Social, emotional and cognitive development during childhood

Question 1

During the first 3-5 years of life, give examples of the areas in which important developments take place

Answer 1

1. Self-regulation
2. Communication and language
3. Language difficulties
4. Establishing relationships with others
5. Establishing secure attachment relationships
6. Peer relationships
7. Social understanding

Question 2

Give some risk factors which lead to an adverse effect on child development: prenatal experiences

Answer 2

1. Maternal depression during pregnancy
2. HIV
3. Drugs

Question 3

Give some risk factors which lead to an adverse effect on child development: post natal experiences

Answer 3

1. Postnatal depression

2. Quality of infant day care

Question 4

What are indicators of social well-being?

Answer 4

1. Social competence
2. Rewarding personal and social relationships with others
3. Communication skills
4. Appropriate social behaviour

Question 5

Indicators of social dysfunction?

Answer 5

1. Victimised, ostracised, stigmatised by others
2. Poor relationships with others
3. Social withdrawal
4. Inappropriate social behaviour

Question 6

Indicators of emotional well-being?

Answer 6

1. Stable and secure attachments to significant others
2. Emotions appropriate to context
3. Positive self-esteem
4. Generally happy and optimistic outlook on life

Question 7

Indicators of emotional dysfunction?

Answer 7

1. Unstable and insecure attachment to significant others
2. Emotions inappropriate to context
3. Poor self-esteem
4. Anxiety and depression

Question 8

Indicators of cognitive functioning?

Answer 8

1. Functioning at age appropriate level
2. Appropriate progress in cognitive development
3. Child has positive and realistic perception of cognitive abilities
4. Given opportunities to reach individual potential

Question 9

Indicators of cognitive dysfunction?

Answer 9

1. Underachievement or limited cognitive ability
2. Lack of expected progress in cognitive development
3. Child has negative or unrealistic perception in cognitive abilities
4. May require special education provision to reach potential