A3 - Emotional development across the life stages Flashcards
A3.1
Define Attachment
Attatchment is described as a strong emotional attachment between a child and their caregiver.
A3.1
Define Self image
Self image is the way in which a person sees themselves - a mental image of themselves.
A3.1
Define Self esteem
Self esteem is how a person feels about themselves, self worth or pride.
A3.1
Define Self concept
Self concept is described as how we see and feel about ourselves as a unique individual.
A3.1
What is said about emotional development during infancy?
Emotional development begins with attachments which an infant forms to their main caregiver.
A child that forms strong attachments to their main caregiver can in turn have a positive self image and a good self esteem.
A3.1
What did John Bowlby’s theory state?
Bowlby (1953) states that :
* during an infant’s first months, they form one primary attachment.
* This attachment to the primary caregiver is essential for development.
* A disruption to attachment has a negative impact on development.
A3.1
State reasons why a person’s attachment to someone may be disturbed
- Prematurity
- Post-natal depression (PND)
- Separation
- Foster care/adoption
- Emotional unavailability
- Disability
A3.1
Explain why Prematurity may cause a disturbed attachment
If a premature baby is in an incubator, they cannot be picked up. Thus, affecting the attachment process.
A3.1
Explain why Post Natal Depression (PND) may cause a disturbed attachment.
Some mothers are depressed after birth, but PND lasts longer and may affect a mother’s ability to bond with her baby.
A3.1
Explain why Separation may cause a disturbed attachment.
Separation of parents from their baby, e.g due to illness, bereavement or the parents divorcing can affect attachment. This can impact on a baby’s sense of identity.
A3.1
Explain why Foster care/adoption may cause a disturbed attachment.
‘looked after children’, children within the care system, may experience inconsistency of caregivers , which can affect attachments and their sense of identity.
A3.1
Explain why Emotional Unavailability may cause a disturbed attachment.
This may be due to parents having problems with alcohol or drug abuse, illness or generally struggling with their role.
A3,1
Explain why Disability may cause a disturbed attachment.
Some parents find it harder to attach to a baby with a disability, and they may struggle with their feelings. Some babies with disabilities may experience difficulty forming attachments.
A3.1
What might disrupted attachment cause?
- jealousy
- difficulty in forming trusting relationships.
- anxiety/depression
- delinquency/minor crime
- social withdrawal
- behavioural problems (ADHD)
A3.1
What did Shaffer and Emerson say about Bowlby’s theory of attachment?
Shaffer and Emerson suggested that babies are more likely to form sound attachments to caregivers who respond positively to their signals.
- Playing and communicating is important for strong attachment.
A3.1
Shaffer and Emerson’s stages of attachment
- Birth-3 months: responds to any caregiver.
-
4-7 months: Shows preference for primary caregiver but accepts care from others.
7-9 months: Prefers primary caregiver and seeks comfort from them; unhappy when separated and shows fear of strangers. - 10 months+: Begins to develop attachments with others who respond to them. By 18 months most infants have formed multiple attachments.
A3.1
What are the three types of attachment according to Mary Ainsworth’s strange situation classification?
- Secure
- Insecure/avoidant
- Insecure/resistant
A3.1
What does Secure Attachment entail? (SSC) (Ainsworth)
Parenting style: in tune with the child and their emotions.
Infants’ behaviour: will show distress when primary caregiver leaves, and greets them when they return; seeks comfort from caregiver when upset; happy with strangers when caregiver is present.
A3.1
What does Insecure/avoidant attachment entail?
Parenting style: unavailable to child/rejects them.
Infants’ behaviour: does not show distress when primary caregiver leaves; continues to explore the environment; may go to a stranger for comfort.
A3.1
What does Insecure/resistant attachment entail?
Parenting style: Inconsistent in meeting the child’s needs.
Infants’ behaviour: Shows distress when primary caregiver leaves but resists contact on their return; shows anxiety and insecurity.
A3.1
Rutter’s Criticisms of Bowlby’s attachment theory
- Bowlby oversimplified the theory.
- Maternal deprivation in itself may not lead to long term issues.
- Attachment is infact learned behaviour influenced by external factors - environment/culture.
A3.1
Factors that may affect attachment
- Family connection - siblings/busy lifestyle
- Beliefs - parenting style/religion
- Culture - long distance relationships (education)
- Environment - housing conditions, neglect, vacant parents.
A3.2
Emotional development during Early Childhood
- Use their imagination to begin to understand the social roles that other people play.
- They start to imagine a ‘me’, an idea of self or self concept.
- Relationships with other family members may influence whether a child feels valued or has a sense of self-worth.
- The way a child gets on with teachers and friends may influence this self-confidence.
- The child might develop a permanent sense of confidence or a sense of failure and inferiority.
A3.2
Emotional development during adolescence
- During adolescence, this sense of self continues to develop.
- An adolescent needs to develop a secure self concept.
- A person needs a clear understanding of identity in order to feel secure when working with other people or in order to make a loving sexual attachment.
- This may be a stressful time as self-esteem may depend on developing identity.
A3.2
Emotional development during Early and Middle Adulthood
- In adulthood, an individuals’ self esteem is influenced by lifestyle such as: their job or marital status.
- Self-image is affected by personal appearance and how others see you.
- Individuals need to learn to cope with emotional attachment to a sexual partner.
- This may involve not being too self-centered, defensive and not becoming emotionally isolated.
A3.2
Emotional development during Later Adulthood
- Older people need a secure sense of self to enable them to cope with the physical changes associated with ageing and death.
- People who fail to make sense of their lives might experience emotional despair.
