Social-Emotional Development: This includes the ability to form relationships with others, perceive emotions, and develop a sense of self.
Infancy (0-1 year): Trust vs. Mistrust
If an infant's needs are consistently met, they develop basic trust in caregivers and the world.
Example: A responsive caregiver who promptly attends to a baby’s cries fosters a sense of trust.
Toddlerhood (1-2 years): Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Toddlers begin to assert their independence and learn to do things on their own, such as potty training.
Example: A toddler who successfully uses the toilet feels autonomous, whereas one who faces harsh criticism may feel shame and doubt their abilities.
Preschooler (3-5 years): Initiative vs. Guilt
Children start initiating activities and exploring their environment. Parents should encourage initiative to foster positive self-esteem.
Example: A preschooler who is praised for trying to tie their shoes will feel encouraged to keep trying in the future.
Elementary School (6 years to puberty): Competence vs. Inferiority
Children find satisfaction in applying themselves and mastering new skills.
Example: A child who does well in school and receives positive feedback feels competent, while one who struggles academically may feel inferior.
Adolescence: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Teenagers work on forming their identities and refining their sense of self.
Example: A teenager exploring different hobbies and social groups is actively developing their identity.
Young Adulthood (20s to early 40s): Intimacy vs. Isolation
Young adults seek close relationships and intimate connections.
Example: A young adult forming a committed romantic relationship experiences intimacy, while one who isolates may struggle with loneliness.
Middle Adulthood (40s to 60s): Generativity vs. Stagnation
Adults contribute to society and the next generation, often through parenting or work.
Example: A parent who volunteers at school fosters generativity, while one who feels disconnected may experience stagnation.
Late Adulthood (60s+): Integrity vs. Despair
Older adults reflect on their lives, seeking a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Example: An older adult who feels proud of their achievements and relationships experiences integrity, while one filled with regret may feel despair.
Erikson's 3rd Stage: Initiative vs. Guilt
Children become increasingly active and show initiative in their ventures.
Parental encouragement is crucial; mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities.
Example: A child attempting to cook with parental support learns initiative, while one criticized for cooking poorly may develop guilt.
Emotion Regulation: The ability to manage one’s own emotions effectively.
Behavioral Development: Children use behaviors (like holding a stuffed animal) to manage feelings.
Use of Language: They express feelings verbally, as in saying, "I feel sad."
Social Demands: Understanding behavioral rules, like not hitting others.
Development of Sociomoral Emotions: Emotions such as guilt and embarrassment begin to emerge.
Emotion-Coaching Parents:
Help children label and understand their emotions.
Example: A parent who says, "You seem upset about losing your toy. Let’s talk about it." promotes emotional awareness.
Emotionally Dismissing Parents:
Dismiss negative emotions, leading to behavioral issues in children.
Example: A parent telling a crying child to stop because there's "nothing to cry about" ignores their feelings.
Biological Perspective: Considers the role of genetics in moral behavior.
Psychoanalytic Perspective: Focuses on the development of the superego and guilt (Freud).
Social Learning Perspective: Emphasizes modeling moral behavior and reinforcement through rewards/punishments.
Cognitive-Developmental Perspective: Children actively think about moral rules and justice.
Teaches children to recognize others' feelings and understand consequences.
Empathy-based guilt encourages awareness of the impact of their actions.
Example: A child who is guided to apologize after hurting a friend learns to empathize with their feelings.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging desired behavior through rewards.
Risks: Behavior may revert when rewards end.
Time Out: Provides cooling-off periods for both child and parent.
Example: A timeout used after aggressive behavior allows reflection and calmness.
Reasoning: Explaining why a behavior is inappropriate; effectiveness varies by age.
Authoritarian Style: Strict, demanding obedience, which can harm independence.
Permissive Style: Supportive but lacks any boundaries, causing impulsiveness.
Authoritative Style: Balances demands with warmth; fosters independence and self-regulation.
Uninvolved Style: Extreme neglect results in poor emotional and social development.
Authoritative: Produces happy, self-confident children with better regulation and social skills.
Authoritarian: Often leads to anxiety, withdrawal in children, aggression in males, and lower social skills.
Permissive: Results in impulsive behavior and lower academic involvement.
Uninvolved: Associated with higher risks of attachment issues and delinquency.
Types of abuse: Physical (10%), Neglect (61%), Sexual (7%), Emotional.
Factors: Poverty, substance abuse, social isolation can lead to abuse.
Consequences: Affects emotion regulation, academic performance, and relationships negatively.
Providing support for parents and therapy for children significantly aids in recovery and coping.
Divorce can increase anxiety and distress in children depending on:
Home conflict level
Parenting quality pre and post-divorce
Family income and stress levels after divorce.
Research shows no differences in child outcomes between same-sex and heterosexual parents.
Cultural variations influence parenting roles and styles.
Children from low SES backgrounds often face resource challenges affecting their development and academic support.
Infants exposed to screens may see changes in engagement and language skills.
Pediatric associations recommend limiting screen time for children under two years due to these developmental concerns.
Suggested strategies for parents:
Limit screen time: Set clear boundaries for daily use.
Engage in co-viewing: Parents should watch and discuss content with children.
Discuss content: Talk about what they see and what it means.
Model good practices: Demonstrate healthy media habits in daily life.