myriad impacts of maternal stressors and resiliencies, and the salience of animal studies. It also discusses specific monitoring and assessment methods, including cardiotocography, biomagnetometry, 4D ultrasound, in utero MRI, and the KANET test. Spanning assessment, identification, and pre- and postnatal intervention, the book weighs the merits of standardized evaluations and argues for more integrative research in the future. Included in the coverage: Effects on the fetus of maternal anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy. Clinical and experimental research in human fetuses and animal models. Observational research including the use of behaviors in developing tests to assess fetal health. Fetal auditory processing and implications for language development. Fetal effects of prenatal exposure to selective SRI antidepressant exposure. Structural and functional imaging of the prenatal brain. The effects of alcohol exposure on fetal development. Fetal Development: Research on Brain and Behavior, Environmental Influences, and Emerging Technologies is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, as well as students in a wide range of fields such as developmental psychology, pediatric and obstetrical medicine, neuroscience, nursing, social work, and early childhood education.

The handbook synthesizes the comprehensive interdisciplinary research on the psychological and behavioral dimensions of life before, during, and immediately after birth. It examines how experiences during the prenatal period are associated with basic physiological and psychological imprints that last a lifetime and explores the ways in which brain networks reflect these experiences. Chapters offer findings on prenatal development, fetal programming, fetal stress, and epigenetics. In addition, chapters discuss psychotherapy for infants – before, during, and after birth – as well as prevention to promote positive health and well-being outcomes. Topics featured in this handbook include: Contemporary environmental stressors and adverse pregnancy outcomes The psychology of newborn intensive care. Art therapy and its use in treating prenatal trauma. The failures and successes of Cathartic Regression Therapy. Prenatal bonding and its positive effects on postnatal health and well-being. The role of family midwives and early prevention. The cultural meaning of prenatal psychology. The Handbook of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, as well as graduate students in a wide range of interrelated disciplines, including developmental psychology, pediatric and obstetrical medicine, neuroscience, infancy and early child development, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, social work, and early childhood education.

The influence of the preconception and prenatal period on child development and parent-child relationships. This book presents recent knowledge, research, and theory about the earliest developmental period—from conception to birth—which holds even greater consequences for the health and development of the human organism than was previously understood. Theory and research in multiple disciplines provide the foundation for the exploration of how experiences during conception and time in the womb; during and after birth; and experiences with caregivers and the family system in the early postnatal period impact an individual physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially over their life span. Knowledge drawn from numerous fields highlights the opportunity for parents-to-be and the practitioners who care for them to intentionally support the cultivation of nurturing internal and external environments during the preconception, prenatal, and early parenting periods. Theory and research from the fields of psychology, medicine, psychophysiology, epigenetics, and traumatology, among others, suggest that doing so will support lifelong multidimensional aspects of healthy development in children and adults and may also benefit future generations.

`This is an impressive work... and will provide the advanced reader with a rich source of theory and evidence. There is a huge amount to be got from the book and I suspect it will become a key work′ - J Gavin Bremner, Department of Psychology, Lancaster University The Handbook of Developmental Psychology is a comprehensive, authoritative yet frontier-pushing overview of the study of human development presented in a single-volume format. It is ideal for experienced individuals wishing for an up-to-date survey of the central themes prevalent to developmental psychology, both past and present, and for those seeking a reference work to help appreciate the subject for the first time. The insightful contributions from world-leading developmental psychologists successfully and usefully integrate different perspectives to studying the subject, following a systematic life-span structure, from pre-natal development through to old age in human beings. The Handbook then concludes with a substantive section on the methodological approaches to the study of development, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This unique reference work will be hugely influential for anyone needing or wishing for a broad, yet enriched understanding of this fascinating subject. It will be a particularly invaluable resource for academics and researchers in the fields of developmental psychology, education, parenting, cultural and biological psychology and anthropology.

Covering core topics such as the development of attachment, social relations, cognitive and language development and social and cultural contexts of development, this introductory text addresses the core knowledge domain of developmental psychology. It provides concise and focused coverage of the central concepts, research and debates, while developing students′ higher level skills. Key chapters cover development across the lifespan, including the prenatal period, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, while activities help readers build the underpinning generic critical thinking and transferable skills they need to become independent learners, and to meet the requirements of their programme of study.

An Introduction to Developmental Psychology, 3rd Edition is a representative and authoritative 'state of the art' account of human development from conception to adolescence. The text is organised chronologically and also thematically and written by renowned experts in the field, and presents a truly international account of theories, findings and issues. The content is designed with a broad range of readers in mind, and in particular those with little previous exposure to developmental psychology.