This text focuses on the diversity of environmental, biological, and cultural factors, and their dynamic interplay in child and adolescent development. The authors have integrated examples of diversity throughout the text, in the domains of physical, psychological and cultural differences, gender, race, ethnicity, and social and economic status. Community and social issues are also covered extensively, to help students think critically about their world. As many students are pursuing careers as teachers, care providers or parents, the authors focus the material on these real-world applications and demonstrate how theory and research matter for what students need in their own lives.