In this fascinating book, a distinguished group of psychologists presents the latest research on competence and incompetence--real and perceived--from childhood through adulthood. This book brings the insights of social and personality psychology to bear on questions of intelligence; it is also distinctive in showing how the way we perceive our own abilities affects our performances and our mental health.

"Well-organized, the book moves smoothly from developmental to social to clinical perspectives. Its preface provides an excellent preview of the work to come, and the final chapter...