Diversity and Development: Critical Contexts That Shape Our Lives and Relationships

This edited, counseling-specific text provides graduate students with needed information onhuman growth and development. It provides a brief overview of developmental theories, all ofwhich are a review to students from their undergraduate work. At its heart, the book, basedon Relational-Cultural theory, addresses various topics and critical contexts as they relateto human growth and development and stresses relational development, critical thinking andthe central theme of how shame plays into development.

Table of Contents:
1. Traditional Models of Development: Appreciating Context and Relationship (Dongxiao Qin, Ph.D. and Dana L. Comstock, Ph.D.). 2. Relational-Cultural Theory: A Framework for Relational Development Across the Lifespan (Dana L. Comstock Ph.D. and Dongxiao Qin, Ph.D.). 3. Critical Thinking: Challenging Developmental Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes (Maureen Walker, Ph.D.). 4. Identity Development and the Convergence of Race, Ethnicity, and Gener (Mary Howard-Hamilton, Ed.D. and Kimberly Frazier, Ph.D.). 5. The Developing Counselor (Marilyn Montgomery, Ph.D. and Jeffrey Kottler, Ph.D.). 6. Women's Development (Dana L. Comstock, Ph.D.). 7. Male Development and the Journey Toward Disconnection (David Shepard, Ph.D.). 8. The Developmental Impact of Trauma (Amy Banks, M.D.). 9. The Impact of Trauma and Abuse on Development (Amy Banks, M.D.). 10. Sexuality Across the Life-Span (Stella Kerl, Ph.D. and Ana Juarez, Ph.D.). 11. Gifted Development: It?s Not Easy Being Green (Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D. and Sharon A. Conarton, LCSW). 12. Grief, Loss and Death (Thelma Duffey, Ph.D.). 13. Familial and Relational Transitions Across the Lifespan (Jolynne Reynolds, Ph.D.). 14. The Relational Impact of Addiction Across the Life Span (Thelma Duffey, Ph.D.). 15. Spirituality and Spiritual Development in Context (Melanie Munk, M.A.). 16. Fostering Resilience Throughout Our Lives: New Relational Possibilities. (Linda Hartling, Ph.D.).

Review :
"A rich and very up to date text, written from a diversity of perspectives that is challenging and accessible at the same time. Would be quite intellectually stimulating for the beginner graduate student." OR " it presents a very multicultural approach which is in keeping with the philosophy of counseling programs that have a committemnt to issues of diversity. Gives the reader a good basic overview of past development theories and offers challenges to our past understanding of the lifespan. It is broad and deep at the same time. The nontraditional approach is refreshing and long awaited." "The strength of the proposed text lies in the topic coverage and reflective questions introduced to the reader throughout. The author has paid great attention to the detail and contextual description associated with the relational-cultural model. The current manuscript offers a clear departure in thought and professional development through the integrative nature of the relational-cultural model."