AP Psychology 3.6 Terms

Ecological Systems Theory

a theory of the social environment's influence on human development, using five nested systems (microsystem; mesosystem; exosystem; macrosystem; chronosystem) ranging from direct to indirect influences

Microsystem

This term refers to the immediate environment in which an individual directly interacts with (groups that have direct contact with the individual, eg family & friends)

Mesosystem

This term describes the connections between different microsystems in an individual's life (e.g., the relationships between groups in the microsystem - how school experiences may impact family dynamics).

Exosystem

This term encompasses external settings that indirectly influence an individual's development (e.g.,(indirect factors in an individual's life - parents' work environment or neighborhood resources).

Macrosystem

is a layer of a child's environment that represents the cultural elements that impact their development. (cultural events that affect the individuals and others around them)

Chronosystem

the outermost level of the model, accounting for the role that time plays in influencing individual development (the individual's current stage of life).

Authoritarian

Characterized by high demandingness with low responsiveness. Authoritarian parents are rigid, harsh, & demanding.

Permissive

Characterized by low demandingness with high responsiveness.

Authoritative

Characterized by high demandingness with huge responsiveness

Attachment

an emotional tie with another person; shown in young children by their seeking closeness to the caregiver and showing distress on separation

Secure Attachment

classified by children who show some distress when their caregiver leaves but are able to compose themselves knowing that their caregiver will return

Insecurely Attached

Child is unable to be comforted or is violent or distant upon return, may be insecurely attached.

Avoidant Attachment

is formed in babies and children when parents or caregivers are largely emotionally unavailable or unresponsive most of the time. Will have trouble trusting people in the future.

Anxious Attachment

may have a hard time feeling secure in relationships. As young children, they may cling to caregivers or become inconsolable when a caregiver leaves

Disorganized Attachment

the attachment pattern reflecting the greatest insecurity, characterizing infants who show confused, contradictory responses when reunited with the parent after a separation

Temperament

a person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity (Easy - Good-natured, easy to care for, adaptable, Difficult - Moody and intense, react to new situations and people negatively and strongly. Slow-to-warm-up - Inactive and slow to respond to new things, and when they do react, it is mild)

Separation Anxiety

A child's generalized fear of being separated from a primary caregiver or other familiar adult

Stranger anxiety

is a normal part of cognitive development and attachment in young children, and is characterized by distress and apprehension when around unfamiliar people

Harry Harlow Monkey Study

the need for tactile or contact comfort explains how attachment develops. Harlow demonstrated this fact by giving monkeys two surrogate mothers: a wire mother, who provided nourishment; and a cloth mother, who provided contact comfort. The monkeys always preferred the cloth mother.

Parallel play

as children playing independently in the same area, with the same materials, but with minimal engagement with one another

Pretend Play

form of play where children use their imagination to create scenarios and act out different roles and events

Personal fables

stories created by teens that tell about their lives that are idealized and special and that make them feel invincible

Imaginary audience

being the center of attention of a group that listens to their ideas and beliefs

Emerging adulthood

is marked by increased independence, decision-making, and responsibility, and is characterized by the exploration of various roles, identities, and ideologie

Social Clock

is the culturally preferred timing of social events, such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement

Secure Attachment Style Effect in Adults

feel safe, stable, and more satisfied in their close relationships, Set boundaries: They are able to set appropriate boundaries, and Thrive in relationships: They don't fear being on their own, but they usually thrive in close, meaningful relationships

Anxious Attachment Style Effect in Adults

clingy, relationship anxiety, hypervigilance to rejection, distress when others' responsiveness seems insufficient, and overdependence on partners

Avoidant Attachment Style Effect in Adults

Distrust others, close themselves off or leave relationships when things get serious, appear aloof, indecisive, or not fully invested in a relationship, and use defensive strategies to avoid connection

Disorganized Attachment Style Effect in Adults

Inconsistent behavior: Their behavior can be difficult to predict, and they may lack coherence, Difficulty trusting others: They may feel insecure in relationships and have a hard time forming close bonds, Emotional regulation issues: They may have extreme mood swings, dissociate, or feel numb, Unhealthy coping strategies: They may use self-destructive behaviors or unhealthy coping strategies, such as risky sexual behavior

Psychosocial Stages

Erik Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial development, each with its own psychosocial task that must be resolved in order to progress to the next stage

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

are stressful or traumatic events that occur during childhood or adolescence that can impact a person's health and well-being (abuse, neglect, violence, family dysfunction, etc)

Identity Diffusion

no sense of having choices; he or she has not yet made (nor is attempting/willing to make) a commitment

Identity Foreclosure

willing to commit to some relevant roles, values, or goals for the future. NO identity crisis. conform to the expectations of others regarding their future

Identity Moratorium

In crisis, exploring choices, but has not made a commitment to these choices

Identity Achievement/Formation

Completed identity crisis and has committed to identity/value

Avoidant Attachment Style Effect in Adults