New Release Books by Susan Golombok

From one of the world''s leading experts, this absorbing narrative history of the changing structure of modern families shows how children can flourish in any kind of loving home. The past few decades have seen extraordinary change in the idea of a family. The unit once understood to include two straight parents and their biological children has expanded vastly—same-sex marriage, adoption, IVF, sperm donation, and other forces have enabled new forms to take shape. This has resulted in enormous upheaval and controversy, but as Susan Golombok shows in this compelling and important book, it has also meant the health and happiness of parents and children alike. Golombok''s stories, drawn from decades of research, are compelling and dramatic: family secrets kept for years and then inadvertently revealed; children reunited with their biological parents or half siblings they never knew existed; and painful legal battles to determine who is worthy of parenting their own children. Golombok explores the novel moral questions that changing families create, and ultimately makes a powerful argument that the bond between family members, rather than any biological or cultural factor, is what ensures a safe and happy future. We Are Family is unique, authoritative, and deeply humane. It makes an important case for all families—old, new, and yet unimagined.

The edition of this classic text has been completely revised and updated, taking into account recent developments in the field of psychometrics. Part 1 of Modern Psychometrics outlines the background, history and controversies surrounding psychological testing. Part 2 provides a practical guide for developing a psychometric test. Modern Psychometrics forms the ideal companion for those studying for the British Psychological Society''s Certificates of Competence in Testing

This book provides an expert view of research on parenting and child development in new family forms.

Today psychometrics plays an increasingly important role in all our lives as testing and assessment occurs from preschool until retirement. This book introduces the reader to the subject in all its aspects, ranging from its early history, school examinations, how to construct your own test, controversies about IQ and recent developments in testing on the internet. In Part one of Modern Psychometrics, Rust and Golombok outline the history of the field and discuss central theoretical issues such as IQ, personality and integrity testing and the impact of computer technology and the internet. In Part two a practical step-by-step guide to the development of a psychometric test is provided. This will enable anyone wishing to develop their own test to plan, design, construct and validate it to a professional standard. This third edition has been extensively updated and expanded to take into account recent developments in the field, making it the ideal companion for those studying for the British Psychological Society’s Certificates of Competence in Testing. Modern Psychometrics combines an up to date scientific approach to the subject with a full consideration of the political and ethical issues involved in the large scale implementation of psychometrics testing in today’s highly networked society, particularly in terms of issues of diversity and internationalism. It will be useful to students and practictioners at all levels who are interested in psychometrics.

Parenting: What Really Counts? examines the scientific evidence on what really matters for children''s healthy psychological development. The first section considers whether it is necessary to have two parents, a father present, parents who have a genetic link with their child, or parents who are heterosexual. Section two explores the psychological processes that underlie optimal development for children, particularly the quality of the child''s relationship with parents, other family members and the wider social world. Contrary to common assumptions, Susan Golombok concludes that family structure makes little difference to children''s day-to-day experiences of life. As well as for students, researchers and teachers, Parenting: What really counts? will be of great interest to parents and those thinking of embarking on a non-traditional route to parenthood. It will also be welcomed by professionals working with families and those involved in the development of family policy.

Explores the similarities and differences among young people brought up by lesbian mothers and a comparable group of young adults who were raised by single heterosexual mothers. Carrying important implications for social policy, this work confronts myths and stereotypes.

Gender Development is the first book to examine gender from a truly developmental perspective and fills a real need for a textbook and source book for college and graduate students, parents, teachers, researchers, and counsellors. It examines the processes involved in the development of gender, addressing such sensitive and complex questions as what causes males and females to be different and why they behave in different ways. The authors provide an up-to-date, integrative review of theory and research, tracing gender development from the moment of conception through adulthood and emphasising the complex interaction of biology, socialisation, and cognition. The topics covered include hormonal influences, moral development, play and friendships, experiences at school and work, and psychopathology.