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The science of humanity and the humanity of science: Perspectives on Ed Zigler's contributions to developmental psychopathology and the study of all children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2021

Jacob A. Burack Open the ORCID record for Jacob A. Burack [Opens in a new window] ,
David W. Evans Open the ORCID record for David W. Evans [Opens in a new window] ,
Jenilee-Sarah Napoleon Open the ORCID record for Jenilee-Sarah Napoleon [Opens in a new window] ,
Vanessa K. Weva Open the ORCID record for Vanessa K. Weva [Opens in a new window] ,
Natalie Russo Open the ORCID record for Natalie Russo [Opens in a new window]  and
Grace Iarocci Open the ORCID record for Grace Iarocci [Opens in a new window]
Jacob A. Burack*
Affiliation:
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
David W. Evans
Affiliation:
Program in Neuroscience, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA
Jenilee-Sarah Napoleon
Affiliation:
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Vanessa K. Weva
Affiliation:
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Natalie Russo
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
Grace Iarocci
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
*
Author for Correspondence: Jacob A. Burack, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 3700 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada; E-mail: jake.burack@mcgill.ca
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Abstract

We present this article as a testament to Ed Zigler's commitment to science in the service of humanity and to policy based on conceptually compelling theory and methodologically rigorous science. In doing so, we highlight ways that Ed's universal and inclusive developmental world view, early training as a behaviorist, exacting scientific standards, concern for others, and appreciation of his own roots and upbringing all transformed the way that many different groups of people of all ages and backgrounds are studied, viewed, and intervened with by researchers, policy makers, and society at large. Ed's narrative of development rather than defect, universality rather than difference, and holistic rather than reductionist continues to compel us in the quest for a kinder, more inclusive, and enabling society. Conversely, Ed's behaviorist training as a graduate student also influenced him throughout his career and was essential to his career-long commitment to systemic action in the service of improving the lives of others. We cite the lessons that we, as his descendants, learned from Ed and apply them to our own areas of research with populations that Ed did not study, but had considerable interest in – persons with autism spectrum disorder and Indigenous youth.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorderdevelopmental approachEd ZiglerIndigenous youthintellectual disability
Type
Special Issue Article
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 33 , Special Issue 2: Honoring the Legacy of Ed Zigler's Lifetime Contributions to Science, Society, and Child Wellbeing , May 2021 , pp. 441 - 452
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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