Emotional Development during Infancy and Childhood - Bridges’ Theory of Emotional Development (1932)

Topics

Introduction
Emotional Development Sequence
Key Concepts
Real-Life Application
Key Points: Bridges’ Theory of Emotional Development (1932)

CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Emotional development is the gradual process by which children learn to understand, express, and manage their emotions from birth onwards. According to Bridges, all emotions begin as general excitement at birth and become more specific as a child grows.

CISCE: Class 12

Emotional Development Sequence

CISCE: Class 12

Key Concepts

Concept	Meaning
Genetic sequence	Emotional growth follows a natural order
Maturation & experience	Both growing up and learning shape emotions
Individual differences	Each child’s emotions differ from birth
Language role	Speech leads to new emotions, e.g., verbal anger/fear

CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

Babies mainly cry and smile at first. By 6 months, they show anger (e.g., if a toy is taken), fear (startle to loud noise), and delight (at a parent’s face).
As language improves (2–7 years), a child may get angry if told "no" or feel afraid after hearing a scary story.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Bridges’ Theory of Emotional Development (1932)

At birth, infants show only general excitement without specific emotions.
By 6 months, basic emotions like fear, anger, delight, disgust, and distress become visible.
By 1 year of age, most emotions become distinct and specific (emotion differentiation).
After 2 years, children begin to experience and express grief.
Between 2 and 7 years, language development triggers new emotions, such as verbal anger and fear.