Social-Emotional Development & Adolescent Development

Ecological Systems Theory

Environmental layers influencing development, including immediate family (microsystem), larger community structures like schools (exosystem), and overarching cultural or societal norms (macrosystems)

Temperament

Innate traits that influence how children respond to their environment, said to influence personality and development (ex. activity level, emotional reactivity, and adaptability)

Imprinting

Instinctive attachment in early life

Contact Comfort

Emotional security from physical touch

Separation Anxiety

Distress when caregiver leaves, emerging especially around 8-14 months of age

Attachment Styles

Describes how children form emotional bonds with caregivers, influencing relationships later in life

Authoritarian Parenting

Strict rules, high expectations, prioritizes dicipline and obedience, relies on punishment; limited warmth or responsiveness to child’s needs

Permissive parenting

Parents show warmth and responsiveness but have few rules and low expectations; avoids enforcing strict boundaries

Authoritative Parenting

High expectations with warmth and support; clear rules and encourage independence, but open to children's needs and opinions

Secure Attachment

Confidence in caregiver's support and trust that they’ll meet their needs

Avoidant Attachment

Child is emotionally distant and avoids seeking comfort from caregivers

Anxious Attachment

Child exhibits clinginess and distress when separated from caregiver

Disorganized Attachment

Child displays confused or contradictory attachment behaviors, often linked to trauma

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

Stressful or traumatic events in childhood that negatively impact long-term health

Social Clock

Societal expectations for when major life events should occur (e.g., marriage, parenthood)

Emerging Adulthood

A phase (late teens to mid-20s) characterized by exploration and identity development

Adolescent Egocentrism

The belief that one's experiences and emotions are unique and intensely personal

Imaginary Audience

Adolescents' belief that they are constantly being watched and judged by others

Personal Fable

A sense of invulnerability and belief in one’s uniqueness, common in adolescence

Possible Selves

Imagined future versions of oneself based on goals and fears

Social Identity

The part of one’s self-concept derived from group memberships, like nationality or religion

Identity Diffusion

Stage where have not yet explored or committed to life choices regarding beliefs, goals, or values, often leading to uncertainty about their sense of self

Identity Foreclosure

Stage where individuals commit to goals, beliefs, or values without exploring alternatives, often adopting the expectations of parents or society

Identity Moratorium

Stage where there is active exploration of different identities (life paths, beliefs, values) without committing to one

Identity Achievement

Stage where they have explored and made firm decisions regarding beliefs, values and goals, leading to a strong and stable identity