Psychology Chapter on Attachment and Adolescence

John Bowlby is considered the father of attachment theory. He proposed that infants have an innate drive to form secure attachments with caregivers, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.

Informal groups in adolescence are spontaneous groups of peers formed without a specific purpose. These groups often emerge during high school and involve individuals with shared values, interests, and activities. They provide a space for social interaction, identity exploration, and peer support.

Adolescence is typically considered to span from approximately 10-12 years old for females and 11-13 years old for males, ending around 18 years old for both genders. This period is marked by significant physical, cognitive, and social changes, as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood.

Primary socialization refers to the process of learning fundamental social norms, values, and behaviors during early childhood. This occurs primarily through interactions with parents, caregivers, and family members, shaping the child's initial understanding of the world and their place within it.

The life span theory encompasses the entire developmental trajectory of an individual, from conception to death. It examines how individuals change and grow throughout their lives, considering biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence these transformations.