Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting death. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development- Proposed moral reasoning proceeds through three main levels of moral reasoning. The development of moral behavior is linked to children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. • Preconventional Moral Reasoning- Based on anticipated punishments or rewards. • Conventional Moral Reasoning- Based on conformity to social expectations, laws, and duties. • Postconventional Moral Reasoning- Based on well-thought-out, general moral principles. 8.2 Early Development Prenatal- Our genetic blueprint sets forth a path of prenatal development that consists of three stages. The germinal stage comprises approximately the first two weeks of development, beginning when a sperm fertilizes a female egg (ovum). The fertilized egg is called a zygote and through repeated cell division it becomes a mass of cells that attaches to the mother’s uterus at about 10-14 days after conception. The embryonic stage is next, the cell mass, now called an embryo, develops from the end of week two through week eight after conception. Two life-support structures, the placenta and umbilical cord develop at this stage. The fetus develops from week nine after conception until birth. Muscles strengthen and other bodily systems develop. Infancy- Newborns distinguish between different visual patterns, sounds, odors, and tastes. They display perceptual preferences and learn through classical and operant conditioning. Biology and environment jointly steer children’s physical and psychological development. Attachment- In humans, attachment refers to the strong emotional bond that develops between children and their primary caregivers. Infant caregiver attachment develops in phases. Infants experience periods of stranger anxiety (distress over contact with unfamiliar people) which often emerges at around 6-7 months, and separation anxiety (distress over separation from a primary caregiver) which often appears at around 12-16 months. The attachment process in infancy develops in three phases: Indiscriminate attachment behavior- newborns cry, vocalize, and smile toward everyone, and these behaviors evoke caregiving from adults. Discriminate attachment behavior- around three months of age, infants direct their attachment behaviors more toward familiar caregivers than toward strangers. Specific attachment behavior- By seven or eight months of age, infants develop a meaningful attachment to specific caregivers. The caregiver becomes a secure base

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