Child Life Child Development Theories Flashcards
6 cards from real Child Life Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Child Life Child Development Theories flashcards as text
According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, what is the zone of proximal development?
Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance
Vygotsky defined the zone of proximal development as the distance between what a child can accomplish independently and what they can achieve with skilled assistance from an adult or more capable peer.
In Bowlby's attachment theory, which attachment style is characterized by a child who shows distress upon separation but is easily comforted upon the caregiver's return?
Answer: Secure attachment
Securely attached children use their caregiver as a safe base for exploration. They show appropriate distress when separated and are quickly soothed upon reunion.
Which theorist proposed the bioecological model of development that includes microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem levels?
Answer: Urie Bronfenbrenner
Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model describes how multiple environmental systems interact to influence child development, from the immediate family to broader cultural contexts.
According to Piaget's theory, a 3-year-old child who believes the moon follows them as they walk is demonstrating which cognitive characteristic?
Answer: Egocentrism
Egocentrism in the preoperational stage means the child cannot distinguish their own perspective from that of others, leading them to believe the moon follows their movements.
In Erikson's psychosocial theory, a school-age child who is struggling with a sense of inadequacy in the hospital setting is likely experiencing a conflict in which stage?
Answer: Industry vs. Inferiority
The Industry vs. Inferiority stage (ages 6-12) involves children developing competence through mastery of tasks. Hospitalization can threaten this sense of competence and lead to feelings of inferiority.
Which concept from Bandura's social learning theory is most relevant to a child life specialist modeling coping behaviors for a child before a medical procedure?
Answer: Observational learning
Bandura's observational learning theory states that children learn behaviors by watching others. Child life specialists use this by demonstrating coping strategies or using peer modeling videos.