Chapter 6: Socieoemotiomal Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood

Socio-emotional development

Learning process where an individual learns to navigate basic social/emotional situations

What is the approximate age for infants to experience the social smile?

Around 2-3 months

Around what age does an infant start to experience fear, stranger anxiety, and separation protest

Around 6-8 months

At what age do infants become more aware of actions of others?

Around 7-12 months

Around what age do infants become self-conscious?

Around 18-24 months

Phylogeny

Development of a species, genius, or a group over time

Temperament

Way in which an individual approaches and reacts to people and situations

What are the three styles of temperament?

• Easy

• Difficult

• Slow to warm up

Easy temperament

Infant typically has a positive mood, even/regular tempered, and is predictable in biological function

Difficult temperament

Active and irritable, usually slow to adapt to change or new routines

Slow-to-warm-up temperament

Inactive, moody, and slow to adapt to new situations in people

How is infant temperament influenced over time?

The reinforcement between both sides of relationship, heavily impacts how flexible a child will be in the future

Attachment

Emotional tie between two people who strive to maintain a relationship

Secure attachment

Infant uses caregiver as a secure base, while exploring environment around them

Avoidant attachment

Infant show little interest in caregiver, while they explore the surroundings

Resistant attachment

Infant shows mixed pattern of responses to the caregiver

Disorganized attachment

Infant shows inconsistent behavior; usually when child and parent are very expressive and erratic

What are some common self soothing strategies for infants?

• thumb sucking

• Fussing and gaze aversion

• Rocking

• Distraction with toys

Separation protests

Reaction to separation from attachment figure, begins around 7 months, until 15 months

What is the key to keeping an infant calm?

Healthy and consistent routines

Social referencing

Infant looks to caregiver for emotional expression as a cue for their own behavior