Culture and Context in Human Behavior Change

This book provides an interdisciplinary perspective on theory, research, and applications in human behavior change. Chapters from clinical, developmental, and community psychology and education are united by common principles and an emphasis on culture and context. The contributions of Roland Tharp to each of these fields are highlighted. The roles of parents, teachers, peers, families, schools, and neighborhoods are explored. Topics include behavior therapy, child development and culture, community programs, delinquency prevention, youth mentoring, instructional conversation, school reform, teacher professional development, and culturally relevant instruction. For each topic, new research challenges are identified. This volume is recommended for a variety of courses in psychology and education.

The Editors: Clifford R. O’Donnell received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. He is Professor at the University of Hawai’i, where he is Director of the Community and Culture Psychology Graduate Program. He received the 2001 Award for «Outstanding Contributions to Training and Education in Community Research and Action» and is President (2004-2005) of the Society for Community Research and Action (APA Division 27). He has written books on Childhood Aggression, Community Psychology, and Culture, Peers, and Delinquency. Lois A. Yamauchi received her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Hawai’i at Mänoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Hawai’i. Her research focuses on cultural influences on learning and the educational experiences of indigenous teachers and students. She is co-author of the book Teaching Transformed: Achieving Excellence, Fairness, Inclusion, and Harmony.