The origins of human nature: Evolutionary developmental psychology.

An attempt to define the field of evolutionary developmental psychology - the application of the principle of natural selection to explain contemporary human development. The authors point out that an evolutionary-developmental perspective allows one to view gene-environment interactions, the significance of individual differences, and the role of behaviour and development in evolution in much greater depth. The authors also focus on how an evolutionary perspective can foster a better understanding of human development and how developmental processes may have influenced the course of human evolution. There are chapters that explore factors influencing parenting and other aspects of family life; the role of play; and the interacting roles of an extended juvenile period, a big brain, and a complex social structure in human cognitive evolution. The authors present a hybrid approach to evolution and development, pointing out that though underlying assumptions held by evolutionary and developmental psychologists have been at odds, each field has much to offer the other. This book offers readers the first book-length attempt to define the emerging field of evolutionary developmental psychology, which applies the basic principles of Darwinian evolution, particularly natural selection, to explain contemporary human development. The authors point out that an evolutionary developmental perspective allows one to interpret aspects of psychological functioning, like gene-environment interactions and the significance of individual differences, differently than an environmental perspective that treats development only superficially. Of particular interest are chapters that explore factors influencing parenting and other aspects of family life (such as dealing with siblings); the role of play from an evolutionary perspective; and the interacting roles of an extended juvenile period, a big brain, and a complex social structure in human cognitive evolution. The authors present a hybrid approach to evolution and development, pointing out that, although underlying assumptions held by evolutionary and developmental psychologists have been at odds, each field has much to offer the other. This volume will be a useful resource for scholars and others interested in the relation between evolution and psychological development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved) The Origins Of Human Nature Offers Readers The First Book-length Attempt To Define The Field Of Evolutionary Developmental Psychology -- The Application Of The Principle Of Natural Selection To Explain Contemporary Human Development. The Authors Point Out That An Evolutionary -- Developmental Perspective Allows One To View Gene -- Environment Interactions, The Significance Of Individual Differences, And The Role Of Behavior And Development In Evolution In Much Greater Depth. The Authors Also Focus On How An Evolutionary Perspective Can Foster A Better Understanding Of Human Development And How Developmental Processes May Have Influenced The Course Of Human Evolution. Of Particular Interest Are Chapters That Explore Factors Influencing Parenting And Other Aspects Of Family Life; The Role Of Play; And The Interacting Roles Of An Extended Juvenile Period, A Big Brain, And A Complex Social Structure In Human Cognitive Evolution. The Authors Present A Hybrid Approach To Evolution And Development, Pointing Out That Though Underlying Assumptions Held By Evolutionary And Developmental Psychologists Have Been At Odds, Each Field Has Much To Offer The Other. Preface Acknowledgements 1 Evolutionary Developmental Psychology 2 A New Science of the Developing Mind 3 History and Controversy 4 The Benefits of Youth 5 Classifying Cognition 6 Prepared to Learn 7 Social Cognition 8 All in the Family: Parents and Other Relations 9 Interactions, Relationships, and Groups 10 Homo ludens: The Importance of Play 11 Epilogue: Evolution and Development References Author Index Subject Index About the Authors