3.6 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Ecological Systems Theory

A theory of development that explains how different levels of environmental systems influence an individual's growth.

Exosystem

In ecological systems theory, external settings that affect the individual indirectly, such as a parent's workplace or community services.

Microsystem

In ecological systems theory, the closest system to the individual, consisting of people and groups with direct interactions, such as family, school, and peers.

Mesosystem

The connections and interactions between different parts of a person's microsystem (e.g., how family and school interact).

Macrosystem

In ecological systems theory, the broader cultural and societal influences that affect an individual and their surroundings, such as beliefs, values, and laws.

Chronosystem

In ecological systems theory, the system that reflects the role of time, including life transitions and historical events that influence development.

Parenting Styles

Patterns of behavior and attitudes that caregivers use in raising children.

Authoritarian Parenting

A strict parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, often emphasizing obedience.

Authoritative Parenting

A parenting style that combines high expectations with warmth and responsiveness, often linked to positive outcomes.

Permissive Parenting

A parenting style that is lenient and indulgent, offering little discipline or control.

Secure Attachment

A healthy attachment style where the child feels comforted by and connected to the caregiver.

Insecure Attachment

A form of attachment marked by uncertainty or anxiety. Contains four sub-types.

Avoidant Attachment

A type of insecure attachment where the child avoids closeness and does not seek comfort from the caregiver, often due to consistent emotional unavailability.

Anxious Attachment

A type of insecure attachment where the child is clingy, overly dependent on the caregiver, and shows distress when separated, often due to inconsistent caregiver responses.

Disorganized Attachment

A type of insecure attachment where the child shows confused or contradictory behavior toward the caregiver, often linked to fear, trauma, or neglect.

Parallel Play

A type of play where young children play near each other without directly interacting.

Pretend Play

A type of imaginative play where children create scenarios and roles, often involving social interaction.

Adolescent Egocentrism

A heightened self-focus seen in teenagers, often involving belief that others are constantly observing or judging them.

Imaginary Audience

The belief in adolescence that others are always watching and evaluating one's behavior.

Personal Fable

The belief held by some adolescents that their experiences are unique and that no one else can understand them.

Psychosocial Development Theory

Erik Erikson's theory that individuals go through eight stages across the lifespan, each involving a specific psychosocial conflict that must be resolved.

Social Clock

The culturally preferred timeline for major life events, such as finishing school, starting a career, getting married, or having children.

Emerging Adulthood

A transitional period in some cultures between adolescence and full adulthood, often marked by exploration of identity and independence.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage in psychosocial development theory, where the child develops trust if caregivers provide reliability and care.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage in psychosocial development theory, where children develop a sense of personal control and independence.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage in psychosocial development theory, where children develop pride and competence in their abilities or feel inferior.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage in psychosocial development theory, where children assert power and control through planning and initiating activities.

Integrity vs. Despair

The final stage in psychosocial development theory, where individuals reflect on their life with satisfaction or regret.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage in psychosocial development theory, where individuals explore and form their personal identity or become confused about their future roles.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

Stressful or traumatic events in childhood, such as abuse or neglect, which can impact long-term health and relationships.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage in psychosocial development theory, where people seek deep relationships or risk social isolation.

Identity Development

The process through which adolescents and young adults form a sense of self in areas like culture, gender, career, beliefs, and relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage in psychosocial development theory, where individuals strive to contribute to the next generation or feel a lack of purpose.

Identity Achievement

A state in which an individual has explored different options and committed to a specific identity.

Identity Diffusion

A state in which an individual has not yet explored or committed to any identity.

Identity Foreclosure

A state in which an individual commits to an identity without exploring alternatives, often based on others' expectations.

Identity Moratorium

A state of actively exploring identity options without having made a commitment.

Possible Selves

Ideas individuals have about what they might become, would like to become, or are afraid of becoming in the future.