Social & Personality Development in Childhood

These flashcards provide key vocabulary and concepts related to social and personality development in childhood, covering important figures, theories, attachment styles, and moral development stages.

Strange Situation

A research method developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess the quality of attachment between infants and their caregivers.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment identified in children, including Secure, Anxious/Preoccupied, Avoidant/Dismissive, and Disorganized.

Secure Attachment

A healthy attachment style characterized by trust and comfort in close relationships.

Anxious/Preoccupied Attachment

An attachment style marked by anxiety and uncertainty in relationships.

Avoidant/Dismissive Attachment

An attachment style where individuals seem indifferent towards their caregivers and may avoid closeness.

Disorganized Attachment

An attachment style characterized by a lack of clear attachment behavior, often resulting from trauma.

Caregiver Styles

Different approaches caregivers use in interacting with children, influential on child development.

Social Referencing

The process by which children look to others' emotional reactions to understand how to react in uncertain situations.

Theory of Mind

The understanding that others have thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that are different from one's own.

Goodness of Fit

The compatibility between a child's temperament and their environment, crucial for effective personality development.

Effortful Control

A child's ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors, which can be developed over time.

Gender Schema

A cognitive framework that helps children organize and interpret information related to gender.

Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory that outlines six stages of moral reasoning categorized into three levels: Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional.

Preconventional Morality

The first level of moral development where morality is based on external consequences.

Conventional Morality

The second level of moral development based on social standards and the approval of others.

Postconventional Morality

The third level of moral development where morality is based on abstract reasoning and ethical principles.

Moral Dilemma

A situation in which a person is faced with a decision that involves conflicting moral principles.