Child Development

Question 0

Describe the stages of separation and its criticisms

Answer 0

1. Protest - distressed, crying, clingy (hrs–>days)
2. Despair - helplessness, withdrawn, intermittent crying
3. Detachment - interest in surroundings, smile, sociable, remote and apathetic when carer returns
   Criticisms - too simplistic, overly maternal focus, multiple attachment figures

Question 1

Explain the concept of attachment in child development

Answer 1

Maintain proximity to care giver(s)
Influences brain development, social competence (separation anxiety, aggression, clingy), peer relations, physical (heart rate) and emotional health (less play, depression)
Critical period for attachment - 1st year/up to 4yrs
Styles - secure (carer sensitive to child’s signals, rapid appropriate consistent response, carer has high self esteem)/insecure (avoidant, ambivalent, disorganised)

Question 2

Give examples of good practise in the organisation of hospital care for children

Answer 2

Allow parental/carer access
Allow attachment objects
Reassure child
Home environment
Toys/activities
Continuity of staff

Question 3

Describe the features of Piaget’s four stages of childhood cognitive development

Answer 3

Sensori-motor (0-2yrs) - learn by doing, no abstract concepts, develop body schema
Pre-operational (2-7yrs) - language development, imagination, egocentric 
Concrete operational (7-12) - think logically, concrete thinking, see things from other perspectives
Formal operational (12+) - abstract logic, hypothetical deductive reasoning

Question 4

Describe Vgotsky’s theory of social development

Answer 4

Cognitive development requires social interaction
Child (apprentice) learns through shared problem solving
Increased understanding with ‘able instruction’

Question 5

Discuss the implications of theory about childhood cognitive development for communicating with children about illness and treatment

Answer 5

Don’t assume average ability –> assess, tailor
Young children lack theory of mind
Difficult to articulate feelings
Think about future –> consent

Question 6

Give examples of good practice in communicating well with children

Answer 6

Active listening 
Act out choices
Play
Observe, wait, listen (OWL) 
Be aware of different need e.g. special