Module 3.6a: Social & Emotional Development of Infancy & Childhood

Ecological Systems Theory

A theory that different environments we encounter influence our development.

Microsystems

Most immediate, face-to-face environment which an individual lives.

Mesosystems

Describes the interactions and relationship between 2 or more microsystems.

Exosystem

Settings that indirectly affect an individual.

Macrosystem

The cultural values, beliefs, laws, ideologies, and social systems that influence an individual’s development.

Separation Anxiety

Fear when separated from a primary caregivers.

Stranger Anxiety

Fear of strangers, begins about 8 months of age.

Imprinting

The process of certain animals forming strong attachments during early life.

Strange Situation Experiment

A procedure used to assess infant attachment by observing reactions to separation and reunion with a caregiver.

Secure Attachment

An attachment style where infants trust their caregiver and feel safe exploring, but seek comfort when distressed.

Insecure Attachment

An attachment style where infants feel less secure with their caregiver and may be anxious, avoidant, or disorganized.

Temperamnet

A person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity, evolves over a lifetime, shapes how infants interact with caregivers.

Authoritarian

Parents are coercive, imposes rules and expects obedience.

Permissive

Parents are unrestraining, make few demands, set few limits, and use little punishment.

Neglectful

Parents are uninvolved, they are neither demanding nor responsive. Careless and inattentive, and don’t seek close relationships with their kids.

Authoritative

Parents are confrontive, both demanding and responsive. Exert control by setting rules, encourage open discussion and allow exceptions.