Week 4: Developmental Psychology - Early Childhood Biosocial Development

Overview

• Focus on ages 2 to 6 (Early Childhood)
• Biosocial development: Biological aspects and environmental influence

Topics Covered

1. Body Shape and Growth
2. Eating Habits
3. Brain Development
4. Motor Skills (Gross and Fine)
5. Injuries and Abuse

Body Shape and Growth

• Ages 2 to 6
  • Children become slimmer and taller
  • Gain about 3 inches and 4.5 pounds per year
  • Average 6-year-old: ~46 pounds and 46 inches
• Changes in Appearance
  • Less body fat, longer limbs
  • Head-to-body ratio becomes more proportionate
  • Face loses the chubby appearance

Eating Habits

• Appetite changes
  • Decreases from ages 2 to 6
  • Require fewer calories per pound
• Concerns and Misconceptions
  • Parents often worry about children's intake
  • Overfeeding can lead to obesity
• Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Lack of iron, calcium, zinc due to snack consumption
  • Importance of limiting snacks
• "Just Right" Tendencies
  • Picky eating behavior common in children <6
  • Normal, unless extreme cases (e.g., only eating specific foods)

Brain Development

• Brain Growth
  • 75% of adult weight by age 2
  • 90% by age 5
  • Myelination increases speed and complexity of neural communication
• Lateralization
  • Specialization of brain hemispheres
  • Left: Logic, language; Right: Creativity, emotion
• Prefrontal Cortex Maturation
  • Develops impulse control, emotional regulation
• Limbic System
  • Involved in emotion, learning, memory
  • Amygdala: Fear and aggression
  • Hippocampus: Memory formation
  • Hypothalamus: Stress response

Motor Skills

• Gross Motor Skills
  • Improvement in coordination and speed
  • Activities: Running, climbing, jumping, riding a bike
• Fine Motor Skills
  • Small muscle movements, e.g., cutting, drawing
  • Development requires time and practice
• Role of Environment
  • Need for safe, stimulating environment
  • Effects of urbanization

Injuries and Abuse

• Vulnerability
  • Ages 1 to 4: Highest risk for accidental death
  • Common causes: Poisoning, drowning
• Child Maltreatment
  • Includes abuse and neglect
  • Perpetrators often parents or relatives
• Types of Abuse
  • Physical, emotional, sexual
  • Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs
• Prevention
  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies
  • Foster care and adoption processes

Social and Cultural Considerations

• Impact of poverty on child development
• Variability in resources and safety based on socioeconomic status
• Legal and protective measures vary by region

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Key Points to Remember

• Early childhood is a critical period for physical and cognitive development.
• Children's growth patterns and needs change significantly from ages 2 to 6.
• Both biological and environmental factors contribute to development.
• Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.