This volume is derived from original presentations given at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia, under the auspices of the Center for Child Well-Being. Scholars, practitioners, public health professionals, and principals in the child development community convened to address a science-based framework for elements of well-being and how the elements might be developed across the life course. Integrating physical, cognitive and social-emotional domains, this publication considers well-being holistically. Focusing on a set of core strengths grouped within these three domains, it also includes a fourth section on developmental strengths through adulthood that broadly examines a continuum of health and development, as well as transitions in well-being. The volume takes a developmental perspective across the life course, describing foundational strengths for well-being - the capacities that can be actively developed, supported or learned. These foundational strengths - problem solving, emotional regulation, and physical safety - are the positive underpinnings of early child health and development, as well as ongoing well-being across the life course.
Working together and blending their respective disciplinary perspectives and expertise, 53 experts in psychology, sociology, child development and medicine have contributed to the book.