The construct of brain maturation in theories of child development

Abstract

Developmental psychologists have avoided using brain maturation as a primary construct in theories of child development for a variety of reasons during the past 40 years. However, during the last decade we have seen a return to considering brain growth as a useful element in theory construction. During the past few years, the frontal lobe has received increasing attention with respect to major developmental issues. In this Introduction, we review some of these historical and contemporary trends. © 1992.