6 Social and Emotional Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood

After this chapter, you should be able to:

  1. Classify types of temperament.

  2. Discuss the roles of culture and gender in socialization.

  3. Describe the sequence of emotional development during the first two years.

  4. Compare different theories of attachment and attachment styles.

  5. Explain Erikson’s stage of trust versus mistrust.

  6. Contrast child care options for families.

While temperament is determined by genetics and emotions develop through maturation, the early interactions we have with the adults that care for us as infants and toddlers are very important for healthy emotional development. Let’s examine some of the important interactions and milestones in social and emotional development during the first two years of life.