On the Nature of Human Plasticity
Abstract
To what extent are human beings capable of changing their physical characteristics and behavioural patterns over the course of their lives? This question has engaged scientists for decades: the fundamental issue is plasticity. In this wide-ranging book, Richard Lerner explores the relevant theory and empirical evidence in a variety of disciplines: molecular genetics, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, evolutionary biology, anthropology, comparative and developmental psychology, and sociology. The processes studied by each of these disciplines show evidence of plasticity. Conclusions about plasticity have important implications for interventions aimed at enhancing human life, as well as for future research agendas. On the Nature of Human Plasticity will be a valuable resource for all those scientists concerned with human development at biological and social levels and for their students.
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The brain is a substrate that affords cognitive plasticity and is influenced by an individual's behaviors.
“It is helpful to think of the brain as a substrate that affords cognitive plasticity, and as such is influenced by the behaviors of an individual (Cacioppo et al., 2003; Lerner, 1984).”
From Enrichment Effects on Adult Cognitive Development: Can the Functional Capacity of Older Adults Be Preserved and Enhanced? (2008) · cites this paper as Lerner, 1984
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Baltes, P. B. (1997) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/0003-066x.52.4.366 · Cited by 2,066 · see citing works
Hertzog, C., Kramer, A. F., Wilson, R. S., & Lindenberger, U. (2008) · Psychological Science in the Public Interest · doi:10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01034.x · Cited by 1,495 · see citing works
The Life-Course Dynamics of Goal Pursuit and Goal Adjustment: A Two-Process Framework
Brandtstädter, J., & Rothermund, K. (2002) · Developmental Review · doi:10.1006/drev.2001.0539 · Cited by 815 · see citing works
Nesi, J., Choukas-Bradley, S., & Prinstein, M. J. (2018) · Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10567-018-0261-x · Cited by 712 · see citing works
Lifecourse Health Development: Past, Present and Future
Halfon, N., Larson, K., Lu, M., Tullis, E., & Russ, S. (2014) · Maternal and Child Health Journal · doi:10.1007/s10995-013-1346-2 · Cited by 567 · see citing works
Working memory plasticity in old age: practice gain, transfer, and maintenance
Li, S.-C., Schmiedek, F., Huxhold, O., Röcke, C., Smith, J., & Lindenberger, U. (2008) · Psychology and Aging · doi:10.1037/a0014343 · Cited by 369 · see citing works
Trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence
Bogat, G. A., DeJonghe, E., Levendosky, A. A., Davidson, W. S., & von Eye, A. (2006) · Child Abuse & Neglect · doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2005.09.002 · Cited by 240 · see citing works
The index of teaching stress: A measure of student-teacher compatibility
Greene, R. W., Abidin, R. R., & Kmetz, C. (1997) · Journal of School Psychology · doi:10.1016/s0022-4405(97)00006-x · Cited by 101 · see citing works
- Authors
- Lerner, R. M.
- Corresponding author
- Lerner, Richard M.
- ORCID
- Lerner, Richard M.
- Venue
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Published
- 1984-08-31
- OpenAlex
- W4229828167
- Cited by
- 365
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 4.24
- Type
- book
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cambridge University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Keywords
- human plasticity, human development, behavior change, physical changes, neuroplasticity, molecular genetics, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, evolutionary biology, comparative psychology, developmental psychology, anthropology, sociology
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