Social

Social Development

Changes in relationships, emotions, and social skills throughout life.

Social Clock

Cultural norms about the timing of life events, like marriage or retirement.

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development

A theory of eight stages in life, each with its own psychosocial challenge.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The stage where infants (0-1 year) develop trust if their needs are met.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

The stage where toddlers (1-3 years) learn independence or doubt their abilities.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The stage where preschoolers (3-6 years) develop initiative or feel guilt for their actions.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The stage where school-age children (6-12 years) develop competence or feel inferior.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The stage where adolescents (12-18 years) explore their identity or feel confused about their role in life.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The stage where young adults (20s-40s) form close relationships or feel isolated.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The stage where middle-aged adults (40s-60s) focus on contributing to society or feel a lack of purpose.

Integrity vs. Despair

The stage where older adults (60s+) reflect on life with satisfaction or regret.

Attachment

A strong emotional bond between a child and caregiver.

Imprinting

A rapid learning process in young animals during a critical period, leading to attachment.

Harlow’s Monkey Experiments

Studies showing that infant monkeys prefer comfort (cloth mother) over nourishment (wire mother).

Critical Period

A specific time in development when certain experiences are essential for proper growth.

Temperament

A person’s inborn traits, such as emotional reactivity and intensity.

Mary Ainsworth’s 'Strange Situation'

A study assessing attachment by observing a child’s reaction when a caregiver leaves and returns.

Secure Attachment

When a child feels safe and seeks comfort from the caregiver.

Avoidant Attachment

When a child avoids the caregiver and shows little distress upon separation.

Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment

type of insecure attachment characterized by a strong desire for closeness and validation in relationships, coupled with a fear of abandonment or rejection

Stranger Anxiety

Fear of strangers, typically seen in infants around 8 months.

Separation Anxiety

Distress when a child is separated from their caregiver.

Authoritarian Parenting Style

A strict parenting style with high demands and little warmth.

Permissive Parenting Style

A lenient parenting style with few rules and high warmth.

Authoritative Parenting Style

A balanced parenting style with high demands and high warmth.