Social Development

Question 1

Social development

Answer 1

Social Development encompasses the changes in interpersonal thought, feeling and behaviour across the lifespan

Question 2

Core theories

Answer 2

Social-cultural theories of development

Psychosocial development (e.g. Erik Erikson)

Attachment and its implication for functioning across the lifespan

Relationships to others (family, peers, unfamiliar others), their nature and implications

Social cognition/social understanding

Social development is implicated in all domains of development, however.

Question 3

Vygotsky & Social Constructivism

Answer 3

All development/learning occurs within and because of a social, cultural and historical context

Development seen from a didactic perspective (but more than linear): dependent upon interpersonal interaction, communication and cooperation

Theory takes into account the socio-cultural context

Question 4

Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Answer 4

Acknowledges psycho-social development continues throughout lifespan

Stage represents resolution of developmental task

Provides framework for other theories and bodies of evidence

Question 5

Three important features of Erickson’s Theory

Answer 5

Cultural sensitivity

An integration of biological, psychological and cultural considerations

Supporting empirical evidence

Question 6

Stages of Erickson’s Theory

Answer 6

0-18 - basic trust vs mistrust
1-2 - autonomy  vs shame and doubt
3-6 - initiative vs guilt
7-11 - industry vs inferiority
12-19 - identity vs identity confusion
20s-30s - intimacy vs isolation
40s-60s - generatively vs stagnation
60s on - integrity vs despair

Question 7

Attachment

Answer 7

Refers to an enduring emotional tie between child and primary caregiver

Question 8

What does attachment reflect?

Answer 8

A desire by the child to be close to the caregiver

The sense of security around caregiver

Feelings of distress when caregiver is absent

Question 9

What to major functions does attachment serve?

Answer 9

Survival function - more likely to be fed, protected from predators and to be taught life skills

Nurturance/security function: young are comforted by caregiver and are distressed in absence

Question 10

Authoritative parenting style

Answer 10

Enforce standards, but encourage communication and high on affection and acceptance

Question 11

Authoritarian parenting style

Answer 11

Place a high value on obedience and respect for authority but low on affection and acceptance

Question 12

Permissive parenting style

Answer 12

Low levels of control and responsibility demands but high on affection and acceptance

Question 13

Uninvolved parenting style

Answer 13

Low monitoring, control and affection (neglectful)

Question 14

Authoritative consequences

Answer 14

Self reliance, self regulation, self esteem, ‘maturity’, academic achievement, social skills, psychological adjustment

Question 15

Authoritarian consequences

Answer 15

Poor sense of self worth, low levels of autonomy, poor sociability, heightened use of aggression, hostile world view

Question 16

Permissive consequences

Answer 16

Impulsiveness and risk taking, disobedience, poor social adjustment, dependence on others

Question 17

Uninvolved consequences

Answer 17

Poor psychological adjustment, poor sociability, disorganised and disoriented behaviour

Question 18

Peer relationships

Answer 18

Major influence on social development

Provide alternative ways of interacting

Teach emotional control & communication on equal footing

Peers force children to hone their social perspective-taking skills

Contribute to social-cognitive and moral development in ways parents can’t

Question 19

Peer status

Answer 19

Popular (7-13%) - pro-social, good at sport, academically bright, good sense of humour, fun

Rejected (6-15%) - antisocial type - aggressive, disruptive, withdrawn type - isolated and uninvolved

Neglected (7-18%) - low levels of positive and negative behaviour, minimal peer impact

Controversial (3-7%) - more aggressive than antisocial rejectee, bright and sociable, leadership qualities

Average (53-67%) - normal levels of all behaviours

Question 20

Consequences of peer status

Answer 20

Can change but becomes more stable over time

Individuals peer status often ‘follows’ into different peer groups

Stability of peer status is higher for rejected groups

Aggressive-rejected children are less engaged in school and extra activities - more academic difficulties - greater risk for criminality and substance abuse

Withdrawn-rejected experience problems and depression, anxiety and relationship problems

Rejected and bullied can be both socially isolated and aggressive

Negative consequences of rejection and victimisation are stronger than positive effects of acceptance