From Conception Through First Year Flashcards
A baby's development is a marvel of maturation, the sequential unfolding of genetically influenced behavior and physical characteristics.
Developmental Psychologists study…
Physiological and cognitive changes across the life span, and how they are affected by:
- genetics
- culture
- circumstances, and experiences
Define: Socialization
How children learn the rules and behaviors expected of them by society.
Name the 3 stages of fetal development:
- germinal state
- embryonic stage
- fetal stage
Define: germinal state
Begins at fertilization, when the sperm unites with the ovum(egg), and produces a zygote. The zygote divides into a cluster of cells and attaches itself to the uterus.
- outer cluster forms placenta and umbilical cord
- inner cluster forms the embryo
What is the function of an umbilical cord?
It serves as a link for food from the mother
Define: embryonic stage
Starts 2 weeks after fertilization, and lasts until 8th week after conception.
Define: fetal stage
After 8 weeks, the fetus further develops its organs and systems
In which stage of Prenatal Development does decision of gender occur?
In the embryonic stage, weeks 4-8. Testosterone is secreted for males, and without it, the embryo will become female.
Who has an increased risk of conceiving a child who develops schizophrenia?
Fathers over 50. The risk is 3X more than fathers under 25.
Who has an increased risk of conceiving a premature or low birth weight child?
Teenage fathers
During pregnancy, what are 6 harmful influences that can cross the placental barrier?
- German Measles (Rubella)
- X-Rays, radiation, and toxic substances
- STD’s
- cigarette smoking
- regular consumption of alcohol
- illicit or commonly used household drugs
Define: Motor Reflexes
Automatic behaviors necessary for survival.
What are some perceptual abilities of newborns?
- senses (see, hear, smell, touch)
- visual range begins at 8 inches
- ability to distinguish contrasts, shadows, and edges
- ability to immediately identify their caregiver
Who first observed the negative effects on children without secure attachments?
John Bowlby
Define: Contact Comfort
The pleasure of being touched and held.
- crucial for newborns and throughout life
- releases endorphins
Define: Separation Anxiety
An infant will show anxiety when the primary caregiver temporarily leaves them.
- reaction can continue into 2nd-3rd year
- all children go though this phase
Who created the “Strange Situation” that explores the nature of attachment between mother and baby?
Mary Ainsworth
Based on the “Strange Situation”, how is attachment categorized?
- Secure Attachment
- Insecure Attachment
- avoidant
- anxious or ambivalent
How did a “Securely Attached” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?
- cried when mother left room
- happy once the mother came back
- more attached to mother than stranger
How did an insecurely attached: “Avoidant” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?
- did not care if the mother left the room
- treated the mother and stranger about the same
How did an insecurely attached: “Anxious/Ambivalent” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?
- protested if mother tried to leave
- resisted contact with mother at reunion
What effects does daycare have on a child’s attachment development?
None
What type of attachment are infants predisposed to?
secure attachment
What are 4 factors that promote insecure attachment?
- abandonment/deprivation in years 1-2 of life
- abusive/neglectful parenting
- child’s own genetically influenced temperament
- stressful circumstances in child’s family
