The evolutionary perspective has influenced many subfields of psychology and related social sciences in the last three decades. However, developmental psychology has remained largely immune to evolutionary thinking. What does evolutionary thinking have to offer developmental psychology and the study of child development? This book invites some of the leading figures in evolutionary developmental psychology to discuss cutting-edge research and its significance in related fields. By laying out the utility and importance of evolutionary thinking in developmental science, each chapter shows how the evolutionary perspective both opens new avenues of research by posing novel questions and providing insightful answers to age-old questions and debates. In the process, their overviews pay particular attention to the theoretical and empirical contributions of Jay Belsky, a pioneering developmental psychologist who has paved the way forward for the field. A short tribute and biography follow the chapters to pay homage to his work.

‘The profound and lasting impact of Jay Belsky’s work on developmental psychology is reflected in the chapters in this volume. Belsky’s pioneering research on the determinants of parenting, evolutionary developmental psychology, child maltreatment, attachment, and differential susceptibility to environmental influences, among other topics, continues to guide contemporary research and theory.’

David F. Bjorklund - Professor of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University

‘Kanazawa has assembled an all-star cast of scientists to celebrate the past and continuing contributions of one of psychology’s mavericks, Jay Belsky. Jay is one of the pioneers in the integration of psychological models of early development with evolutionary principles and this is a fitting tribute to his many contributions.’

David C. Geary - Curators’ Distinguished Professor, University of Missouri

‘This is a wonderful book, containing chapters written by leaders in developmental psychology and psychopathology, highlighting the amazing richness, scope, and depth of Jay Belsky’s groundbreaking contributions, while illustrating how powerfully and broadly his work has inspired and transformed our thinking about development. A remarkable volume - a fitting tribute to a remarkable career!’

Grazyna Kochanska - Dewey B. Stuit Professor, University of Iowa

‘The breadth of chapters is impressive, written by leading figures, covering diverse topics such as childcare, child maltreatment, attachment, differential susceptibility, evolutionary perspectives in developmental sciences (to name but a few). The volume provides evidence for a groundbreaking scientific legacy, with so many implications. This is a book that every student and researcher must read, and it will become a classic.’

Abraham (Avi) Sagi-Schwartz - Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Haifa and Tel Hai College, Israel