Life Span Development II: School age and Adolescence 3 (2+1)
Lesson 19 : Emotional Maturity and adjustment during Adolescence
Group differences in emotional responding
All children show developmental progression in the expression and control their emotions. To some degree, their developmental pathways are influenced by their group members such as culture, gender and their socio economic status.
Gender differences: Biology may be the source of some gender differences in emotions. Ex. Rising hormonal levels at puberty are associated with increases in moodiness and depression in girls but with aggressiveness and rebelliousness in boys (Buchanan, Eccles & Beker, 1992).
Some other studies revealed that differences in socialization are a more significant cause of gender differences in emotional responding (Durkin, 1995). Parents and teachers are more likely to discourage overt anger in girls than boys.
Cultural differences: cultural differences in socialization practices resulting in noticeable differences in emotional responding. For ex. In China many children are raised to be shy and restrained, where as in Zambia, smiling and sociability are apt to the norm (Chen, Rubin & Sun, 1992). Many Mexican American parents encourage obedience rather than self assertiveness. Girls in India are more likely than British girls to be differential and controlled and to hide negative feelings such as anger and sadness especially in the presence of elders.
Socio economic differences: children from lower income families are more prone to emotional difficulties then children from middle income families. Children who are living in impoverished circumstances have more sad, angry and they are more likely to encounter violence and drug addiction in their neighbourhoods. Their parents have limited resources to address their needs and may apply unpredictable nurturance and discipline.
Participants