Lecture 15: How Does Emotion Develop in the First Years of Life?

What is basic emotions theory?

Emotions are innate

What is the theory of constructed emotion?

Emotions are the brain’s interpretation of bodily states based on experience and knowledge.

What brain systems are associated with emotion?

Evolutionarily old areas like the limbic system.

What components make up emotion?

Neural responses

What is the functionalist perspective of emotion?

Emotions are goal-driven and shaped by the social environment.

What does evidence of universal facial expressions suggest?

Emotions are biologically based and appear early in life.

When do social smiles emerge?

Around 2 months old.

When do infants smile more at familiar people?

Around 3 months old.

When do infants laugh at funny events?

Around 5 months old.

When does stranger anxiety peak?

Around 7–10 months.

When does separation anxiety peak, and what is it?

Around 15 months. Distress when separated from a trusted caregiver.

What are nonsocial fears?

Environmental fears like fear of heights.

What are self-conscious emotions?

Embarrassment

When do self-conscious emotions emerge?

During the second year of life.

When does embarrassment typically appear?

Around 15–24 months.

How does pride change by age 3?

It becomes linked to performance.

How can parents encourage guilt instead of shame?

Focus on repair

What is emotion regulation?

Managing and responding to emotional experiences effectively. it is important because Poor regulation (especially irritability) strongly predicts later mental health disorders.

What is co-regulation?

Caregivers helping children manage distress.

What two skills support self-regulation?

Self-comforting and self-distraction.

What is social referencing?

Using others’ emotional reactions to guide behavior in uncertain situations.

What is emotion contagion?

Emotions spread—infants’ physiology mirrors stressed caregivers.

What is emotional intelligence?

Using emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.

How does emotional abuse affect emotion perception?

Stronger threat/anger detection but weaker recognition of other emotions.

How does institutional neglect affect emotion recognition?

Difficulty identifying and understanding most emotions (except anger).

What is stress?

A physiological response to threat or change.

What is equifinality?

Different causes can lead to the same disorder.

What is multifinality?

The same risk factor can lead to different outcomes.

What is depression?

A disorder with persistent sadness/irritability and changes in thinking and physical functioning.

What contributes to youth depression?

Both genes and negative parenting environments.

How common are anxiety-related disorders in adults?

About 31% experience one in their lifetime.

What is social competence?

Achieving goals while maintaining positive relationships.

What are display rules?

Cultural norms about when and how to express or mask emotions.

How do cultural values shape emotion expression?

Collectivist cultures suppress anger; individualistic cultures encourage assertiveness.

How are emotions linked to attachment?

Secure caregiver relationships support better emotional outcomes.