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Human Development Theories Flashcards

7 cards from real LMSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the 'Zone of Proximal Development' (ZPD) refers to:

    Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance

    The ZPD is the distance between a learner's independent capability and what they can achieve with skilled support or scaffolding.

  2. In Kohlberg's moral development theory, which stage involves following rules to avoid punishment?

    Answer: Obedience and punishment orientation

    Stage 1 (Obedience and punishment orientation) is characterized by avoiding behavior that leads to punishment, with no internalized moral reasoning.

  3. Margaret Mahler's theory of separation-individuation describes the 'rapprochement' subphase as a period when the toddler:

    Answer: Returns to the mother after exploring, seeking reassurance

    During rapprochement (15–24 months), toddlers oscillate between independence and closeness, frequently returning to the mother for emotional refueling.

  4. Daniel Levinson's theory of adult development emphasizes that transitions between life eras typically last approximately:

    Answer: 4–5 years

    Levinson identified transitional periods lasting roughly 4–5 years that bridge stable life structures in adult development.

  5. A social worker using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model would assess which system when examining how a client's parents' work schedule affects the child's school performance?

    Answer: Exosystem

    The exosystem includes settings the child does not directly participate in (e.g., parental workplace) that still indirectly influence the child.

  6. According to object relations theory, 'splitting' is a defense mechanism where the individual:

    Answer: Divides people or self into all-good or all-bad categories

    Splitting involves an inability to integrate positive and negative aspects of self or others, viewing them as entirely good or entirely bad.

  7. Jean Piaget's concept of 'conservation' typically develops during which stage?

    Answer: Concrete operational

    Conservation—the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape—emerges during the concrete operational stage (ages 7–11).