Psych Vocab #9

Psychological development theory

• Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development

• Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development

• Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which posits that personality develops throughout the lifespan through eight distinct stages.

• B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning

Insecure attachment

• Demonstrated by infants who display a clinging, anxious attachment or an avoidant attachment that resists closeness.

• Characterized by a strong bond between the infant and caregiver, leading to secure relationships later in life.

• Exhibited by infants who show no preference between a caregiver and a stranger.

• Marked by a consistent and reliable response from the caregiver to the infant's needs.

Permissive parenting

• Set few limits, make few demands and use little punishment. Children who are more aggressive and immature.

• Strictly enforces rules and expectations, leading to well-behaved children.

• Encourages independence while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.

• Uses a balanced approach with equal emphasis on discipline and affection.

Emerging adulthood

• A period from about age 18 to the mid-twenties, when many in Western cultures are no longer adolescents but have not yet achieved full independence as adults.

• A stage of life characterized by complete independence and financial stability.

• A time when individuals are fully integrated into adult society and responsibilities.

• A phase of life that occurs after middle age, focusing on retirement and leisure.

Ecological system theory

• A scientific theory that explains how human development is influenced by a variety of environmental systems.

• A theory that focuses solely on genetic factors in human development.

• A model that describes the stages of cognitive development in children.

• A framework for understanding economic systems and their impact on society.

Identity Attachment

• Refers to the ways individuals connect their sense of self (identity) to certain beliefs, behaviors, or external factors.

• A psychological condition where individuals feel detached from their identity.

• A method of assessing one's personality traits through external validation.

• The process of forming relationships based solely on physical appearance.

Chronosystem

• Changes over the lifetime and the individual's current stage of life. Examples include moving, marriage, having children, and COVID.

• A system that focuses on the immediate environment and its impact on development.

• A theory that emphasizes the role of genetics in shaping behavior and personality.

• A framework that examines the influence of cultural and social factors on individual development.

Authoritarian parenting

• Impose rules and demand obedience, leading to children with less social skill and self-esteem.

• Encourage open communication and independence in children.

• Focus on nurturing and emotional support for child development.

• Promote a balanced approach with both rules and flexibility.

Separation Anxiety

• Children experience excessive fear and distress when they are away from their caregivers, peaking at around 13 months, then gradually declining.

• Children feel happy and secure when separated from their caregivers.

• Separation anxiety is a condition that only affects infants under 6 months old.

• Separation anxiety is characterized by a lack of emotional response when caregivers leave.

Identity Diffusion

• Adolescents have a clear sense of purpose and direction.

• Adolescents lack commitment to any goal and feel indifferent about their future.

• Adolescents are actively exploring different identities and making choices.

• Adolescents have a strong commitment to their goals and values.