Child and Adolescent Psychology by Dr. Sunita Agarwalla is a comprehensive and student-friendly textbook designed according to the CBCS syllabus for B.A. 6th Semester Education Honours. The book provides an in-depth understanding of the developmental processes of childhood and adolescence, focusing on cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and personality development.

The content covers major theories of development, learning processes, behavioural patterns, mental health issues, and challenges faced during the formative years. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of family, school, peers, and society on the psychological growth of children and adolescents. The book also explores developmental problems, adjustment issues, identity formation, and factors contributing to healthy development.

Written in clear and accessible language, each chapter includes explanations, illustrations, and educational applications that help students grasp concepts easily and relate them to real-life learning environments. Published by Mahaveer Publications, this textbook is ideal for Education Honours students, trainee teachers, and readers seeking foundational knowledge in developmental and educational psychology.

UNIT 01: Introduction

1.1 Meaning and Significance of Child Psychology

1.2 Historical Perspectives of Development of Child Psychology

1.3 Factors Affecting Child Development

• Positive and Negative Factors

• Home / Family

• School

• Society

1.4 Methods used in Child Psychology

UNIT 02: Developmental Patterns & Concerns during Childhood

2.1 Development Patterns during Childhood

• Physical Development

• Mental / Cognitive Development

• Emotional Development

• Social Development

• Language Development

2.2 Common Childhood Problems

• Problems of Discipline

• Behaviour and Adjustment Problems

  • Anger

  • Aggression

  • Truancy

2.3 Deficiency & Deprivations during Childhood

• Natural

• Physiological

• Socio-economic

• Social Adjustment Problems (shyness, hesitation, jealousy)

2.4 Prevention & Correction of Childhood Problems

2.5 Role of Education

UNIT 03: Psychology of Adolescence

3.1 Meaning and Need for the Study of Adolescent Psychology

3.2 Theories of Adolescent Psychology

• Recapitulation Theory

• Youth Culture Theory

• Social Anxiety Theory

3.3 Development Patterns during Adolescence

• Physical Development

• Mental / Cognitive Development

• Social Development

• Emotional Development

• Moral Development

3.4 Risk and Resilience in Adolescents

• Risk Factors in Adolescence

• Strategies to Enhance Resilience in Adolescents

UNIT 04: Needs and Problems of Adolescents

4.1 Needs of Adolescents Today

4.2 Problems of Adolescents

• Emotional Problems

• Adjustment Problems

• Deviance and Delinquency

4.3 Common Adolescent Problems in Educational Institutions

• Violence & Vandalism

• Hetero-sexual attractions

• Substance abuse

4.4 Role of Society in Caring for Adolescents

• Parents

• Educational Institutions

• Society