Week 3: Socioemotional Development in Early Childhood

Question 1

What is the main conflict in Erikson’s first psychosocial stage?

Answer 1

Trust vs. mistrust – occurs when basic needs are met, helping infants develop hope.

Question 2

What develops from a healthy balance of autonomy, shame, and doubt?

Answer 2

Will – the understanding that children can intentionally act within limits.

Question 3

What does initiative vs. guilt resolve into when balanced?

Answer 3

Purpose – initiative with a willingness to cooperate.

Ex: Guilt if they are scolded for not cleaning

Question 4

What is Erikson’s view of attachment during infancy?

Answer 4

It is central to the development of basic trust.

Question 5

According to evolutionary psychology, why is attachment important?

Answer 5

It’s an adaptation for survival – keeps infants close to caregivers.

Question 6

What happens in the pre-attachment stage (birth–6/8 weeks)?

Answer 6

Infants respond to smells & voices

find comfort in caregiver presence.

Question 7

What is the attachment-in-the-making stage (6/8 weeks–6/8 months)?

Answer 7

Preference for caregivers, start of stranger anxiety.

Question 8

What marks the true attachment stage (6/8 months–18 months)?

Answer 8

Strong attachment to one person; mental representation of caregiver.

Question 9

What is reciprocal relationship stage (18+ months)?

Answer 9

Toddler starts initiating contact and copes better with separation.

Question 10

What is the Strange Situation Test?

Answer 10

A lab study designed to assess infant–mother attachment.

Question 11

What characterizes secure attachment in the strange situation?

Answer 11

Cries at separation, comforted at reunion (60–65%).

Question 12

What characterizes avoidant attachment in the strange situation?

Answer 12

Doesn’t cry, ignores caregiver at return (20%).

Question 13

What characterizes resistant/anxious attachment in the strange situation?

Answer 13

Upset by separation, remains upset & difficult to console (10–15%).

Question 14

What characterizes disorganized attachment in the strange situation?

Answer 14

Confused, contradictory behavior (5–10%).

Ex: seeking proximity to the returned mom, but not looking at her

Question 15

Outcomes of secure attachment? (3)

Answer 15

Trusting

Emotionally attuned

Flexible/cooperative in relationships

Question 16

Consequences of resistant/anxious attachment? (3)

Answer 16

Sensitive nervous system

Struggles to communicate needs

May act out when triggered

Question 17

Consequences of avoidant attachment? (3)

Answer 17

Dismissive of relationships (downplays importance)

Very independent & self reliant

Can be vulnerable in a crisis

Question 18

Consequences of disorganized attachment? (4)

Answer 18

Intense fear of rejection

Low self-esteem

Dependency

High relationship anxiety

Question 19

What predicts quality of attachment?

Answer 19

Predictable, responsive, sensitive parenting.

Needs to be consistent

Question 20

Can babies form different attachments to mom and dad?

Answer 20

Yes, depending on parental behavior.

Question 21

Does daycare affect attachment?

Answer 21

Not directly, unless parenting is low-quality + daycare is poor.

Question 22

What behaviors are linked to many hours in low-quality childcare? Why?

Answer 22

Aggression, conflict, poor self-control.

They may be acting out bc they are bored, want attention, or miss their family

Question 23

What are basic emotions (8) and when do they emerge?

Answer 23

Joy, sadness, anger, fear, distress, disgust, interest & surprise (inside out movie)

By 8–9 months.

Question 24

Define complex emotions.

Answer 24

feelings that are a combination of two or more basic emotions

ex: hate = anger + fear + disgust

Question 25

What are some complex emotions (3) and when do they emerge?

Answer 25

Guilt, pride, embarrassment Around 18–24 months.

Question 26

What emotions develop by age 5–6 and 9?

Answer 26

Regret & relief at 5–6 These emotions are expressed more appropriately by 9 (less likely to be a tantrum)

Question 27

What emotions are present in babies? (2)

Answer 27

pleasure & distress

Question 28

What emotions are shown at 2-3 months? (2)

Answer 28

Sadness Social smiles

Question 29

When are social smiles?

Answer 29

Response to seeing a human face.

Question 30

What emotions are shown at 4-6 months? (1)

Answer 30

Anger

Question 31

What emotions are shown at 6 months? (1)

Answer 31

Stranger weariness

Question 32

What is stranger wariness?

Answer 32

Fear of strangers - depends on context and stranger’s behavior.

Question 33

Do cultures express emotion the same way?

Answer 33

Basic emotions are universal, but expression varies culturally. Some cultures are conditioned to express them freely while others are taught to suppress them

Question 34

How do Asian and American kids differ in expressing pride?

Answer 34

Asians = more reserved Americans = more expressive and show pride

Question 35

Why is emotional regulation important? (3)

Answer 35

Supports focus & learning Heps them build strong relationships Reduces stress/anxiety

Question 36

Name strategies to teach emotional regulation. (4)

Answer 36

Modeling calm behaviour Use feeling words (ex: frustrated) Deep breathing exercises Emotional check-ins (reflect on feelings)

Question 37

What tools help with emotional regulation? (3)

Answer 37

Emotion charts, role-play, mindfulness activities.

Question 38

What is prosocial behavior vs. altruism?

Answer 38

Prosocial: benefits others. Altruism: helps others without personal gain

Question 39

When do children begin showing altruism?

Answer 39

Around 18 months – comforting others in distress (crying)

Question 40

What is the issue with altruism?

Answer 40

Forgetting about yourself & your own feelings Ensure your needs come first

Question 41

Why is perspective-taking important? (4)

Answer 41

Builds empathy, critical thinking, and respect for others. Also reduced judgement

Question 42

How can parents promote prosocial behavior? (3)

Answer 42

Model warmth/caring - They replicate what they see (Bobo doll) Explain consequences (specifically for when they misbehave) Give opportunities to help

Question 43

When do kids start recognizing gender stereotypes? (3)

Answer 43

18 months: toy preferences 2–4 years: recognize gendered roles school age: know traditionally "masculine" and "feminine" jobs

Question 44

What are gender roles?

Answer 44

Cultural guidelines for gendered behavior – often reinforced by adults.

Question 45

How do peers influence gender roles?

Answer 45

Accept typical behavior, ridicule nonconforming behavior.

Question 46

True or false: Children are more likely to hold traditional gender views if their parents do

Answer 46

True

Question 47

What are the 3 stages of gender identity development according to Kohlberg?

Answer 47

Gender labeling (2–3 yrs) – self-identify as boy/girl Gender stability (preschool) – understanding that boys become men & girls become women Gender constancy (4–7 yrs) – understand that gender doesn’t change over situations or personal wishes

Question 48

Do gender-neutral parenting styles eliminate gendered behavior?

Answer 48

Not entirely – children still prefer same-sex play and traditional roles.