Psychology

Are emotions determined by nature and preprogrammed biologically Are an infants emotions developed through stimulation and conditioning Or, do you believe that an infants emotions are a combination of the two These are the questions this paper means to answer and shed light on.  Identifying and defining the meaning of emotional development and its concepts, we will start and begin to understand the psychology or an individuals nature of being.

Emotional Development
Emotional development is a process or is something that goes and follows a process which starts from infancy all the way to adulthood.  Children or toddlers have their parents as their first teachers. The child upbringing, self-esteem, confidence and development starts at home. It is the home that the child first develops his emotions. Soon, this will be carried over to other individuals and situations outside the walls of their home, such as their pre-school teachers, classmatespeers and the kind of environment the child is placed. Researchers have approached this area from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including those of social constructionism, differential emotion theory, and social learning theory. Each of these approaches explores the way infants and children develop emotionally, differing mainly on the question of whether emotions are learned or biologically predetermined, as well as debating the way infants and children manage their emotional experiences and behavior (CBS Interactive Inc, 2010).

The Emotion Behind the Behavior
Babies emotions are often seen in their facial reactions.  By carefully observing these expressions, parents and other individuals may easily read and understand an infants emotions.  Psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists have proliferated theories about emotion and its significance to the individual and society ( Hager, 2003).

What makes a baby smile or happy The expression of happiness is a childs smile.  Happy expressions show enjoyment, friendliness and pleasure and having a positive disposition.  A child that is always smiling is a contented child.  Meaning, that the infant feels loved and wanted by the people surrounding him or her.  It has been mentioned earlier that the childs foundation starts at home and from the parents or people giving him or her care.

Conclusion
Though presented with these facts, I believe a persons development is a combination of both natural and stimulated.  A child who was carried in a mothers womb feeling wanted and loved will play a big role in the infants development. I also believe that the child will also develop another side of his being once he is exposed to different environments such as his peers and other worldly influences.