In childhood and adolescence, the majority of the most significant affective attitudes are formed, and this defines this age period as fundamental to the construction of the human personality. The child’s biological and neurophysiological characteristics combined with the specificity of his or her relationships determine the child’s basic affective needs. These affective needs are related to the immaturity of the child’s system and the child’s dependence on adults. The most pronounced affective needs of the child are the following:
The need for parental affection and care. Positive affective influences lead to trust and security towards the world and people.
Need for the parent’s authority. Stems from the need for standards and criteria of right and wrong and model making.
Need for recognition and validation of his/her talents and successes. The basis of positive self-esteem.
Need for play activity. The child develops his inner abilities, makes his first social connections and the capacity to communicate with his peers.
There are factors that could adversely affect a child’s affective needs:
Parental relationships – the first model of interpersonal relationships.
Behaviour towards the child:
Affective coldness
over-demanding behaviour
excessive affection, spoiling
overprotective behaviour
changeable behaviour
Relationships between children in the family. Each child in turn grows up in completely different conditions.
Biological, social and psychological foundations are linked in the formation of the human personality and each of them reflects on the others.