Child Development Exam 3

Biological sex

Biological traits usually determined by chromosomes (XY, XX, or intersex), determined at birth.

Gender identity

A social construct and how one sees themselves in relation to gender.

Intersex

Born with a mix of male and female genitalia.

Klinefelter’s syndrome

A condition resulting from an XXY chromosome pattern, leading to male characteristics.

Turner syndrome

A genetic condition affecting females, typically resulting from the absence of one X chromosome.

Sex binary

The classification of sex into two distinct, opposite, and disconnected forms of male and female.

Agender

A person who does not identify with any gender.

Bigender

A person who identifies with two genders.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth.

Cisgender

A person whose gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth.

Gender constancy

The understanding that gender does not change, even if a person engages in behavior associated with the opposite gender.

Gender roles

Socially and culturally defined expectations of behavior associated with being male or female.

Gender stereotypes

Oversimplified and widely held beliefs about the characteristics of males and females.

Gender schema

A cognitive structure that organizes and processes gender-related information.

Gender schema theory

A theory emphasizing that children categorize activities and characteristics as ‘female’ or ‘male.’

Bechdel Test

A measure of the representation of women in fiction that requires at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man.

Gender socialization

The process by which individuals learn the rules and norms for appropriate gender behavior.

Peer feedback

Responses received from peers regarding behavior, which can be positive or negative.

Attachment theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships between humans.

Strange Situation

A standardized procedure to assess attachment styles in infants through observations in a controlled environment.

Secure attachment

When a child shows distress when separated from a caregiver but is comforted upon reunion.

Ambivalent attachment

When a child shows intense distress upon separation but is ambivalent upon reunion with the caregiver.

Avoidant attachment

When a child shows little interest when separated from the caregiver and avoids contact upon reunion.

Disorganized attachment

A classification marked by inconsistent behaviors in children during separation and reunion.

Caregiver sensitivity hypothesis

The idea that differences in infant attachment styles depend on the caregiver’s responsiveness and behavior.

Internal working model

An individual's mental representation of themselves, their attachment figures, and relationships in general.

Microsystem

The immediate environment and interactions that directly affect a child's development.

Mesosystem

The connections between different microsystems, such as relationships between parents and schools.

Exosystem

The larger social system that indirectly influences a child’s development.

Macrosystem

Cultural beliefs, values, and norms that shape an individual's development.

Chronosystem

The dimension of time in development, encompassing transitions and historical events.

Play categories

Different forms of play commonly observed in children, such as solitary, onlooker, and cooperative pretend play.

Decline of play

A reduction in play activities among children leading to negative consequences in child development.

Authoritative parenting style

A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness and high demands, leading to positive child outcomes.

Authoritarian parenting style

A style with high demands but low responsiveness, potentially leading to lower self-esteem in children.

Permissive parenting style

A style with low demands and high responsiveness, often associated with difficulty in self-regulation.

Uninvolved (disengaged) parenting style

A parenting style marked by a lack of responsiveness and demands, which can negatively affect children's emotional health.

Cultural differences in parenting styles

Variability in parenting approaches across different cultures, impacting the relevance of parenting models.

Child development

The physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of a child from infancy through adolescence.

Socialization agents

Individuals, groups, and institutions that influence personal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in children.

Competence and independence

Skills and abilities gained through effective authoritative parenting that result in confident individuals.

Feedback from peers

Reactions from friends and classmates that shape behavior and self-perception in childhood.

Cognitive development

The progression of thinking, problem-solving ability, and understanding as a child grows.

Fantasy play

Imaginative play where children create scenarios and roles, enhancing creativity and social skills.

Hobbies for children

Activities pursued for enjoyment outside of structured play, which can foster interests and skills.

Behavioral expectations

Norms regarding how children of different genders should act, often influenced by societal pressures.