Human Development and Personality

These flashcards cover key concepts from human development and personality, aiding in review for exams focused on psychological growth stages, attachment theories, and personality traits.

Prenatal Development

The period of development from conception to birth, lasting about 9 months.

Germinal Stage

The first stage of prenatal development lasting about 2 weeks, where the zygote becomes a mass of cells and implants into the uterine wall.

Placenta

A structure that allows oxygen and nutrients to pass into the fetus from the mother's bloodstream and bodily waste to pass through to the mother.

Embryonic Stage

The stage from the second week to the second month of pregnancy where vital organs and bodily systems begin to form.

Fetal Stage

The stage of rapid body growth (muscles and bones) from the second month until birth.

Nutritional Factors

Essential vitamins and minerals that influence prenatal development, particularly in relation to poverty.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A collection of congenital problems associated with excessive alcohol use during pregnancy.

Motor Development

The progression of muscular coordination required for physical activities, characterized by rapid physical growth during infancy.

Attachment

Close emotional bonds of affection that develop between infants and caregivers.

Separation Anxiety

Emotional distress seen in infants when they are separated from caregivers they have bonded with.

Secure Attachment

A type of attachment where an infant is upset when the mother leaves but calmed by her return.

Telegraphic Speech

Early speech stage in which children use mainly content words; omitted less critical words.

Erikson's Stage Theory

Each stage of psychosocial development brings a psychological crisis involving transitions in social relationships.

Preconventional Level (Kohlberg)

The level of moral reasoning where right and wrong are determined by punishment or reward.

Puberty

The period during which sexual functions reach maturity, marking the beginning of adolescence.

Identity Moratorium

A status in which individuals delay commitment to an identity, choosing to explore different options.

Self-Actualization

The need to fulfill one's potential; the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overemphasize personal traits and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behavior.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological tension that arises from holding two conflicting thoughts or attitudes.

Group Polarization

The tendency of group discussions to lead members toward extreme positions in the direction they were initially leaning.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present.