ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines certain aspects of the parent-child relationship and of human development from infancy through adulthood. It explores the parent-child relationship and human development in families where emotional or behavioral problems afflict one or more of their members. The book discusses the effect of the media, the interactional perspective, resilient children, and gender; parenting practices and influence and personality stability and exchange with older parents. It focuses on the school, along with its impact on underprivileged and minority families. The book shows how they affect the parent-child relationship: abusive as well as drug dependent and emotionally disturbed parents; children/adolescents who suffer from emotional problems; conduct disorders and delinquency. It explains the role that genetics and environment play in human development and in the parent-child relationship. The book provides overarching themes in terms of theory and intervention as well as social policy.
