Self-Concept
What is self-concept and how does it change during middle childhood?
Self-concept becomes more realistic and complex, incorporating feedback from others and social comparisons.
What is peer acceptance, and why is it important during middle childhood?
Being liked by peers; it supports social development and self-esteem.
How does parenting style influence a child's social and emotional development?
Authoritative parenting tends to foster better emotional regulation and self-esteem.
During middle childhood, children become better at regulating which type of reactions?
Emotional reactions, including frustration and disappointment.
What is the definition of bullying?
Repeated, intentional harm inflicted on someone perceived as weaker.
At this stage, children begin using social comparison. What does that mean?
Evaluating oneself by comparing to others, especially peers.
What are popular, rejected, and neglected children in peer sociometric categories?
Popular: well-liked; Rejected: actively disliked; Neglected: overlooked by peers.
What emotional impact can divorce have on children during middle childhood?
Increased anxiety, sadness, behavior issues, and possible loyalty conflicts.
What is empathy, and how does it typically change in middle childhood?
The ability to understand and share others' feelings; it becomes more sophisticated and consistent.
Name one common type of bullying in middle childhood.
Physical, verbal, relational (social exclusion), or cyberbullying.
True or False: Children with high self-esteem are always confident in all areas of life.
False – They may feel confident in some domains but not in others.
Give an example of how peer relationships can promote social development.
Learning cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution through group activities.
What is a blended family, and how might children respond to it?
A family with stepparents and possibly stepsiblings; children may feel confusion, resentment, or adjustment stress.
True or False: Children in middle childhood show less understanding of complex emotions like guilt or pride.
False – They increasingly understand complex, self-conscious emotions.
What are the differences between instrumental aggression and hostile aggression?
Instrumental: goal-oriented (e.g., to get a toy); Hostile: meant to harm someone.
Name two factors that influence a child’s self-esteem.
Parental support, peer acceptance, school success, and media exposure.
What strategies can help children become more socially accepted by peers?
Social skills training, empathy development, and adult modeling of positive behavior.
Name one way siblings can help or hinder emotional growth in middle childhood.
They can offer companionship and emotional support—or cause rivalry and stress.
What role does emotional regulation play in school success?
It helps children focus, cooperate, and manage frustration—leading to better academic outcomes.
How might schools intervene to reduce bullying?
Implementing anti-bullying programs, promoting a positive climate, and training teachers.
What role do academic competence and physical appearance play in shaping self-concept?
They are among the most influential domains that children use to judge themselves, often affecting overall self-esteem.
How does peer rejection affect emotional development and academic performance?
It can lead to loneliness, low self-esteem, and decreased academic motivation.
How does parental conflict (even without divorce) affect children’s well-being?
It can increase stress, insecurity, and behavioral problems.
Name two ways that children learn emotional regulation skills.
Observing adults, feedback from peers, emotional coaching, and experiences with success/failure.
What are long-term effects of chronic bullying on both victims and bullies?
Victims: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem. Bullies: higher risk of antisocial behavior.