Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood 8

Flashcards covering emotional and social development in early childhood, including Erikson's theory, emotional competence, peer relations, moral development, aggression, gender typing, child-rearing styles, and child maltreatment.

According to Erikson's theory, what is the psychological conflict of the preschool years?

Initiative versus guilt.

In Erikson's theory, what does 'initiative' refer to?

A new sense of purposefulness, eagerness to try new tasks, join activities with peers, and strides in conscience development.

What does a child's 'guilt' in Erikson's theory stem from?

An overly strict superego (conscience) caused by parental threats, criticism, and punishment.

What does self-concept largely consist of in early childhood (ages 3 to 3.5)?

Observable characteristics like appearance, possessions, behavior, and typical emotions and attitudes.

What influences self-esteem in early childhood?

Emotional experiences, future behavior, and long-term psychological adjustment.

What improvements and increases are seen in emotional competence during early childhood?

Improvements in emotional understanding and self-regulation, and increases in self-conscious emotions and empathy.

By what age can preschoolers verbalize strategies for alleviating negative emotion?

Ages 3 to 4.

What are some examples of self-conscious emotions?

Shame, embarrassment, guilt, and pride.

What is the definition of empathy?

Feeling the same or similar emotions as another person.

What is the definition of sympathy?

Feeling concern or sorrow for another's plight.

What type of peer play involves children playing near others with similar materials but not trying to influence them?

Parallel play.

What type of peer play involves children engaging in separate activities but exchanging toys and commenting on one another's behaviors?

Associative play.

What type of peer play involves children orienting toward a common goal, such as acting out a make-believe theme?

Cooperative play.

According to the cognitive play categories, what is 'functional play'?

Simple, repetitive motor movements, with or without objects (typical for 0–2 years).

What defines an early childhood friendship?

Someone who 'likes you,' plays with you, and shares toys, with the concept not yet being long-term.

What are direct parental influences on peer sociability?

Providing informal peer play opportunities, showing how to initiate peer contacts, and offering guidance in how to act toward others.

What are the three main perspectives on moral development mentioned?

Psychoanalytic, social learning, and cognitive-developmental.

In the psychoanalytic perspective, how does induction promote conscience formation?

An adult points out the effects of misbehavior, encourages empathy-based guilt, and gives reasons for changing behavior.

What are characteristics of effective models of moral behavior in social learning theory?

Warmth and responsiveness, competence and power, and consistency between words and behavior.

Instead of harsh punishment, what are effective mild punishment strategies?

Time out and withdrawal of privileges, used with consistency, a warm parent–child relationship, and explanations.

What type of aggression is self-initiated and aimed at fulfilling a need or desire?

Proactive (instrumental) aggression.

What type of aggression is meant to hurt someone and is a defensive response to provocation?

Reactive (hostile) aggression.

What are examples of relational aggression?

Social exclusion, malicious gossip, and friendship manipulation.

What impact does TV violence have on children?

It increases hostile thoughts and emotions, and aggressive behavior that can last into adulthood.

Why is the rigidity of gender stereotypes high in preschoolers?

Due to gender stereotyping in the environment and cognitive limitations where they don't realize gender-associated characteristics don't determine a person's sex.

What biological factor is linked to gender-biased preferences for toys, play behavior, and playmates in preschoolers?

Prenatal androgen.

According to social learning theory regarding gender identity, what leads to gender identity?

Gender-typed behavior.

According to cognitive-developmental theory regarding gender identity, what precedes gender-typed behavior?

Self-perceptions, particularly gender constancy.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Dissatisfaction with natal sex and strong identification as the other sex, yielding high distress.

What are the four features that differentiate effective from less effective child-rearing styles?

Acceptance and involvement, control, and autonomy granting.

Which child-rearing style is characterized by high acceptance, high involvement, adaptive control, and appropriate autonomy granting?

Authoritative.

What are the outcomes associated with the authoritative child-rearing style?

Self-control, social and moral maturity, and high self-esteem.

What are the outcomes associated with the authoritarian child-rearing style?

Anxiety, unhappiness, low self-esteem, anger, and defiance.

What is physical abuse in the context of child maltreatment?

Assaults that inflict physical injury.

What is emotional abuse in the context of child maltreatment?

Social isolation, unreasonable demands, humiliation, intimidation, and other forms.

What are some emotional consequences of child maltreatment?

Poor emotional self-regulation and impaired empathy/sympathy.

What are some strategies for preventing child maltreatment?

Intervening with high-risk parents, providing social supports for families (e.g., Parents Anonymous, home visitation), and separating parent from child when parents are unlikely to change behavior.