International Journal of Developmental Science - Volume 7, issue 2

Authors: Valsiner, Jaan | Scheithauer, Herbert

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300072

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 65-67, 2013

Authors: Lux, Vanessa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The emerging field of molecular epigenetics studies relatively stable changes in genetic activity that are not due to changes in the DNA sequence. Initial research results indicate a functional role for epigenetic mechanisms in neuron development and neuronal cell function. However, concepts that integrate these findings in an overall theory of psychobiological development have yet to be developed. Gilbert Gottlieb's probabilistic epigenesis and his scheme of psychobiological development provide an ideal starting point for this effort. Based on a modified version of Gottlieb's scheme of psychobiological development, this study conceptualizes epigenetic mechanisms as molecular underpinnings mediating interactions between neural and …genetic activity levels. Three different functional contexts of epigenetic mechanisms in neuronal cells are identified: genomic, developmental, and synaptic. Finally, consequences for a model of psychobiological development and implications for future research in molecular epigenetics are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Epigenetics, psychology, development, model, probabilistic epigenesis

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300073

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 69-78, 2013

Authors: Lickliter, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300074

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 79-82, 2013

Authors: Greenberg, Gary

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300075

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 83-86, 2013

Authors: Lamm, Ehud

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300076

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 87-91, 2013

Authors: Gartstein, Maria A. | Slobodskaya, Helena R. | Kirchhoff, Cornelia | Putnam, Samuel P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study was designed to examine cross-cultural differences in longitudinal links between infant temperament toddler behavior problems in the U.S. (N = 250) and Russia (N = 129). Profiles of risk/protective temperament factors varied across the two countries, with fewer significant temperament effects observed for the Russian, relative to the U.S. children. Regression analyses indicated important contributions for high levels of infant Negative Affectivity, and low levels of Falling Reactivity and Soothability, to Internalizing type difficulties for U.S., but not Russian, youngsters. Falling Reactivity also lowered the risk for Externalizing problems in the U.S., with Vocal Reactivity emerging as …a marginal risk factor for Externalizing difficulties in Russia only. In addition, a number of mean differences between Russia and U.S. with respect to temperament and behavior problem scores, as well as significant interactions between culture and gender for Fear and Low Intensity Pleasure, emerged. Overall, this pattern of results may be indicative of greater importance of early self-regulation of negative emotions for children in the U.S. Show more

Keywords: Temperament, cross-cultural developmental psychology, behavior problems, early childhood

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1312104

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 95-104, 2013

Authors: Khairullah, Ammar | May, Margaret T. | Tilling, Kate | Howe, Laura D. | Leonard, Gabriel | Perron, Michel | Richer, Louis | Veillette, Suzanne | Pausova, Zdenka | Paus, Tomáš

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is important to account for timing of puberty when studying the adolescent brain and cognition. The use of classical methods for assessing pubertal status may not be feasible in some studies, especially in male adolescents. Using data from a sample of 478 males from a longitudinal birth cohort, we describe the calculations of three independent height-based markers of pubertal timing: Age at Peak Height Velocity (APHV), Height Difference in Standard Deviations (HDSDS), and Percent Achieved of Adult Stature (PAAS). These markers correlate well with each other. In a separate cross-sectional study, we show that the PAAS marker correlates well …with testosterone levels and self-reported pubertal-stage scores. We conclude by discussing key considerations for investigators when drawing upon these methods of assessing pubertal timing. Show more

Keywords: Males, height, pubertal timing, ALSPAC, Saguenay Youth Study, testosterone

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1312120

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 105-116, 2013

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-1300077

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 117-117, 2013