This new textbook addresses social development using a multitude of theories from different areas within psychology that have in recent years come into prominence in developmental psychology (i.e. evolutionary psychology; abnormal psychology and forensic psychology). In addition to addressing 'normal development,' built into the text is a consideration 'of when things go wrong' and how such cases inform 'normal development.' This text explores the interaction between nature-driven and nurture-driven explanations of social development and how nature can influence nurture and how nurture can influence nature. Includes coverage of the 'hot topics' and debates that have emerged in the last five years, including risk-taking behaviour, and social developmental aspects of social media and technology (especially cyber bullying) Filled with textbook features to aid understanding, including chapter summaries, key term definitions, essay style questions, 'In the Real World' boxes that apply theory to practical situations to help students see the links between theory and application.