Social DevelopmentAn example of a critical period in the social development of children is emotional attachments to primary caregivers during the 1st year.• A sign that an emotional bond has been made =

separation anxiety• This first appears around 8-12 months and then peaks

at 18 months.

Social Development (continued)

Secure attachment can have lasting effects. Infants with secure attachment at age one, later show the following traits:• curiosity• problem solving skills• social competence

Children with severe attachment problems do not learn to trust and care about others.

Harry Harlow• Surrogate mother research• “Contact comfort”

Differing Influences of Moms and Dads

• Maternal Influence– Caregiver– Nurturance– Comfort– Verbal stimulation

• Paternal Influence– Exploration– Risk-taking– Action– Sound effects

Erik EriksonStages of Psychosocial

Development

Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

• Each stage named according to the possible outcomes of a particular “crisis”

• The crisis represents an issue everyone faces• Each stage builds on the previous stages

Stage 1: TRUST vs. MISTRUST

• Birth – 1 ½ years• Goal: To develop

confidence in people• Infants need to feel

that the world is orderly and predictable – I can trust that someone will be there to take care of me.

Stage 1: TRUST vs. MISTRUST

• If an infant is well cared for, she will develop faith in the future, but if she experiences too much uncertainty about being taken care of, she will come to look at the world with fear and suspicion.

Stage 2: AUTONOMY vs. DOUBT

• 1 ½ - 3 years• Goal: Self Control• The child learns self

assertion, but if he receives too much criticism, he will be ashamed of himself and have doubts about his independence.

Stage 2: AUTONOMY vs. DOUBT

• Typically this involves learning to dress themselves, help out around the house, and do things “all by myself!”

Stage 3: INITIATIVE vs. GUILT

• 3 – 6 Years• Goal: Responsibility• When the child begins to

make her own decisions, constant discouragement or punishment could lead to guilt. Children should be encouraged to develop their individual interests.

Stage 3: INITIATIVE vs. GUILT

• They should be free to run, play, and question

everything!

Stage 4: INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY

• 6 years – puberty• Goal: Competence• Most children enter school

eager to learn new things and to build their skills. Teachers and parents who push too hard can cut off this eagerness.

Stage 4: INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY

• Children feel inferior when asked to complete tasks beyond their abilities.

• Too much criticism of a child’s work at this stage can lead to long-term feelings of inferiority.