Key Concepts in Child Development and Psychology

Developmental Sequences and Theories

The Evolution of Attachment

The evolution of attachment follows this sequence:

• Preference for members of the same species.
• Typical preferences for caregivers.
• Clear preference for attachment figures and rejection of strangers.
• Development of some independence from attachment figures.

Motor and Cognitive Development

Proximodistal Law: A child develops the muscles of the elbow first and then the wrist.

Longitudinal Design: Uses a single sample from which it takes several measurements at different time points.

Attachment Characteristics: Attachment is characterized by behavior, mental models, and feelings.

Graphic Expression: The development of graphic expression is driven by maturation and social processes.

Preschool and Cognitive Milestones

Self-Concept (2-6 years): It is false that children are hypercritical of themselves.

Reversibility: The logical rule that allows the reversal of any action.

Memory Strategies: Preschoolers use memorization strategies such as repetition and independent task development.

Phonological Development: Children often avoid producing words that start with sounds they cannot yet pronounce.

Social Figures: Between ages three and six, the most significant figures for children are usually their parents.

Preoperational Thought: Key acquisitions include egocentrism and symbolic play.

Formal Operations and Physical Development

Formal Operations: Abstractions take the form of hypotheses, where decision-making is preceded by empirical confirmation of data.

Body Schema: Well established through graphic gesture, lateral dominance, and motor maturation.

Drawing Development: Information represented in a drawing depends on the child's knowledge, feelings, and selection of aspects regarding a topic.

Postural Development: The correct sequence involves holding the head erect when caught, lifting the head while lying face down on forearms, and remaining seated with support.

Captive Care: The baby feels drawn to stimuli containing features that attract the most attention.

Handedness: It is false that a child should be forced to lateralize to either side around age 7 if no clear definition has occurred.

Writing Evolution: According to Condemarin and Chadwick (1990), the calligraphy stage is characterized by achieving the motor skills necessary for orderly writing.

Adolescence: The period in which a child's body transitions into an adult body.

Language Delay: If a child of 20 months has not yet acquired their first words, one should not be alarmed but should monitor their development.