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New Book Explores Development of a Child's Consciousness and Emotional Intelligence
New Brunswick, NJ -- Michael Lewis, PhD, Distinguished University Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey has published "The Rise of Consciousness and the Development of Emotional Life." According to the book's description, "Synthesizing decades of influential research and theory, Michael Lewis demonstrates the centrality of consciousness for emotional development. At first, infants' competencies constitute innate reactions to particular physical events in the child's world. These "action patterns" are not learned, but are readily influenced by temperament and social interactions. With the rise of consciousness, these early competencies become reflected feelings, giving rise to the self-conscious emotions of empathy, envy, and embarrassment, and, later, shame, guilt, and pride. Focusing on typically developing children, Lewis also explores problems of atypical emotional development."
Dr. Lewis has directed the Institute for the Study of Child Development at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for more than 25 years and has been committed to three goals: research, education and the exchange of information to share with parents. Lewis, who also is professor of Psychology, Education, Cognitive Science, and Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University, is considered one of the world's leading experts in the social and emotional development of typical and atypical children. A University of Notre Dame study ranked him first among scientists who are most referenced and productive in the field of developmental sciences, and whose work has the greatest impact. In addition, Lewis is currently in the top 1.5 percent of scientists referenced in the Social Science Index. His work was recognized in 2009 with the Urie Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contribution to Developmental Psychology in the Service of Science and Society from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Developmental Psychology section. The award is given to an individual whose work has, over a lifetime career, not only contributed to the science of developmental psychology, but also advanced the application of developmental psychology to society. The individual’s contributions may have been made through advocacy, direct service, influencing public policy or education, or other routes that enable scientific developmental psychology to better the condition of children and families.
Published by The Guilford Press on October 31, (ISBN 978-1-4625-1252-2) the book is available for purchase in print and digital editions through major stores and online retailers.
About Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
As one of the nation's leading comprehensive medical schools, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, research, health care delivery, and the promotion of community health. In cooperation with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the medical school's principal affiliate, they comprise New Jersey's premier academic medical center. In addition, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has 34 other hospital affiliates and ambulatory care sites throughout the region.
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School encompasses 20 basic science and clinical departments, and hosts centers and institutes including The Cardiovascular Institute, the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, and the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey. The medical school maintains educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels for more than 1,500 students on its campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway, and provides continuing education courses for health care professionals and community education programs. To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, visit rwjms.rutgers.edu. Find us online at facebook.com/RWJMedicalSchool and twitter.com/RWJMS.