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Child Psychology: A Contemporary Viewpoint, First Canadian Edition

E. Mavis Hetherington, University of Virginia
Ross D. Parke, University of California
Mark Schmuckler, University of Toronto at Scarborough

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Application Questions


1		Erik Erikson identified eight stages of human psychosocial development, with each stage presenting a tension or crisis between opposing extremes that the individual needs to resolve on the road to maturity. The third stage, labelled initiative versus guilt, characterizes development between 3 years and about 5 1/2 years of age. During this time frame, preschoolers spend much time engaged in play. Describe the types of play shown by these children. Why does play exist and how might it help to resolve the "initiative versus guilt" crisis?



2		Bullying is an increasing problem in today's society. Review the research in your chapter that describes characteristics of children likely to be bullied as well as children who may become bullies. Now, think about a scenario from your childhood where you experienced bullying or observed it happening to another child. What led up to the bullying incident? How did you feel? What did you want to happen? What did bystanders do (or not do)? What can parents do to reduce the likelihood that their child will experience bullying when away from home? Describe some techniques that schools can implement to reduce bullying.



3		As part of growing up, children must experience conflict and learn how to resolve it. Yet, many parents will readily intervene when their child fights with his/her siblings or with peers. What are the consequences (both positive and negative) for the child when the parent becomes involved? How were conflicts dealt with in your home?



4		Do you remember popular as well as unpopular peers from your teenage years? Why were some teens accepted and others rejected? Discuss the consequences of being unpopular and techniques to help unpopular children (see Dodge, 1986).



5		Think about your closest friendships as you moved through your elementary, junior high, and high school years. What defined "friendship" at each stage? Why did some friendships remain while others dissolved with time?

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