Flashcards for Child & Adolescent Development Psychology 220

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and theories from Psychological Perspectives in Child & Adolescent Development, emphasizing vocabulary and definitions important for understanding the subject.

Nature vs Nurture

Debate on whether biological factors (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) are more important in child development.

Continuity vs Discontinuity

The discussion on whether human development is a gradual (continuity) or abrupt (discontinuity) process.

Universality

The concept that certain developmental pathways are shared by all children worldwide.

Culture

Beliefs, norms, and customs passed from generation to generation within a group.

Context

The specific setting or environment in which development and behavior occur.

Maturational Theory

Proposed by Arnold Gesell, suggesting that child development follows a prearranged biological plan.

Critical Period

A stage in development when specific types of learning can occur more easily.

Imprinting

A form of learning that occurs at a specific early stages in an organism's life, often referenced in studies by Konrad Lorenz.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary principles such as natural selection influence human behavior.

Psychodynamic Perspective

The view that behavior is influenced by unconscious motives and conflicts.

Freud's Id

The primitive part of personality present at birth that demands immediate gratification.

Ego

The rational component of personality that balances the desires of the id with the constraints of reality.

Superego

The moral aspect of personality that incorporates values and rules of society.

Psychosexual Stages

Freud's theory of personality development, which includes distinct phases centered around different erogenous zones.

Trust vs Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial stage, where infants learn to trust caregivers.

Secure Attachment

A strong emotional bond between a child and caregiver that fosters a sense of safety.

Temperament

The inherent traits that influence how a child reacts to stimuli or situations.

Self-Concept

The understanding and perception an individual has of themselves.

Prosocial Behavior

Voluntary actions intended to benefit others, such as helping or sharing.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm someone, can be instrumental (goal-directed) or hostile (intent to hurt).