Class 4 - Infant Socioemotional Development & Attachment Theories

What is the purpose of the scrapbook entry in the Socioemotional Development assignment?

It must include a vignette of a key event related to infancy, early childhood, or middle/late childhood, a photo, a discussion of a developmental theory, and its limitations.

What are primary emotions in infants and when are they expressed?

Primary emotions are expressed in the first 6 months of life and motivate infants to approach or withdraw and communicate their needs.

What role do caregivers play in emotional regulation for infants?

Caregivers support soothing through actions like rocking, holding close, and singing, while infants also develop their own emotional regulation strategies.

What is colic in infants and when does it typically resolve?

Colic is when a healthy baby cries or fusses frequently for no clear reason, usually resolving by 3 to 4 months of age.

What are the three temperament types identified by Chess & Thomas?

1. Easy/flexible 2. Difficult/feisty 3. Slow to warm up.

What is Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development and its significance?

Trust vs Mistrust occurs in the first year of life, where infants depend on caregivers to feel secure and develop trust.

What is the second stage of Erikson's psychosocial development?

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt occurs in toddlerhood (18 months to age 3), where children develop independence and confidence.

What is attachment and why is it important for infants?

Attachment is the emotional bond between infants and caregivers, serving as a secure base for exploration and development.

What behaviors indicate newborn attachment?

Crying, clinging, cooing, and smiling are behaviors that indicate attachment in newborns.

What are the four phases of attachment development according to Schaffer & Emerson?

Attachment develops in four phases, though specific phases are not detailed in the notes.

What are the attachment styles identified by Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation?

Attachment styles include securely attached, avoidantly attached, ambivalently attached, and disorganized/disoriented.

What is the significance of consistent responsive caregiving in attachment?

It fosters secure attachment by responding warmly and promptly to children's needs.

What are some criticisms of attachment theory?

Criticisms include its neglect of cultural diversity and the focus on the dyad between one primary caregiver and the infant.

What does the Indigenous Connectedness Framework emphasize in child development?

It emphasizes relational bonds across generations, community, spirituality, and land in shaping healthy child development.

How do early childhood experiences affect lifelong health and learning?

Early experiences can significantly impact emotional needs and developmental outcomes throughout life.

What is the importance of social interaction in infancy?

Infants are primed for social interaction, which includes playing, talking, and emotional attachment.

What challenges do new parents face during the transition to parenthood?

Parenting causes disequilibrium, altering life dynamics and requiring adaptation to maintain attachments.

What is the role of family support policies in parenting?

Policies like parental leave and childcare support help parents manage their responsibilities and maintain attachment.

Why is it important for social workers to understand infant development?

Understanding infant development helps social workers support parents and address children's emotional needs effectively.

What should social workers teach adoptive parents about attachment?

They should educate parents on the importance of responsive caregiving to foster secure attachment in adopted children.

What is the impact of socioeconomic status on a child's temperament?

Family, social environment, and socioeconomic status influence the shaping of a child's temperament.

How can cultural norms influence attachment styles?

Different cultural norms may encourage varying attachment behaviors, such as independence in some cultures.

What is the role of sensitive responsiveness in child development?

Sensitive responsiveness is key to shaping a child's personality and adjustment.

What are some ways to soothe a baby experiencing colic?

Soothe by holding, rocking, or providing toys for distraction.

What is the significance of the hippocampus in emotional development?

The hippocampus is responsible for memory and learning, providing context for emotional reactions.

What is the role of the amygdala in infancy?

The amygdala is involved in emotional responses such as fear and anger and is fully mature at birth.

What is the expected outcome for infants with colic?

Colic typically resolves by 3 to 4 months of age, and it does not indicate poor health.