In this article, we directly question the common practice in growth mixture model (GMM) applications that exclusively rely on the fitting model without covariates for GMM class enumeration. We provide theoretical and simulation evidence to demonstrate that exclusion of covariates from GMM class enumeration could be problematic in many cases. Based…

This article focuses on the common and unique contributions of three major life-span theories in addressing improvement/maintenance and reorientation, which represent central processes of coping with major life change and loss. For this purpose, we review and compare the dual-process model of assimilative and accommodative coping, the model of…

The Individual Development creativity model developed here is for the thousands of teachers who would like to have an instructional handle on creativity. (Author/RK)

Through the application of life course theory to the study of sexual orientation, this paper specifies a new paradigm for research on human sexual orientation that seeks to reconcile divisions among biological, social science, and humanistic paradigms. Recognizing the historical, social, and cultural relativity of human development, this paradigm…

The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the social difficulties of students with Autism. A review of Erikson's Theory supports why developing social skills is important. No Child Left Behind evidence-based practices are suggested to assist these students. A literature review was conducted on these topics using key words to…

Extending the work of behavioral scientist Urie Bronfenbrenner on the social and contextual factors influencing human development, this collection of essays, from scholars in a range of disciplines, shows how Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and research have transformed the way many social and behavioral scientists approach, think about, and…

Proposes the dialectical perspective as offering fertile ground for the integration of child and family research and training. Defines the dialectical perspective and then discusses its applicability in a department of child and family studies. (Author)

This paper presents and discusses a model of a comprehensive educational system committed to humane education. The value of a school experience is determined by the quality of the living experience that occurs in the school. This experience generally does not include at present a systematic realization of humane potential on the elementary level.…