Biopsychosocial Regulatory Processes in the Development of Childhood Behavioral Problems

In this volume leading behavioral scientists describe advances in our understanding of the multiple biopsychosocial regulatory processes underlying the development of children's behavior disorders. A full spectrum of regulatory influences is addressed, ranging from genes to cultural factors. Individual chapters highlight the importance of developing research paradigms that synthesize biological, behavioral, and social-ecological influences, and of viewing self-regulation as a complex system that reorganizes across development. The regulatory foundations of a diverse range of childhood behavior problems are examined, including anxiety, social withdrawal, depression, conduct problems, inattention and impulsivity, and sleep problems.

“This volume is worth reading. Olson and Sameroff bring together diverse perspectives with the concept of regulatory processes. Unlike many edited volumes, this one provides an integrated formulation, in models of transactions between genes and environments across development. I learned a great deal and will cite this volume for years to come.” —Kenneth A. Dodge, Duke University, “Sheryl Olson and Arnold Sameroff, two of the most thoughtful scientists in the field of developmental psychology, have pulled together an outstanding volume on regulatory processes. Their book offers both breadth and depth on the development of regulation, and individual chapters range from neurotransmitters and temperament-by-environment interactions to culture and self-regulation within the family. Although dysregulatory problems and the development of psychopathology are discussed, the book also addresses the essential topic of developing regulatory competence. Overall, the book allows the reader an up-to-date treatment of a topic of fundamental importance to our field, and I highly recommend it.” —Mary K. Rothbart, University of Oregon, “This remarkable book takes our thinking about children's self-regulation to the next level. The contributors unpack the concept of "dysregulation" in childhood behavioral problems, and put a spotlight on the different regulatory influences that can arise from within and around the child, their interaction and their development over time. The research programs profiled in these chapters represent the best of the science in this field. A wonderful resource!” —Ross Thompson, University of California, Davis

Sheryl Olson is Professor of Psychology and Research Professor in the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. She served as Director of Clinical Training between 2000 and 2005. She is Principal Investigator of the Michigan Longitudinal Study, a prospective longitudinal investigation of the development of self-regulation in young children at risk for school-age behavior problems. Dr Olson has received teaching and mentoring awards from the University of Michigan. Arnold Sameroff is Professor of Psychology and Research Professor in the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Michigan. Dr Sameroff has won major awards for his distinguished contributions to developmental science, including the G. Stanley Hall Award for Distinguished Contributions to Developmental Psychology (Divison 7, APA) and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for Research in Child Development. He is the author of more than 160 publications relevant to the development of mental health across the lifespan, including a forthcoming volume on transactional development.