ISBN Evolution Early Experience and Human Development ( From Research to Practice and Policy ) book 506 pages

The field of cognitive psychology has expanded rapidly in recent years with experts in affective and cognitive neuroscience revealing more about mammalian brain function than ever before. In contrast psychological problems such as ADHD autism anxiety and depression are on the rise as are medical conditions such as diabetes obesity and autoimmune disorders. Why in this era of unprecedented scientific self-knowledge does there seem to be so much uncertainty about what human beings need for optimal development? Evolution Early Experience and Human Development asserts that human development is being misshaped by government policies social practices and public beliefs that fail to consider basic human needs. In this pioneering volume scientists from a range of disciplines theorize that the increase in conditions such as depression and obesity can be partially attributed to a disparity between the environments and conditions under which our mammalian brains currently develop and our evolutionary heritage. For example healthy brain and emotional development depends to a significant extent upon caregiver availability and quality of care. These include practices such as breastfeeding co-sleeping and parental social support which have waned in modern society but nevertheless may be integral to healthy development. As the authors argue without a more informed appreciation of the ideal conditions under which human brains/minds develop and function human beings will continue to struggle with suboptimal mental and physical health and as problems emerge psychological treatments alone will not be effective. The best approach is to recognize these needs at the outset so as to optimize child development. Evolution Early Experience and Human Development puts forth a logical empirically based argument regarding human mammalian needs for optimal development based on research from anthropology neurobiology animal science and human development. The result is a unique exploration of evolutionary approaches to human behavior that will support the advancement of new policies new attitudes towards health and alterations in childcare practices that will better promote healthy human development.