Which type of emotion typically develops after the first 18 months of life?

• A. Basic emotions such as fear
• B. Basic emotions such as joy
• C. Basic emotions such as anger
• D. Self-conscious emotions such as embarrassment

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the distinction between basic emotions and self-conscious emotions. Basic emotions like fear, joy, and anger are present early in infancy, typically within the first 6 months of life.
2. Recognize that self-conscious emotions, such as embarrassment, guilt, shame, pride, and envy, require a sense of self-awareness and the ability to evaluate oneself in relation to others.
3. Note that self-conscious emotions typically develop after the child has developed self-recognition and a sense of self, which usually occurs after 18 months of age.
4. Recall developmental psychology research indicating that the emergence of self-conscious emotions coincides with cognitive milestones like mirror self-recognition and increased social awareness.
5. Conclude that the type of emotion that typically develops after the first 18 months of life is self-conscious emotions, such as embarrassment, because they depend on higher cognitive processes and self-awareness.