Theory and research suggest that the process of emotional development is a(n) __________________ one.

A) unpredictable
B) random
C) orderly
D) individualistic

Theory and research both suggest that emotional development follows an orderly pattern, with specific emotions emerging at predictable ages and stages of development. This can be seen in the development of primary emotions such as joy, anger, and sadness in infancy, followed by more complex emotions such as shame, guilt, and empathy later in childhood. While there may be individual variations in the rate and sequence of emotional development, overall it is considered a predictable process.