Social-Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers

Module 14

The Formative Years

•The importance of firs three years in human development.

•Parents and caregivers plays a significant role.

Temperament and Development•Temperament- stable individual

differences in quality and intensity of emotional reaction

•NY Longitudinal Study (Thomas and Chess) -examined temperament

•Results- Temperament is somewhat predictive of psychological adjustment

•Parenting Practices can modify children’s emotional styles

Thomas, Chess and BirchCategories of Temperament:•Activity level•mood•Threshold for distress•Rhythmicity•Intensity of response•Approach-Withdrawal•Distractibility•Adaptibility•Persistence

Structure of Temperament•Easy child- established regular routines;

generally cheerful, and adapts easily•Difficult child- irregular routines, slow to

accept new experiences, reactions are negative and intense

•Slow-to- warm up child-inactive, mild low key reactions to environment; adjusts slowly

•Some children show blend of different temperaments

Infant Emotions Infants learn emotional responses from those around them.

Social referencing – refers to infants using the emotional signals of others to guide their behaviour.

Stranger anxiety – begins to appear around 6 to 9 months when a fear of unfamiliar adults develops.

Separation anxiety – once infants have developed attachment to their primary caregivers, they become distressed when they are separated from their attachment figure. This is usually seen around 8-9 months.

Caregivers need to respond to children’s individual cues as stranger and separation anxiety will vary from infant to infant and situation to situation.

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Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage Trust Versus Mistrust

Psychosocial Stage Period of Development

Description

trust versus mistrust Infancy From warm, responsive care, infants gain a sense of trust, or confidence that the world is safe and predictable.

Mistrust occurs when children are neglected or caregivers do not respond promptly or consistently to children’s cues.

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Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt

Psychosocial Stage

Period of Development

Description

Autonomy versus shame and doubt

Toddlerhood Using new cognitive and motor skills, toddlers begin to assert themselves.  Autonomy is fostered when caregivers allow limited choices and time for toddlers to practice their skills.

If the child is not allowed to make decisions or if they undertake actions beyond their abilities shame or doubt could occur.

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Common Toddler Emotions

•Affection•Fear•Anxiety•Anger

Affection

•Attached to caregivers▫Express affection through

Close proximity Hugs and Kisses

•Attachment to beloved toys/belongings

Fear•They imagine things that do not exist•Toddlers may fear:

▫Monsters▫Animals▫Darkness▫Nightmares▫“Bad people”▫Injury▫Gestures▫Startling noises

Anxiety

•Separation Anxiety continues into the toddler stage and sometimes beyond.

•Many overcome SA because they feel a caregiver’s love and know they will return!

•Increased language skill helps toddlers understand why parents sometimes leave.

Anxiety

•Nightmares may begin around age 2▫A nightmare is a toddler’s way of dealing

with anxiety. ▫Nightmares stem from fear of being left

alone, getting hurt, or angering adults. ▫Nightmares tend to decrease in time.

Anger•Toddlers have a desire for more

independence and have a strong will. •Temper Tantrums = Sudden emotional

outbursts of anger commonly displayed by toddlers. ▫Lie on the floor, kick, and scream▫Happens because something doesn’t go their

way▫Purpose is to seek attention

Ignoring may cause the child to stop After the tantrum is over, give the toddler love

and reassurance