Family Processes and Developmental Psychology Overview

What are the five systems in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory?

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chronosystem.

What does the Microsystem refer to in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory?

The immediate setting (home, school, peers) where the person lives.

What is the Mesosystem in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory?

The links between microsystems, such as parent-teacher conferences that connect home and school.

What is the Exosystem in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory?

Settings not directly experienced by the individual but still influential, like a parent's workplace schedule.

Define the Macrosystem in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory.

The broader culture, including values, laws, customs, and resources.

What does the Chronosystem encompass in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory?

Socio-historical time; life events and transitions such as divorce or the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Reciprocal (Transactional) Socialization?

The process where children socialize parents while parents socialize children, creating a bidirectional loop.

What is Scaffolding in the context of child development?

Moment-to-moment support that adjusts as a child's skill rises.

What are Dyadic and Polyadic subsystems in family systems?

Dyadic subsystems involve two people (e.g., mother-child), while polyadic subsystems involve more than two people (e.g., parents and siblings).

How does marital satisfaction affect parenting quality?

Higher marital satisfaction leads to better parenting quality, which positively impacts child outcomes.

What are some sociocultural influences on family dynamics?

Dramatic rises in immigration, longevity, suburbanization, and the impact of ubiquitous screen media.

What challenges do single adults face in a marriage-oriented society?

Forming intimacy, confronting loneliness, and carving a niche in a society focused on marriage.

What is the definition of cohabitation?

A sexual union without marriage.

What percentage of 25-34 year-olds lived with a partner in 2018?

15%.

What is the 'Cohabitation effect'?

Lower marital satisfaction and higher divorce rates later, possibly due to less traditional values and habit formation.

What are the spouse criteria among never-married individuals?

Similar child-rearing ideas, steady job, education parity, and same race (low priority).

What trend was observed in the happiness of marriages from 1973 to 2006?

The percentage of 'very happy' marriages declined for both men and women.

What are Gottman's Predictors of Success in marriage?

Love maps, fondness, turning toward, accepting influence, solving gridlock, shared meaning, forgiveness, and commitment.

How does premarital education impact marriage outcomes?

It increases satisfaction and commitment while decreasing divorce rates.

What is the marital satisfaction trend in middle adulthood?

Some rocky early marriages stabilize, with fewer chores and increased shared activities.

What characterizes older adults in marriage?

They tend to be the happiest, least distressed, and have the longest life expectancy.

What is a significant issue that can strain intimacy in late adulthood marriages?

Caregiving stress due to an ill partner.

What is notable about the divorce rate in the U.S.?

The U.S. has one of the highest divorce rates in the world.

What are some risk factors associated with relationship issues?

Youthful age, low education/income, no religion, divorced parents, premarital birth, alcoholism, psychological issues, violence, infidelity, poor labor division.

What personality traits from the Big Five are linked to relationship issues?

Low agreeableness and conscientiousness, high neuroticism and openness.

What are some consequences of relationship problems?

Loneliness, low self-esteem, health issues; women file for divorce more often and adjust better emotionally but may experience decreased finances.

What are common motives for divorce among middle and older adults?

Women often cite abuse, substance use, and cheating; men may cite falling out of love, cheating, and divergent lifestyles.

What are the effects of older adult divorce on individuals?

Decreased kin ties and increased health problems, particularly for women, who may experience reduced economic security.

What percentage of individuals remarry within three years after divorce?

Approximately 50%, with men remarrying sooner than women.

What are common motives for remarriage among older adults?

Pragmatic reasons such as financial stability, child-rearing assistance, and relief from loneliness.

How do step-relations compare to first-marriage families?

Less support is exchanged in step-relations compared to first-marriage families.

What core needs do LGBTQ+ adult relationships share?

Balance of love, autonomy, and equality.

How do female couples in LGBTQ+ relationships prioritize their relationship?

They prioritize equality.

What myths about gay male couples have been dispelled?

Only a small minority follow a 'butch-femme' pattern; most prefer long-term commitment; about half practice openness.

What challenges do LGBTQ+ couples face?

Pervasive stigma and discrimination, which act as chronic stressors.

What trends are observed in parental roles and timing?

Planned versus surprise parenthood; parents report greater life satisfaction; fewer children and delayed childbearing are common.

What are the advantages of early parenthood?

More energy, fewer maternal risks, and lower expectations.

What are the advantages of late parenthood?

Clearer goals, maturity, career stability, and higher income.

What is the impact of the 'Bringing Baby Home' workshop?

It boosts coparental teamwork, enhances father sensitivity, reduces maternal postpartum depression, and promotes infant development.

What roles do parents play in managing their children?

Opportunity architect, monitor, and social initiator.

What are the four parenting styles identified by Baumrind?

Authoritarian (high control, low warmth), Authoritative (high warmth, firm control), Neglectful (low warmth and control), Indulgent (high warmth, low control).

What is the link between corporal punishment and childhood behavior?

Corporal punishment is legal in all states and linked to increased childhood and adolescent aggression, though cultural norms can moderate its harm.

What are the consequences of child maltreatment?

Poor emotion regulation, attachment issues, peer difficulties, school problems, depression, delinquency, and addiction.

What factors contribute to parent-adolescent relations?

Autonomy struggles, conflict spikes during early adolescence, and the impact of parental midlife issues.

What are the effects of maternal employment on children?

Children of working mothers tend to have less gender stereotyping and more egalitarian attitudes.

How do children typically adjust to divorce?

On average, children show poorer adjustment in academics, relationships, and self-esteem, but the majority cope well.

What is the average adjustment of children after divorce?

On average, children show poorer adjustment in academics, relationships, and self-esteem, yet the majority cope well.

What does Emotional Security Theory suggest about children and marital conflict?

Children monitor marital conflict for safety cues.

In what circumstances can divorce be protective for children?

Divorce can be protective if the marriage is highly conflictual.

How does authoritative co-parenting post-divorce affect teens?

Authoritative co-parenting aids teens in their adjustment.

How does the contact of fathers with their children typically change after divorce?

Fathers' contact with their children usually drops, especially with daughters.

What percentage of income do custodial mothers typically lose post-divorce?

Custodial mothers lose 25-50% of their income compared to fathers who lose about 10%.

What percentage of divorced children acquire a stepparent within four years?

Approximately 50% of divorced children acquire a stepparent within four years.

What types of family structures can result from remarriage after divorce?

Stepfather, stepmother, and blended (complex) family variants.

How do simple stepfamilies adjust compared to complex stepfamilies?

Simple stepfamilies (one remarried parent, no shared children) adjust better than complex stepfamilies.

What percentage of same-gender couples are raising children under 18?

20% of same-gender couples are raising children under 18.

What are common methods for LGBTQ+ couples to have children?

Children are mostly from previous heterosexual relationships, with rising use of donor insemination and adoption.

How do LGBTQ+ couples typically share childcare responsibilities?

LGBTQ+ couples share childcare more evenly.

What is the risk level for adopted children regarding behavior and mental health?

Adopted children are at an elevated risk for behavior and mental health issues, yet the majority thrive.

What are the best practices for adoption?

Best practices include acknowledging differences, respecting the birth family, and supporting identity search.

What percentage of U.S. children have siblings?

80% of U.S. children have siblings.

What are common parental responses to sibling conflict?

Parental responses include mediation, threats, or no involvement.

What are the effects of high sibling conflict?

High sibling conflict can lead to negative outcomes.

What key qualities influence sibling relationships?

Key qualities include emotional tone, familiarity/intimacy, and variation.

How does parental favoritism affect siblings?

Parental favoritism can harm the self-esteem of the less-favored child.

What is the impact of birth order on children's characteristics?

Firstborns tend to be slightly more adult-oriented and self-controlled, while only children are often achievement-oriented.

What roles do grandparents often take on in families?

Grandparents may enter caregiving roles due to circumstances like divorce or teen parenthood.

What are the implications of the 'midlife sandwich' generation?

The middle generation is squeezed by duties to both grown children and aging parents, with stress peaking if parents are disabled.

What are the key numbers related to family structures and relationships?

5 ecological systems, 8% of 65-year-olds never married, 15% of 25-34 cohabit, <10% of cohabitations last 5 years, 50% of divorces lead to remarriage within 3 years.

How do parental influences shape children's peer relationships?

Life-style choices such as neighborhood, church, school, and parents' own friends shape the friendship 'pool'.

What aspect of the parent-child relationship influences peer relations?

The quality of the parent-child relationship sets templates for how children relate to peers.

What types of peers can children have?

Children can have acquaintances, crowds, cliques, friends, and romantic partners.

What are some settings where peer interactions occur?

Peer interactions can occur in schools, neighborhoods, community centers, and religious environments.

What individual factors influence peer success?

Personality traits (like shyness vs. outgoingness) and negative emotionality shape peer success.

At what age do children typically begin to prefer same-sex playmates?

By age 3, most children prefer same-sex playmates.

What social trends are observed in middle and late childhood regarding peer relationships?

Reciprocity becomes central, time with peers increases, group size rises, and adult supervision declines.

What are the steps involved in social cognition for children aged 6-11?

1. Attend to cues 2. Attribute intent 3. Set goals 4. Access scripts 5. Decide 6. Enact.

How does mood affect peer status?

Moody or negative behavior can lead to rejection, while positive affect can lead to popularity.

What are the five sociometric categories of peer status?

1. Popular: many best-friend votes, few dislikes. 2. Average: average positives and negatives. 3. Neglected: few nominations, not disliked. 4. Rejected: few friends, actively disliked. 5. Controversial: many likes and dislikes.

What skills are common among popular youth?

Popular youth often exhibit reinforcement, attentive listening, open communication, happiness, emotion regulation, enthusiasm, concern, and self-confidence without arrogance.

What characterizes neglected peers?

Neglected peers typically have low interaction and may be shy.

What issues are commonly associated with rejected peers?

Rejected peers may experience depression, conduct issues, antisocial behavior, and escalating aggression.

What are the typical profiles of bullying victims?

Victims are often anxious, socially withdrawn, and/or aggressive.

What percentage of bully-victim pairs typically share the same classroom?

70%-80% of bully-victim pairs share the same class.

What are some common motivations for bullying?

Bullies often seek to gain social status.

What are some outcomes for victims of bullying?

Victims may experience depression, suicidal ideation, antisocial behavior, and weight issues.

What is the trend regarding cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is increasingly tied to stress and suicide.

What are the statistics for U.S. students experiencing bullying based on religion/race?

Males: approximately 8.8%, Females: approximately 7.2%.

What are the statistics for U.S. students experiencing bullying based on looks/speech?

Males: approximately 19.9%, Females: approximately 20.5%.

What are the statistics for U.S. students experiencing physical bullying?

Males: approximately 18%, Females: approximately 11.2%.

How does gender influence peer relations in early childhood?

Same-sex play exceeds mixed-sex play, with significant preference for same-sex interactions by ages 4 to 6.

What changes occur in adolescent peer relations?

Peers exert strong influence, girls show tighter attachments, and membership in formal mixed-sex groups increases.

What are the core functions of friendships during childhood and adolescence?

Core functions include companionship, stimulation, ego support, social comparison, affection, and intimacy.

What are the risk factors for adolescent depression related to peer relationships?

Risk factors include peer rejection, having depressed friends, lack of a best friend, and reduced contact.

What are some risk factors for adolescent depression?

Peer rejection, depressed friends, lack of a best friend, and reduced contact.

How do relationships change during emerging adulthood?

Relationships with friends, family, and partners become more integrated, although the total number of friends declines.

What happens to satisfaction in best friendships during the first year of college?

Satisfaction may dip unless communication with high-school friends is maintained.

How do women's friendships differ from men's in adulthood?

Women tend to have more and more intimate, talk-oriented friendships, while men have activity-oriented friendships.

What is a notable trend regarding cross-gender friendships?

Cross-gender friendships are increasing but can carry ambiguous sexual boundaries.

What changes occur in friendships during late adulthood?

Friendship networks contract, with a preference for a few close, high-quality ties, and fewer reported friendship problems.