3.06 Social-Emotional Development Across the Lifespan

Ecological Systems Theory

Proposes that human development is influenced by a series of interconnected environmental systems, including micro, meso, exo, macro, and chronosystems.

Microsystem

The immediate environment surrounding an individual, including direct relationships such as family and school.

Mesosystem

The interconnections between different microsystems, such as the relationship between a child's parents and teachers.

Exosystem

Indirect influences on an individual’s life that do not involve direct contact, such as a parent's workplace.

Macrosystem

The overarching cultural and societal influences that affect development, including laws and customs.

Chronosystem

The dimension of time in the ecological systems theory, referring to the changes or transitions in a child's environment over their lifetime.

Authoritarian Parenting

A strict parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, where parents impose rules and expect obedience.

Authoritative Parenting

A balanced parenting style that combines warmth and structure: parents set clear standards while being responsive to their child's needs.

Permissive Parenting

A lenient parenting style characterized by low demands and high responsiveness, where parents are more like friends than authority figures.

Attachment Bond

An emotional connection established between a child and caregiver, crucial for the child’s emotional development.

Separation Anxiety

Heightened anxiety or fear experienced by a child when separated from a caregiver.

Secure Attachment Style

A positive attachment style where the child feels safe and comfortable exploring their environment, returning to the caregiver for reassurance.

Insecure-Avoidant Attachment Style

A attachment style where a child shows indifference to the caregiver's absence and return.

Insecure-Anxious Attachment Style

A attachment style characterized by a high level of distress when the caregiver leaves and ambivalence upon their return.

Insecure-Disorganized Attachment Style

A confused attachment style where the child displays inconsistent behaviors toward the caregiver.

Temperament

A child's inherent personality traits, including activity level, emotionality, and sociability.

Easy Temperament

A temperament style where a child is generally calm, adaptable, and predictable.

Difficult Temperament

A temperament style characterized by irritability, unpredictability, and intense emotions.

Slow-to-Warm-Up Temperament

A temperament style involving hesitation or wariness in new social interactions, but gradual adaptation.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial stage, where infants learn to trust their caregivers for support and comfort.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson's second stage where children develop independence and self-control.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third stage where children begin to initiate activities and develop a sense of purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage characterized by children comparing themselves to others as they develop skills.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage where adolescents explore their identity and personal values.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage concerning young adults forming intimate relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage involving middle-aged adults contributing to society and future generations.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage focusing on reflecting on life, achieving a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Identity Confusion/Diffusion

Marcia's term for a lack of commitment to an identity, often leading to uncertainty about one’s life direction.

Identity Foreclosure

Marcia's term for committing to an identity without exploration of other possibilities.

Identity Moratorium

Marcia's term for actively exploring identity options without making a commitment.

Identity Achievement

Marcia's term for having explored options and committed to a clear identity.

Pretend Play

A form of play where children assume roles in imaginative situations.

Parallel Play

A form of play where children play alongside others without direct interaction.

Imaginary Audience

An adolescent's belief that they are constantly being observed and judged by others.

Personal Fable

The belief among adolescents that they are unique and that others cannot understand their experiences.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Traumatic events occurring in childhood that impact emotional and psychological well-being.

Peer Relationships

Connections that develop between individuals of similar age, which change and evolve over time.

Egocentrism in Adolescence

The heightened self-consciousness that leads adolescents to be preoccupied with how others perceive them.

Sociocultural Theory of Development

Lev Vygotsky's theory emphasizing the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development.

Cognitive Development Theory

Jean Piaget’s theory that explains how children develop thinking and reasoning abilities.

Moral Development Theory

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory focusing on the evolution of moral reasoning through different stages.

Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson’s theory which proposes stages of psychosocial conflicts that must be resolved for healthy development.