Child Psychology: Developmental Theories, Prenatal & Infant Milestones

Erik Erikson

Proposed that development occurs through psychosocial stages across the entire lifespan.

Psychosocial crisis

Each stage presents a developmental crisis or challenge that must be addressed.

Identity development

Adolescence is especially important because it involves developing a sense of identity.

Freud vs. Erikson

Erikson emphasized social relationships and identity, while Freud emphasized sexuality and unconscious drives.

Genital stage

Occurs during adolescence when sexual drive reemerges.

Social Learning Theory

Children can learn behaviors by observing and imitating others.

Imitation

Children are likely to imitate models whose behavior is frequently observed, rewarded, or not punished.

Friends vs. Peers

Friends are people with whom you have developed a valued, mutual relationship; peers are generally similar in age or social status.

Adolescents and Employment

In developed countries, adolescents work outside school to earn money for leisure purchases.

Sensitive period

A period during development when a particular ability or type of learning is especially receptive to experience.

Critical period

A much more limited window in which a developmental experience must occur for typical development.

Nature vs. Nurture

Development reflects the interaction between genetics and environment.

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics or traits of an individual.

Meiosis

Produces gametes (sex cells) such as sperm and eggs.

Mitosis

Produces ordinary body cells and is involved in growth and tissue repair.

Germinal Period

First 2 weeks after fertilization involving rapid cell division and implantation.

Embryonic Period

Approximately weeks 3-8, a major period of organ formation.

Fetal Period

Begins around week 9 and continues until birth, during which the fetus grows and body systems develop.

Placenta

Plays a critical role in pregnancy by allowing nutrient and waste exchange between mother and fetus.

Fetal heartbeat

Can be heard with a stethoscope during approximately the third month.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can negatively affect prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to cognitive deficits and physical abnormalities.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy

HIV/AIDS can be transmitted during pregnancy, birth, or through breast milk.

Down Syndrome

Also called trisomy 21.

Trisomy 21

Three copies of chromosome 21

Amniocentesis

Needle removes amniotic fluid for testing

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Examines tissue from the chorionic villi of the placenta

Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to create images of the developing fetus

Blood screening

Can screen for various conditions but is different from directly obtaining fetal cells through amniotic fluid

Infertility

Inability to conceive after trying for one year

Uterine contractions

During labor, uterus contracts and cervix dilates

Crowning

Occurs when the baby's head becomes visible at the opening of the vagina

Breech Position

A breech presentation occurs when the fetus is positioned with the buttocks or feet toward the birth canal

Umbilical Cord Problems

If the umbilical cord becomes constricted during delivery, the fetus may receive insufficient oxygen

Midwife

A trained birth professional who assists with pregnancy and childbirth

Lanugo

Fine, fuzzy hair covering a newborn's skin

Apgar Scale

Evaluates five characteristics: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration

Kangaroo Care

Involves close skin-to-skin contact between the infant and caregiver

Newborn Sleep

The average neonate sleeps approximately 16-17 hours per day

Reflex

Automatic response to stimulation

Rooting Reflex

When the baby's cheek is stimulated, the baby turns toward the stimulus and begins sucking

Moro Reflex

Triggered by sudden loud sounds or the sensation of falling

Brain Lateralization

Refers to specialization of the brain's two hemispheres

Erikson

Psychosocial lifespan theory

Teratogen

Environmental agent that can harm prenatal development