The Developing Mind, Second Edition

Reviews / Votes

"Siegel describes his book as 'a journey into the developing mind,' and no one is better equipped to invite psychotherapists and other students of human impulses to share this remarkable adventure. In clear and inspired prose, he reviews facts and theories about the human brain that can be difficult to grasp. He explains how the brain differentiates and enables the creative and passionate mind of a child to share meaningful intentions, experiences, imaginative beliefs, relationships, community, culture, and language. He puts this understanding in the service of a humane and respectful psychotherapy that can give integrity to young lives that have become anxious, chaotic, and rigid."--Colwyn Trevarthen, PhD, FRSE, Professor Emeritus of Child Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

"A tour de force of synthesis and integration. Siegel has woven a rich tapestry that provides a compelling account of how our interpersonal worlds and neural systems form two important pillars of the mind. The second edition brings the latest neuroscientific evidence to the fore; it is a 'must read' for any student or professional interested in mental health, child development, and the brain."--Richard J. Davidson, PhD, William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry; Founder and Chair, Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"When I first read The Developing Mind, I thought it was an amazing and unique book that provided enormous insight into children and their development. I had no idea why a second edition would be needed. But now that I have read this second edition, I realize that the book has reached perfection. Its conceptual integration of mind, brain, and relationships is magnificent. The second edition will provide every teacher, therapist, and parent with a rich understanding of how our interactions with kids shape their brains, their minds, and their entire future. Everyone will want to read this book again and again."--John M. Gottman, PhD, author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

"The seamless integration of scientific knowledge with a profound understanding of subjective experience and human relationships is a rare gift that this book bestows with effortless grace. Siegel continues to excel in his ability to describe the latest findings of neuroscience in accessible language that weaves a masterful tapestry of the synergy linking brain, mind, and experience."--Alicia F. Lieberman, PhD, Irving B. Harris Endowed Chair in Infant Mental Health, University of California, San Francisco

"The Developing Mind, Second Edition, is a compelling, thoughtful, and immensely readable account of the fascinating ways the brain, mind, and relationships co-evolve and interact throughout development. Rigorously updated, this volume captures the enormous and diverse progress within the field of interpersonal neurobiology over the course of the last decade. Siegel is a wonderful storyteller and teacher with a real gift for bringing the complex to life in such a way that it seems almost simple."--Arietta Slade, PhD, Professor, Clinical and Developmental Psychology, The City College and City University of New York

"When The Developing Mind was first published, Siegel's proposal that mind, brain, and relationships represented 'three aspects of one reality' essential to human well-being still seemed closer to inspired speculation than teachable scientific knowledge. Just over a decade later, the neurobiology of interpersonal experience has grown into one of the hottest areas of psychological research. Over two thousand new references surveyed for the second edition testify to just how far neuroscientists, developmental psychologists, and clinicians have brought the field as they begin to more fully chart the interplay of mind, body, and relationships. This splendid second edition--at once accessibly written and meticulously documented--provides a comprehensive guide to this emerging science."--Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, PhD, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, University of California, Davis

"With the original publication of The Developing Mind, the field of interpersonal neurobiology was born. Siegel's genius for synthesizing and humanizing neuroscience, attachment, and developmental theory made the book a bestseller and attracted thousands to this new field. The second edition benefits from over a decade's worth of additional findings, reflections, ideas, and insights. I encourage you to take Siegel up on his offer to share this fascinating journey, whether for the first time or for a return trip. You won't be disappointed."--Louis Cozolino, PhD, Department of Psychology, Pepperdine University

"Fulfilled my wildest expectations. Instead of laboriously struggling to learn about neurobiology, I found myself fairly effortlessly assimilating information because 1) the author is able to present his material in the context of interpersonal relationships in general and the treatment dyad in particular, and 2) the author is a master of lucidity, avoids pedantry, and succeeds in making his data clinically useful."(on the first edition)--American Journal of Psychiatry, 2/29/2012

"I knew that this book was one I should keep handy when I wanted to improve my understanding of information on which the future science of psychiatry will be based."(on the first edition)--Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2/29/2012

"A remarkable book....The Developing Mind boldly transcends the reductionism that characterizes so much of contemporary psychiatry." (on the first edition)--Psychiatric Times, 2/29/2012

"The story Siegel tells is indeed fascinating, essentially describing the transactional processes that happen at the interface between developmental neurobiology and the environment of an individual. He links every level of the system from cell chemistry to brain architecture, to caregiver-infant attachments, to interpersonal relationships in adulthood....This is a book to stimulate, illuminate, and drive our understanding of human developmental processes forwards and I suspect that The Developing Mind will be seen as a milestone work in the future." (on the first edition)--Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1/3/2000

"Why can't we remember what we did at age three? Why are some children unusually shy? What is the biochemistry of humiliation , and how can it be 'toxic to the developing child's brain'? New and plausible answers to these questions emerge from Siegel's synthesis of neurobiology, research psychology and cognitive science....His subjecthow we become the people we aredeserves to hold many readers spellbound." (on the first edition)--Publishers Weekly, 4/14/1999

"Daniel Siegel skillfully navigates readers through the disquiet of fatalism and destiny toward hope and understanding of how our neurobiology is shaped by our society and how we in turn shape our society....Siegel provides a well-integrated thesis on the developing mind and leads the reader from an understanding of the neuron and neuronal networks to the development of social meaning and the social experience within the context of neurobiology. He summarizes and synthesizes contemporary research and knowledge on the development of the mind in a manner that encourages further exploration. In-depth exploration is encouraged by the excellent citations. The Developing Mind is an outstanding addition to the library of those who are interested in how the mind develops, and it is likely to become a well-thumbed reference over the years."--PsycCRITIQUES, 7/31/2013