Which is an example of a distal influence in development?

• A. Family routines
• B. School policies and community resources
• C. Daily meals
• D. Parent-child interactions

Answer: (B)

Distal influences are broad, external conditions that shape development indirectly by shaping the contexts in which children grow. School policies and community resources fit this description because they are structures in the child's environment that influence opportunities, safety, resources, and stress levels at a level outside the daily family interactions. These macro-contexts alter the quality and availability of experiences the child can have—such as access to quality education, after-school programs, libraries, healthcare, and safe neighborhoods—which then affect development by shaping what happens in nearer, day-to-day experiences like classroom learning and family life.

In contrast, family routines, daily meals, and parent–child interactions are proximal influences; they are direct, immediate experiences that the child encounters regularly and that directly affect development.