Child Psychology Midterm

Ted Kaczynski

An American domestic terrorist, more widely known as the Unabomber, who conducted a nationwide bombing campaign over 17 years, resulting in three deaths and 23 injuries.

Alice Walker

A celebrated American author recognized primarily for her groundbreaking novel 'The Color Purple,' which addresses the intersecting themes of racism, gender, and resilience in the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Walker is also an enduring social activist advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities while overcoming personal adversities, including partial blindness.

Socioeconomic status (SES)

A multifaceted social science term that categorizes people based on their economic and social position relative to others, which is determined by factors such as income level, education attainment, and occupational status. Understanding SES is crucial for examining inequalities within society and their impact on health, education, and social mobility.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The initial stage in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, occurring from birth to about 18 months. During this period, infants learn whether they can trust the world to meet their needs through consistent care and affection from caregivers. Successful resolution fosters a fundamental sense of trust, impacting future relationships and emotional well-being.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second psychosocial stage that takes place between the ages of 1 and 3 years, where toddlers begin to assert their independence and explore the world around them. Successful navigation of this stage results in confidence and autonomy; failure or excessive criticism may lead to feelings of shame and doubt in their abilities.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage in Erikson's developmental model, occurring from ages 3 to 6. During this phase, children initiate activities, plan tasks, and take on challenges with peers. Successful resolution leads to a sense of initiative and the ability to lead, while failure may result in feelings of guilt for asserting their desires.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage occurring between ages 6 and 12, where children begin to compare themselves to their peers, developing a sense of competence through school and social interactions. Achievement fosters feelings of industry and self-worth, while failure to achieve can instill feelings of inferiority and inadequacy.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth psychosocial stage occurring during adolescence (from ages 12 to 18) where individuals grapple with their emerging identities and sense of self. Successful resolution provides a clear sense of identity and direction, while failure can result in confusion about one’s role in society and difficulties in establishing a cohesive self-concept.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage of Erikson's theory occurring in young adulthood (ages 20 to 40), characterized by the exploration of intimate relationships. Success in forming deep connections leads to secure attachments and intimacy, whereas failure may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage that occurs in middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65) where individuals strive for meaningful contributions to society through work, family, and community involvement. Successfully achieving generativity fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while failure results in stagnation and self-absorption.

Integrity vs. Despair

The final stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory, occurring in late adulthood (ages 65 and older), where individuals reflect on their life experiences. A sense of fulfillment leads to integrity, while regret and dissatisfaction with life can lead to despair.

Prenatal period

The critical time frame from conception to birth, spanning approximately nine months, during which significant developmental changes occur, shaping physical and neural structures essential for life outside the womb.

Germinal period

The first two weeks post-conception when the zygote undergoes rapid cell division and begins the process of implantation into the uterine wall, marking the initiation of pregnancy and early developmental stages.

Embryonic period

The stage of prenatal development that lasts from roughly two to eight weeks post-conception. This is a crucial period when the major organs and body systems begin to develop, making the embryo particularly sensitive to environmental influences.

Fetal period

The longest stage of prenatal development, beginning at eight weeks post-conception and continuing until birth. During this time, the developing fetus undergoes rapid growth and maturation of organs, preparing for survival outside the womb.

Cephalocaudal pattern

A developmental pattern in which growth and motor control progress from the head toward the feet. This means that infants will typically gain control over their head and upper body before they develop control over their lower body.

Proximodistal pattern

A pattern of growth starting from the center of the body and moving outwards toward the extremities. This indicates that control of the trunk and arms develops before that of the hands and fingers.

Dynamic systems theory

A theoretical framework suggesting that various systems within a developing infant (biological, environmental, and experiential) interact to shape motor skills and behaviors through complex and adaptive processes.

Down syndrome

A genetic disorder characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as trisomy 21. It leads to a variety of physical traits, such as a flat facial profile and slanted eyes, as well as varying degrees of intellectual disability and developmental delays.

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males caused by an additional X chromosome (XXY), leading to various physical, reproductive, and developmental challenges, such as reduced testosterone levels, gynecomastia, and learning difficulties.

Fragile X syndrome

The most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. Symptoms include developmental delays, learning disabilities, social anxiety, and distinctive physical features.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder affecting females, characterized by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. Turner Syndrome can result in short stature, delayed puberty, and various health complications such as heart defects.

XYY Syndrome

A genetic condition that affects males who possess an extra Y chromosome (XYY), typically resulting in taller stature and, in some cases, learning difficulties, though many males with this condition function normally.

Immigrant risk model

A theoretical framework that posits immigrant youth experience various challenges, including cultural dislocation, economic hardships, and discrimination, which can negatively impact their well-being and mental health.

Immigrant paradox model

A theoretical perspective suggesting that immigrant youth often demonstrate higher levels of resilience, academic achievement, and mental well-being compared to their native peers, potentially due to strong familial support and cultural values.

Biculturalism

The ability of individuals to effectively navigate and integrate two distinct cultural identities, allowing them to maintain their original cultural values while adapting to and participating in a new cultural context.

Adaptive behavior

A range of practical skills that enable individuals to function effectively and independently in daily life. This includes personal care, communication, social interaction, and academic skills necessary for personal development and social competence.

Genotype

The complete hereditary genetic makeup of an individual, comprising all the genes inherited from both parents. The genotype holds the potential for various traits, though many may not be expressed due to environmental influences.