In the context of developmental psychology, what does the term "teratogen" refer to?

The term "teratogen" specifically refers to a harmful agent that can cause malformation or adverse effects during prenatal development. Teratogens can include various substances such as drugs, alcohol, infections, or environmental toxins that a pregnant individual may be exposed to, which can negatively impact the developing fetus. The effects of teratogens vary depending on factors such as the timing of exposure during pregnancy, the dosage of exposure, and the genetic susceptibility of the fetus. Understanding teratogens is crucial in developmental psychology, as researchers and practitioners need to recognize and mitigate risks to prenatal development to promote healthier outcomes for children.

Other choices focus on different aspects of developmental psychology, such as cognition, emotional responsiveness, and theoretical frameworks, but they do not specifically address the concept of teratogens and their impact on prenatal development.