Challenging prevailing psychological theories that view human development as an isolated self's trajectory from dependency to independence, relational-cultural theory (RCT) treats growth in terms of culturally-embedded relationships throughout the life span. Jordan (Wellesley College Centers for Women, psychiatry, Harvard Medical School) introduces the genesis of RCT as a model to better represent women's experiences, its core concepts, and approach to treating disconnection. The text includes clinical vignettes, supporting research, a glossary of key terms, and suggested readings. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)