Originally proposed in 1975, the transactional model has become central to understanding the interplay of nature and nurture in explaining the development of positive and negative outcomes for children. This book documents current research in developmental psychology and the transactional model of development. Part I introduces the transactional model and designs for transactional research. Parts II and III focus on the predictive power of the transactional model and the many social settings that contribute to children's progress. Part II specifically examines the relationship between child characteristics and behaviors and parents' child-rearing beliefs and behaviors. Part III broadens the perspective on child development to include the effects of the interplay among children and parents, neighborhood, school, and socioeconomic environments. Parts IV and V discuss new directions in transactional psychology and examine the idea of the transaction itself. Material originated at a conference held at the University of Michigan. Sameroff teaches psychology at the Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)