Child Development Psychology - Essay Example

Running head: CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 1 1 Child Development Psychology Name Institution Location CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 2 Introduction Emotional Development of a child is as important as its physical development and as such, needs to be nurtured in the best possible way for the all round development of a child, to blossom into a well balanced adult. Any negligence on the part of the parent or the caregiver would have adverse results, which will manifest itself during the adolescence and adulthood of the individual. The emotional development of an individual can be traced back to the period of infancy in order to gauge the quality of emotional support rendered during the child’s growing years. The primary aim of this essay is to investigate the area of emotional development and try to analyze how it impacts the all round growth of a child and how it is manifested during times of adversity. Emotion is a complex feeling and quite difficult to define. However, according to the Oxford Dictionary, an emotion is “a Strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationship with others.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2014) Every child needs support, be it physically, emotionally or cognitively because a child is dependant on adults to satisfy their basic needs. If a child receives the emotional warmth and comfort he requires, he would grow up to be balanced and healthy both physically and mentally. However, if a child is not caringly nurtured for or his physical and emotional needs are not provided for, the insecurity and dependency he experiences impacts on his development resulting in adverse outcomes. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 3 The period of childhood is the period of dependency and it is during this time that children are most vulnerable because they are dependent on adults for their proper support for survival. Children whose material and emotional needs are reasonably satisfied are the ones who are most resilient and stable. According to (Cashmore & Paxman 1996) ‘Those who emerge from long term substitute care do best if they have had the benefit of a relationship.’ On the other hand, children who do not receive proper care and they are deprived of their needs both materialistically, mentally, cognitively and socially, are those who become vulnerable and are most susceptible to disease and harm from the environment in which they live. Such neglected and deprived children often manifest emotional or psychological problems later on in their adult lives. According to (Arnold, et al., 1999; McClelland et al., 2000) “Children who have difficulty paying attention, following directions, getting along with others and controlling negative emotions of anger and distress do less well in school.” Some of the primary contributors towards vulnerability in children are poor health, family discord, abuse, poverty and disability. Schachter, S. and Singer, J. E. (1962) shed light on their ‘Two Factor Theory of Emotion”. According to their theory, there are two key components that are vital to emotion. The first is physical arousal and the other is a cognitive label. Though physical arousal plays a major role in emotions, yet it is not solely responsible for creating CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 4 emotional responses because physical arousal is not sufficient for such responses. Schachter, S. and Singer, J. E. (1962) Two – factor theory is based on the interaction that takes place between the physical arousal and how we cognitively label it. Therefore, to feel an emotional response, both these components have to interact with each other. Adversity is ever present in some way or the other in our environment and this impacts on the process of building healthy relationships. Adversity is mostly manifested when encountering social situations. Though the brain is pre-determined at birth and it is the key organ of control, yet since it is not completely developed in infancy, it is influenced by social interactions in our environment soon after birth. It is a natural phenomenon that the brain of a child seeks or demands interaction and when these environmental interactions are positive, the child experiences positive development, if not, development would be negatively impacted. Referring to a child’s development (Wilson, p. 21) highlights the fact that ‘Organismic implies natural activity by children; mechanistic implies only reaction or machine like behavior.’ Every individual is unique and as such exhibit different levels of emotion. However, if we were to control our feelings, emotions would cease to exist. Hence, variation between people and emotions play a major role in child development. The chief characteristic of emotions is that they move us, but all emotions do not serve the same purpose for the mere fact that they vary among people. Laura Berk (2013) enlightens us on child CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 5 development through her best selling book titled “Child Development.” Berk recommends an integrated approach by taking into account the emotional, cognitive, physical and social aspects of a child in order to cater to the all round development which would make them responsible and productive individuals to the society in which they live. Considering the continuous change taking place in the arena of child development, Berk sheds light on her findings that is based on recent research and presents current theories which serve to bring a deep awareness among parents and caregivers who are engaged in child development. The brain, though genetically influenced at birth, is not complete and therefore develops gradually through interaction in the environment. The basis of development is the brain, but it changes over time by environmental influences that tend to stimulate it. Though the brain is genetically predetermined at birth, yet for practitioners and those who work closely with children such as parents and caregivers understand that environmental influences are exceedingly important for bringing about positive change in child development, which is crucial to the child. In this context, the Social Learning Theory is very relevant because it impacts on the child’s development. It comprises of 1) Mesosystem that involves the relationship of the child at home and school, 2) Macrosystem that includes the cultural influences on the child, 3) Exosystem that includes the workplace of the parents and 4) Microsystem which is the child’s relationship with the father. When a child receives positive influences from these places, it tends to experience positive development and grow into a well balanced individual in CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 6 the future. According to Denham (Dr) S.A. et al., (2008) “…accurate in-depth assessment of social emotional functioning is crucial, based on its importance to child outcomes…” Emotions get influenced by the environment in which we live, though they get manifested in the first year. Gradually, the emotions such as fear, anger and love change due to the environmental, social and cultural factors that impact on the child’s development, resulting in new secondary emotions besides the ones already present. Cognitive development also serves to impact and change the emotional development of a child and many of these secondary emotions could also influence the self- consciousness of children. Secondary emotions evolve gradually through social interactions involving social relationships between the child and the caregiver and these are the crucial processes that are responsible for initiating motivation in a child. Emotions differ and can either be fast or slow. Emotions such as fear, surprise or shock are fast and also subside fast. However, the slower emotions are the ones related to secondary social emotions which are responsible for self conscious emotions which are in turn responsible for motivation. From the viewpoint of adversity in emotional development in children, attachment plays a major role. Attachment is classified into two categories which are – 1) Secure Attachment and 2) Insecure attachment. Attachment arises from dependency in children CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 7 and reflects on how much of their needs are met or fulfilled. It does not always need to be a parent they are attached to, but it could be any other person who satisfies their needs. Dependency is present during infancy and childhood and tends to wan away as the child grows. However, emotional dependency is a constant all through their development and even into adulthood. Children who experience secure attachments do not experience much of emotional adversity, but children who have insecure attachments are negatively impacted by emotional adversity. Therefore, caregivers should pay greater attention to rendering secure attachments for the proper emotional development of children. According to (Nathanson, L. Donald, M.D, 1999, p. 39) "Children who are more capable of explaining emotions in conversations with parents are also more sympathetic in response to peers’ emotions" Referring to the importance of emotional development (Raver, C. Cybele and Zigler, 1997) are of the opinion that “…academic preparedness continues to overshadow the importance of children’s social and emotional development…” Every stage of development has its own sensitive period during which that particular development takes place and when a child does not receive the attention it needs to stimulate development, then the child would definitely face adversity in the future. In the emotional development of a child, there are three basic instincts that are involved and these are – Anger, Fear and Desire. It is during infancy and toddlerhood that they become manifested. However, later on in childhood, the emotional development of a child CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 8 evolves gradually and the child imbibes secondary emotions through interaction in the environment and thereby learns to control his instinctive emotions, though these emotions are always present. Conclusion The emotional development of a child is crucial, just as other developments such as physical and psychological are. Emotional developments take place through proper care to satisfy the child’s basic needs and a healthy atmosphere for proper interaction in the child’s environment. It is a fact, that when these instincts and emotions are not satisfied, the child faces adversity and would face a host of problems of not being able to adjust in society. Therefore, the emotional developmental stage is of crucial importance to the life of the child for his wholesome survival, so that he becomes a well balanced individual who would be an asset to his home and the society at large. References Arnold, D.H, Ortiz, C., Curry, J.C., Stowe, R.M, Goldstein, N.E., Fisher, P.H., Zelijo., A., & Yershova, K. (1999) Promoting Academic Success and Preventing Disruptive Behavior Disorders through Community Partnership. Journal of Community Psychology, 17 (5), 589 – 598. Berk, L.E. (2013) Child Development. (9th ed.) Pearson International Edition. www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/.../Child-Development.../9780205 Cashmore, J. & Paxman M. (1996). Longitudinal study of wards leaving care. Sydney. Report for the Department of Community Services, NSW. Denham (Dr) S.A. et al., (2008) Assessing Social- emotional Development in Children from Longitudinal Perspective. Journal of Epidemiology and Health. www.jech.bmj.com › Volume 63, Issue Suppl 1‎ Emotion: Definition of emotion. Oxford Dictionary (2014) Web. Retrieved on 12th April 2014. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/emotion McClelland, M.M., Morrison, F. J., & Holmes, D.L. (2000) Children at Risk for Early Academic Problems: The Role of Learning – related Social Skills. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 15 (3), 307 – 329. EJ 633, 373. (Nathanson, L. Donald, M.D, (1999) Emotional Development in Young Children. The American Journal of Psychiatry. VOL. 156, No. 8, p. 39 www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=173655 Raver C. Cybele & Zigler, (1997) Social Competence: An Untapped Dimension evaluating Head Start’s Success. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 12 (4), 363 – 385. EJ 563, 068. ‎ Schachter, S. and Singer, J. E. (1962) Cognitive, social and physiological determinants of emotional states, Psychological Review, 69, 379-399 Wilson, R.L. (2003) The Emotional Life of Children. Keon: Wagga Wagga. Keon Publications. Read More

Schachter, S. and Singer, J. E. (1962) shed light on their ‘Two Factor Theory of Emotion”. According to their theory, there are two key components that are vital to emotion. The first is physical arousal and the other is a cognitive label. Though physical arousal plays a major role in emotions, yet it is not solely responsible for creating CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 4 emotional responses because physical arousal is not sufficient for such responses. Schachter, S. and Singer, J. E. (1962) Two – factor theory is based on the interaction that takes place between the physical arousal and how we cognitively label it.

Therefore, to feel an emotional response, both these components have to interact with each other. Adversity is ever present in some way or the other in our environment and this impacts on the process of building healthy relationships. Adversity is mostly manifested when encountering social situations. Though the brain is pre-determined at birth and it is the key organ of control, yet since it is not completely developed in infancy, it is influenced by social interactions in our environment soon after birth.

It is a natural phenomenon that the brain of a child seeks or demands interaction and when these environmental interactions are positive, the child experiences positive development, if not, development would be negatively impacted. Referring to a child’s development (Wilson, p. 21) highlights the fact that ‘Organismic implies natural activity by children; mechanistic implies only reaction or machine like behavior.’ Every individual is unique and as such exhibit different levels of emotion.

However, if we were to control our feelings, emotions would cease to exist. Hence, variation between people and emotions play a major role in child development. The chief characteristic of emotions is that they move us, but all emotions do not serve the same purpose for the mere fact that they vary among people. Laura Berk (2013) enlightens us on child CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 5 development through her best selling book titled “Child Development.” Berk recommends an integrated approach by taking into account the emotional, cognitive, physical and social aspects of a child in order to cater to the all round development which would make them responsible and productive individuals to the society in which they live.

Considering the continuous change taking place in the arena of child development, Berk sheds light on her findings that is based on recent research and presents current theories which serve to bring a deep awareness among parents and caregivers who are engaged in child development. The brain, though genetically influenced at birth, is not complete and therefore develops gradually through interaction in the environment. The basis of development is the brain, but it changes over time by environmental influences that tend to stimulate it.

Though the brain is genetically predetermined at birth, yet for practitioners and those who work closely with children such as parents and caregivers understand that environmental influences are exceedingly important for bringing about positive change in child development, which is crucial to the child. In this context, the Social Learning Theory is very relevant because it impacts on the child’s development. It comprises of 1) Mesosystem that involves the relationship of the child at home and school, 2) Macrosystem that includes the cultural influences on the child, 3) Exosystem that includes the workplace of the parents and 4) Microsystem which is the child’s relationship with the father.

When a child receives positive influences from these places, it tends to experience positive development and grow into a well balanced individual in CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY 6 the future. According to Denham (Dr) S.A. et al., (2008) “…accurate in-depth assessment of social emotional functioning is crucial, based on its importance to child outcomes…” Emotions get influenced by the environment in which we live, though they get manifested in the first year.

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