A child′s changing views of control over the course of development leads to significant changes in psychological functioning - this is the central thesis of this volume which examines theory and research on the emergence and development of beliefs among children and adolescents, and their expression in relation to dysfunction at different ages. The authors focus on illustrative problems which peak at particular age periods: negativism and phobias in early childhood; hostile aggression and inferiority in middle childhood; and rebellion and depression in adolescence. This book helps explain some of the major cognitive-developmental bases of problems, thus providing essential information for designing effective interventions.