Constancy and Change in Human Development

This book explores the flexibility of human nature and the potential for meaningful change throughout life, addressing profound questions on development.

How flexible is human nature? Can individuals undergo significant transformations, or are there inherent limitations on personal growth dictated by genetics and early life experiences? These inquiries resonate deeply with both our political and personal lives, sparking intense discussions within the behavioral sciences. The book Constancy and Change in Human Development delves into these critical questions, offering insights from a variety of perspectives.

In Constancy and Change in Human Development, editors Brim and Kagan compile a comprehensive examination of the existing research surrounding human growth and development. They have gathered an exceptional team of specialists to evaluate the dynamics of change and continuity across various dimensions of life, including physical, mental, and emotional development. The book opens with three foundational chapters that contextualize the concepts of continuity and discontinuity within historical and philosophical frameworks before exploring a wide array of developmental themes.

The text covers numerous topics, including the adaptability of the human central nervous system, the influence of social institutions on individual transformation, and various aspects of personal development such as physical growth, cognitive abilities, personality traits, and even criminal behavior. Throughout the chapters, the central question remains: Is development a continuous journey where early experiences reliably forecast future outcomes, or are there significant breaks that make individual growth unpredictable? The diverse and rich responses to this inquiry make this book an unparalleled resource on human development.