Familial and Nonfamilial Relationships as Ecological Sources of Health and Positive Development Across the Life Span: A View of the Issues

Abstract

Relational developmental systems theories emphasize that development is embodied within cross-context relations. Little research has appraised the simultaneous effects of multiple contexts for healthy and positive development within and across developmental periods. The research in this issue explores how familial and nonfamilial contexts combine to serve as ecological bases for development across the life span. The articles vary with respect to the period of the life span they examine, the ecological contexts of concern, and the developmental outcomes of interest. However, all articles emphasize the integrative role of variables within and across contexts in positive, healthy life span development.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The preparation of this article was supported in parts by grants from the John Templeton Foundation, the National 4-H Council, and the Thrive Foundation for Youth.