Unit 8 - Developmental psychology
Unlocking Child Development Peer Interaction Insight
Table of content
Summary
Developmental psychologists argue that peer relationships play a crucial role in cognitive and social development. They vary across different stages of life, and the complexity of peer interaction can affect future development. The following notes delve deeper into these dynamics, offering you an exciting journey through the land of developmental psychology!
Early infancy (0-2 years) - hello, world
Contagious Crying: The first peer interaction babies partake in is contagious crying. Imagine, it's like a domino effect but with cries in a hospital nursery! One baby's crying could set off a symphony of wails.
Baby Steps of Interaction: At about 6 to 12 months, babies start reaching out to each other. It's like when you spot a cute puppy and can't help but pet it. Similarly, infants will reach out intending to touch other infants or smile at them.
Object Mediation: Between 1 and 2 years, interactions take a new twist. Kids start using objects to communicate with peers. So, if a toddler wants to share her favorite toy, she might point at it or offer it to her friend.
Skills for social interaction – tools of the trade
Joint Attention: Successful social interaction depends on certain skills like joint attention. Think of this as a tennis match where both players need to watch the ball and each other simultaneously.
Inhibitory Control: Children also need to develop control over impulses. Imagine seeing a giant chocolate cake - you can't just grab a handful, right? Similarly, infants must learn to control their urge to explore other children the same way they do objects.
Unlock the Full Content! 
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Psychology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Unit 8 - Developmental psychology
Unlocking Child Development Peer Interaction Insight
Table of content
Summary
Developmental psychologists argue that peer relationships play a crucial role in cognitive and social development. They vary across different stages of life, and the complexity of peer interaction can affect future development. The following notes delve deeper into these dynamics, offering you an exciting journey through the land of developmental psychology!
Early infancy (0-2 years) - hello, world
Contagious Crying: The first peer interaction babies partake in is contagious crying. Imagine, it's like a domino effect but with cries in a hospital nursery! One baby's crying could set off a symphony of wails.
Baby Steps of Interaction: At about 6 to 12 months, babies start reaching out to each other. It's like when you spot a cute puppy and can't help but pet it. Similarly, infants will reach out intending to touch other infants or smile at them.
Object Mediation: Between 1 and 2 years, interactions take a new twist. Kids start using objects to communicate with peers. So, if a toddler wants to share her favorite toy, she might point at it or offer it to her friend.
Social development – sharing is caring
Prosocial Behaviours: As early as 1-year-old, children display sharing, helping, and comforting. So, if you see a toddler sharing her candy, she's displaying prosocial behavior.
First Conflicts: However, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows at this age. Children begin to experience their first conflicts, mostly over toy possession. It's similar to when you and your sibling fight over the TV remote!
Adult Interference: At this stage, adult behaviors can influence peer interaction patterns. Parents can deter conflicts, but they may also unintentionally prevent positive peer interactions.
Skills for social interaction – tools of the trade
Joint Attention: Successful social interaction depends on certain skills like joint attention. Think of this as a tennis match where both players need to watch the ball and each other simultaneously.
Inhibitory Control: Children also need to develop control over impulses. Imagine seeing a giant chocolate cake - you can't just grab a handful, right? Similarly, infants must learn to control their urge to explore other children the same way they do objects.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Psychology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Social development – sharing is caring
Prosocial Behaviours: As early as 1-year-old, children display sharing, helping, and comforting. So, if you see a toddler sharing her candy, she's displaying prosocial behavior.
First Conflicts: However, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows at this age. Children begin to experience their first conflicts, mostly over toy possession. It's similar to when you and your sibling fight over the TV remote!
Adult Interference: At this stage, adult behaviors can influence peer interaction patterns. Parents can deter conflicts, but they may also unintentionally prevent positive peer interactions.