Difficult - unstable temperament and highly reactive to stimuli

Slow-to-warm-up - this temperament is between easy and difficult and can be easily conceptualized as an infant who starts out with difficulty temperament but begins to exhibit an easier temperament over time

Regularity - predictable patterns

Initial Reaction - how a child reacts to novel stimuli (new people, environments, or objects)

Adaptability - the ability to function in a changing environment

Intensity - the magnitude of emotional reactions

Mood - overall emotionality (positive or negative)

Distractibility - ability to pay attention

Persistence-Attention Span - ability to continue with an activity

Sensory Threshold - sensitivity to sensory stimuli

Behavioral Theory - focuses strictly on measurable behaviors and rejects the analysis of internal mental processes (Key Theorists - B. F. Skinner & John Watson)

Psychodynamic Theory - this model of personality attempts to explain personality through three levels of consciousness the id, ego, and the super ego (Key Theorist - Sigmund Freud)

Humanistic Theory - posited that humans had an innate goodness and concern for others (Key Theorist - Carl Rogers & Abraham Maslow)

Trait Theory or the O.C.E.A.N (Openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) - explains personality through five factors (Key Theorist - Hans Eysenck)

Stage 2 – Early Childhood period:

Stage 3 – Play Age period: Initiative vs. Guilt

Stage 4 – School Age period: Industry vs. Inferiority

Stage 5 – Adolescence period: Identity vs. Identity confusion

Stage 6 – Young Adulthood period: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Stage 7 – Adulthood period: Generativity vs. Stagnation/Self-absorption

Stage 8 – Old Age period: Integrity vs. Despair

-unconscious level only

-instinct to survive

-instinct to destroy

Ego

-develops in infancy

-keeps check on ID

Superego

-where morality resides

-encourages social responsibility

This video explores how atypical development manifests through physical delays, cognitive dysfunction, and social-emotional challenges.

The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of atypical development early to provide appropriate support for affected children.

• Development is shaped by multiple environmental systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem.

• Focus on genetic predispositions, brain structure/function, and neurotransmitter imbalances.

• Twin and family studies show heritability in disorders like antisocial and borderline personality disorder.

• Abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and serotonin/dopamine systems are linked to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.

• Biological and neurobiological models explain abnormal personality development as the result of genetic predispositions, brain structure and function, and neurochemical imbalances. These models emphasize the role of biology in shaping personality traits and disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Theory explains how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected.

Attachment theory explains how early relationships—especially between infants and caregivers—shape emotional development and influence behavior throughout life.

Developmental psychopathology approach combine insights from developmental psychology and clinical psychiatry to understand the origins, progression, and outcomes of mental health conditions.

Psychotherapy integrates developmental, trait-based, and psychosocial frameworks which allows the therapists to tailor interventions to the unique challenges posed by deviations from normative personality trajectories.

Social Skills Training (SST): Methods and Applications

Social skills training is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals improve communication, empathy, and relationship-building. It's especially beneficial for those with atypical personality development or social difficulties.

🔧 Core SST Techniques:

• Modeling: Demonstrating appropriate social behaviors for imitation.

• Role-playing: Practicing scenarios like greetings, conflict resolution, or assertiveness.

• Feedback and reinforcement: Providing constructive input and encouragement.

• Cognitive restructuring: Challenging negative thoughts that hinder social interaction.

• Homework assignments: Encouraging practice in real-life settings.

• Attachment security: Responsive caregiving builds trust and emotional regulation.

• Modeling behavior: Parents’ coping styles and interpersonal patterns influence children.

• Communication and boundaries: Healthy dialogue and structure foster autonomy and empathy.

• Intervention and support: Family therapy can address systemic issues and promote healing.