Human Development and Family Studies
Domain 2: Human Development and Family Studies
This domain tests lifespan development, developmental theories, family systems, parenting, interpersonal relationships, and factors that support or stress families.
Core rules and concepts
- Development is multidimensional: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and moral domains interact.
- Piaget describes cognitive stages; Erikson describes psychosocial tasks across the lifespan; attachment theory explains early relationships.
- Family systems theory views the family as interdependent: roles, rules, boundaries, communication, and homeostasis shape behavior.
- Parenting styles are commonly classified as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Authoritative combines warmth with high expectations.
- Risk and protective factors, culture, and context affect family functioning; avoid deficit assumptions.
Worked example
A 7-year-old repeatedly gives up on classroom tasks and says, "I can't do it." Using Erikson, the child is in industry versus inferiority. The teacher responds by breaking the task into achievable steps, giving specific feedback, and allowing the child to complete a meaningful role. This supports competence rather than labeling the child "lazy."
Traps that cost marks
- Treating stage theories as exact timetables.
- Confusing permissive parenting with authoritative parenting.
- Ignoring cultural context when judging family roles.
- Reducing complex behavior to a single cause.