Developmental Psychology

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Developmental Psychology
The key concepts
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Children are not born with the same abilities as
an adult

• Abilities must be part maturation, part learning
• Can you think of examples?

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Children LEARN certain behaviours

• Two theories of learning
• 1. Conditioning
• 2. Social learning theory

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Conditioning

• Children will continue to do things if their
  behaviour is reinforced
• Rewards punishments

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Social Learning Theory

• Childrens role models have a big impact on their
  behaviour
• We imitate what we see

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Other theories maternal deprivation

• Maternal deprivation may influence quality of
  relationships in later life
• We need to bond with a mother figure early on

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Other theories - repression

• Painful childhood experiences may be repressed
  but affect later thoughts/behaviour
• Often associated with childhood abuse

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Freudian Theories

• Freud claims progression through the
  Oedipus/Electra Complex
• We come to terms with being sexually attracted to
  our parents!
• This process forms strong moral conscience (the
  Superego)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• Were they cared for as a young child?
• (What does a child learn about life by growing up
  in an uncaring environment?)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• What behaviours were reinforced?
• (Parents can reinforce behaviours without
  realising it)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• What type of people were their role models?
• (role models can come from the home,
  neighbourhood, school or media)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• What did they learn from watching TV or DVDs?
• (what about the Internet or video games?)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• Did they get through their Oedipus Complex
  successfully?
• (Elektra Complex for girls)

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• Has the child repressed memories that affect
  their behaviour?

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• Was the child deprived of a stimulating
  environment?

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Can a persons behaviour be explained by early
experiences?

• Did the child suffer an early trauma that may be
  affecting the unconsciously for years afterwards?