Children’s Biobehavioral Risk

Most of us have been raised to believe that our parents play the most important role in our lives. And, traditionally, developmental psychologists (e.g., Freud, Erikson) have placed a great deal of emphasis on the impact of parents. But what if parents are not as important as previously thought?

More recent theory and research has challenged this assumption by suggesting that individual characteristics (e.g., temperament) and forces outside the family (e.g., peers) are more important in shaping development. How does this new information challenge your previously held beliefs?

To prepare for the Assignment:

Review your course text readings from previous weeks, paying particular attention to any research related to parent’s roles. Focus on content that addresses early