Development Psychology Review

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. It examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

rooting reflex

An automatic response in infants that occurs when the cheek is stroked, leading them to turn their head and open their mouth to seek nourishment.

habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure, indicating learning and memory processes in infants.

pruning

The process by which unused synapses in the brain are eliminated, allowing for more efficient neural connections and better cognitive functioning.

SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, usually during sleep.

Nature v Nurture

The debate regarding the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human development and behavior.

Maturation

The process of biological growth and development that occurs in a fixed sequence, influencing physical and cognitive capabilities.

Self-Awareness

The recognition of oneself as a distinct individual, separate from others and the environment, often developing in early childhood.

Gender Stereotypes

Preconceived notions about the traits, behaviors, and roles that are deemed appropriate for men and women in a given society.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that posits that people learn behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions through observation and imitation of others, particularly in social contexts.

Gender Schema

A cognitive framework that organizes and guides the processing of gender-related information, influencing how individuals perceive and react to gender roles.

Authoritarian Parenting Style

A parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, where parents enforce strict rules and expect obedience without much warmth or emotional support.

How does an authoritarian style of parenting affect a child?

Children raised in this style may develop low self-esteem, experience anxiety, and have difficulty with social skills, as they often lack the emotional support and warmth needed for healthy development.

Authoritative Parenting Style

A parenting style characterized by high demands and high responsiveness, where parents set clear standards while also being supportive and nurturing, promoting independence and self-regulation in children.

How does an authoritative style of parenting affect a child?

Children raised in this style tend to have higher self-esteem, better social skills, and are more independent. They benefit from a balance of structure and emotional support, which fosters healthy development, tend to take risks.

Permissive Parenting Style

A parenting style characterized by low demands and high responsiveness, where parents are indulgent and lenient, often allowing children significant freedom and minimal boundaries, which can lead to issues with self-discipline and authority.

How does a permissive style of parenting affect a child?

Children raised in this style often struggle with self-discipline and may exhibit poor social skills. They may have difficulty adhering to rules and authority, leading to challenges in structured environments.

Primary Sex Characteristics

The physical attributes directly involved in reproduction, such as the reproductive organs and genitalia that distinguish male and female bodies.

• menarche

• spermarche

Adolescence

The developmental stage between childhood and adulthood, typically marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes, including puberty and the formation of identity.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

The physical traits that develop during puberty, such as breast development in females and facial hair in males, which are not directly involved in reproduction but signify sexual maturity.

What is the adolescence age range?

Typically ages 11 to 19, though it can vary by individual and culture.

menarche

the first occurrence of menstruation, marking a key developmental milestone in female puberty.

spermarche

the first ejaculation of sperm in males, marking the onset of fertility.

Why is an adolescents relationship with their parents especially important?

Adolescents' relationships with their parents are crucial for emotional support, guidance, and identity formation. Positive interactions can lead to better adjustment and mental health during this transitional period.

Dementia

a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and social abilities, significantly interfering with daily life.

Reactive Attachment Disorder

a condition in which a child fails to establish healthy attachments with caregivers, often due to neglect or abuse, leading to difficulties in social relationships and emotional regulation.

What Theory did Jean Piaget create?

They created the Theory of Cognitive Development, which describes how children's thinking evolves through four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

What are the stages of the Theory of Cognitive Development?

The stages are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Sensorimotor Stage

the first stage in Theory of Cognitive Development, occurring from birth to about 2 years, where infants learn through sensory experiences and manipulating objects.

Preoperational Stage

the second stage in the Theory of Cognitive Development, occurring from about 2 to 7 years, where children begin to use language and think symbolically but lack logical reasoning.

Concrete Operational Stage

the third stage in the Theory of Cognitive Development, occurring from about 7 to 11 years, where children gain a better understanding of mental operations, enabling logical thinking about concrete events.

Formal Operational Stage

the fourth stage in the Theory of Cognitive Development, occurring from about 12 years and onward, where individuals develop the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically.

What Theory did Erik Erikson create?

They created the Theory of Psychosocial Development, which outlines eight stages of human development from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a specific conflict that must be resolved.

Trust v Mistrust

The first stage in Theory of Psychosocial Development, occurring from birth to about 18 months, where infants learn to trust caregivers for basic needs or develop mistrust if those needs are not consistently met.

Autonomy v Shame & Doubt

The second stage in the Theory of Psychosocial Development, occurring from about 18 months to 3 years, where children learn to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.

Identity v Role Confusion

The fifth stage in the Theory of Psychosocial Development, occurring during adolescence, where individuals explore their personal identity and sense of self, leading to a strong sense of who they are or confusion about their role in society.

Intimacy v Isolation

The sixth stage in the Theory of Psychosocial Development, occurring in young adulthood, where individuals form intimate relationships with others or experience loneliness and isolation.

Integrity v Despair

The eighth stage in the Theory of Psychosocial Development, occurring in late adulthood, where individuals reflect on their life and either develop a sense of fulfillment and wisdom or experience regret and despair over missed opportunities.

What was the Harry Harlow Experiment?

A series of studies conducted in the 1950s that demonstrated the importance of caregiving and companionship in social and cognitive development, particularly through the use of infant rhesus monkeys and surrogate mothers.

What did the Harlow Experiment demonstrate regarding attachment?

It demonstrated that infants prioritize comfort and emotional security over basic needs, showing the significance of attachment in development.

What did Mary Ainsworth experiment create?

The Strange Situation procedure, which assessed attachment styles in infants by observing their reactions to separations and reunions with their caregivers.

Secure Attachment

A healthy attachment style characterized by trust and a positive view of self and others, resulting in strong emotional bonds.

Insecure Attachment

A maladaptive attachment style marked by anxiety, avoidance, or ambivalence towards caregivers, leading to difficulties in relationships.

How does a secure attachment affect a person in the later stages of life?

Secure attachment fosters healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and resilience, contributing to positive mental health outcomes in adulthood.

How does a insecure attachment affect a person in the later stages of life?

Insecure attachment can lead to difficulties in forming stable relationships, increased anxiety, and challenges in emotional regulation, often resulting in negative mental health outcomes in adulthood.

Conservation

The understanding that certain properties of objects remain constant despite changes in their form or appearance, crucial for cognitive development.

Sexual Orientation

A person's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others, which can encompass a range of identities including heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus during pregnancy, affecting physical and cognitive development.

Alzheimer’s

A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately impacting daily functioning.

Prenatal Development

Begins at fertilization ends at birth

• First 10 Days zygote

• 2-8 Weeks embryo

• 8-40 weeks fetal

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leading to physical, behavioral, and cognitive abnormalities in the child.

• physical retardation

• deformities

Stranger Anxiety

A developmental stage in infants typically occurring between 6 to 12 months, characterized by fear or apprehension when encountering unfamiliar people.

Attachment

A deep emotional bond that develops between an infant and their primary caregiver, crucial for the child's social and emotional development.

Critical Period

A specific time frame during development when the presence or absence of certain experiences has a profound effect on the development of particular skills or behaviors.

Imprinting

A rapid learning process occurring in certain animals during a critical period, where they form attachments to the first moving object they encounter, often a caregiver.

Self-Concept

The perception and understanding that individuals have of themselves, encompassing beliefs, values, and identity.

Gender

The social, cultural, and psychological attributes and roles associated with being male or female, distinct from biological sex.

Gender Identity Syndrome

A psychological condition where an individual's gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth, often leading to distress and a desire for transition.

Transgender

Describes individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth, encompassing a range of identities and experiences.

Puberty

The period during which adolescents undergo physical and hormonal changes, leading to sexual maturity and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

What are the effects of early and late set puberty?

Early onset of puberty can lead to increased risks of psychological issues, social challenges, and potential health problems, while late onset may result in feelings of inadequacy, social anxiety, and delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Gender Role

The societal expectations and behaviors associated with being male or female, often influencing personal identity and social interactions.

Emerging Adulthood

A developmental stage typically occurring between the ages of 18 and 25, characterized by exploration of identity, career, and relationships, as well as a feeling of being in-between adolescence and full adulthood.

Menopause

The natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring in middle age, characterized by the cessation of menstruation and associated hormonal changes.

Who do newborns prefer?

Newborns typically prefer their primary caregivers, often showing a preference for familiar voices and faces, particularly their mother's.

How can newborns tell who their mother is?

Newborns can recognize their mother through familiar scents, voices, and visual cues, which they have been exposed to during pregnancy. This innate ability helps them bond with their primary caregiver.

What are the 3 major issues of developmental psych?

The three major issues of developmental psychology are nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. stages, and stability vs. change.

Cognition

Emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Schema

A mental framework that helps organize and interpret information, guiding how individuals understand the world.

Assimilation

The process of incorporating new experiences into existing schemas without changing the schemas.

accommodation

The process of altering existing schemas or creating new ones in response to new information or experiences.

adulthood

The stage in human development that follows adolescence, typically characterized by greater independence, responsibility, and the establishment of personal and professional relationships.