Ch 10: emotional development

These flashcards cover key concepts of emotional development in infants and children based on the lecture notes.

What defines an emotion?

A feeling state that includes distinctive physiological responses, can be expressed to others, involves cognitive appraisal, and can motivate action.

What are the universal emotions?

Joy, fear, anger, surprise, sadness, disgust, and happiness.

When does the social smile emerge in infants?

Around 6-10 weeks, when they can start to clearly see faces.

What causes anger to increase in infants?

Frustration from desired objects being removed, arms restrained, or being put down for a nap.

What is stranger anxiety, and when does it typically develop?

A fear of unfamiliar people that typically rises during the second half of the first year.

What self-conscious emotions emerge around 18-24 months?

Guilt, pride, and shame, which require self-awareness.

What role does culture play in the expression of guilt and shame?

In our society, guilt is more adaptive than shame and motivates considerate behavior.

By what age can infants identify others' emotions?

By 4-6 months, they can identify happiness, surprise, and anger.

What is social referencing?

Using a parent’s facial expression or vocal cues to decide how to deal with an unfamiliar situation, beginning at 8-10 months.

How do caregivers' emotional expressions influence children?

They can determine whether a child will be wary of strangers or willing to play with unfamiliar toys.

Which is more effective in influencing emotions, voice cues or facial cues?

Voice cues are more effective than facial cues.

What are display rules?

Culture-specific norms that dictate the appropriate expression of emotions.

How do infants regulate their emotions at 4-6 months?

They have a limited ability to regulate emotions, aided by shifting attention and self-soothing.

At what age can infants start to crawl or walk away from sources of distress?

Around 12 months.

What can increase fussiness in infants?

Responses from caregivers that are impatiently or angrily directed at them.

What are temperament styles in early childhood?

Characteristics that indicate a consistent style or pattern of behavior, which can influence later adjustment.

What are Rothbart's dimensions of temperament?

Negative affect, fearful distress, surgency/extraversion, and attention span/effortful control.

Can infant temperament styles persist into childhood?

Yes, they often persist and can lead to problems such as shyness.

What is an important factor affecting behavior problems in children according to gene-environment interaction?

The quality of the environment, particularly harsh parenting versus positive family environments.

What is infant-caregiver attachment?

An emotional bond that develops between children and their caregivers around 7-9 months.

What does Bowlby’s Ethological Explanation say about attachment?

Attachment provides a sense of security and a safe base for exploration.

What evidence supported Bowlby’s theory on attachment?

Harlow's research showed that infant monkeys preferred a warm cloth mother to a wire mother.

What are the four phases of attachment described by Bowlby?

Pre-attachment, attachment-in-the-making, clear-cut attachment, and separation anxiety.

What did Mary Ainsworth's 'Strange Situation' assess?

The security of the mother-child attachment relationship.

What are the four attachment styles observed in infants?

Secure, resistant, avoidant, and disorganized.

What predictors contribute to secure infant attachment to fathers?

Positive attitudes, quality of interaction, and time spent with infants.

How do maternal and paternal roles differ in attachment?

Mothers often provide physical care, while fathers engage in more playful interaction.

What is a potential effect of low-quality daycare on attachment?

It can contribute to attachment insecurity.

What defines high-quality child-care?

Low child-to-caregiver ratio, well-trained staff, and positive interactions with children.

What are cultural differences in attachment practices?

In Germany, independence is encouraged; in some cultures, infants are carried constantly for bonding.

What was the impact of conditions in Romanian orphanages during the 1990s?

Many children experienced ongoing emotional problems even after being adopted due to lack of consistent caregivers.

What is the relationship between attachment patterns and development?

Continuity of attachment status can influence social skills, empathy, and emotional maturity later in life.