Developmental Psychology Ch. 10

What characteristics of temperament do researchers agree on?

(1) Consists of individual differences in behavioral functioning.
(2) Emerge early.
(3) Biologically based.
(4) Somewhat stable over time.

Nine characteristics of temperament

(1) Approach / withdraw
(2) Mood
(3) Adaptability
(4) Rhythm
(5) Threshold (Sensitivity)
(6) Persistence
(7) Activity level
(8) Intensity
(9) Distractability

discrete emotions theory

(1) emotions are innate
(2) each emotion is packaged with a specific set of bodily and facial reactions
(3) distinct emotions are evident from very early life

functionalist approach

(1) function of emotions is to promote action toward achieving a goal in a given context
(2) emotions are not discrete from one another
(3) emotions vary based on social environment

Emotional milestones, positive emotions in infancy

(1) smile - first weeks
(2) social smile - 3rd month
(3) laugh - 3/4 months
(4) clown around + try to make others laugh - age 2
(5) pride - age 3

Emotional milestones, negative emotions in infancy

(1) wariness - 4 months
(2) fear - 6/7 months
(3) separation anxiety - 8 months
(4) anger - 4-8 months
(5) embarrassment - 15-24 months
(6) guilt & shame - 2 years

emotional intelligence

abilities that contribute to emotional and social competence

adolescence depression, gender differences

more common among girls than boys

self-soothe

(1) actively distract oneself from a distressing object (for example, looking away)
(2) starts at 6 months

display rules

a group's informal norms about when, where, and how much one should show emotions

prosocial motive

display certain emotions to protect others

self-protective motive

hide certain emotions to protect oneself (i.e. from further social harm)

display rules, gender differences

girls are more likely to:
(1) try to protect others' emotions
(2) be more emotional

Stranger anxiety, timing

(1) 6/7 months - onset
(2) Ends around age 2

Separation anxiety

(1) 8 months - onset
(2) Intensifies until 13-15 months, then declines.

Influence of parents' expression of emotion

children model how they express their emotions on how their parents express emotions

Attachment security, long-term effects

(1) better adjusted
(2) better social skills
(3) better emotional expression
(4) better relationships
(5) higher grades
(6) better attention
(7) NO influence on intelligence

NYLS major classifications

(1) easy
(2) difficult
(3) slow to warm-up
(4) average (shy)