Developmental Case History
Introduction
There are various theories in the field of psychology that seek to describe and define the chronological stages of human development. Amongst these, one of the most popular theories is that of the psychologist Erik Erikson. Furthermore, there is an interesting theory that focuses on human behaviors, appropriately coined “behaviorism,” that was studied and clarified by John B. Watson. In order to conceptualize the case of the chosen subject for this paper, both of the above mentioned theories will be utilized. The subject’s developmental history will be analyzed along with their current cognitions, affect, behavior, and interpersonal style. With the information gathered from the analyzation, a case-appropriate …show more content…
This phase is titled initiative vs. guilt. The time frame of this developmental segment occurs between the ages of three and five (McLeod, 2008). During this period, children begin to socialize. As the child matures, they begin to identify their ability to lead. This leadership takes the form in the creation of games, as well as initiating activities with playmates, and asking questions. Curiosity fuels this phase along with a young child’s formation of their decision making skills. As the youngster develops, their necessity for expressing initiative must be nurtured. If they are often put down by their parents for over-stepping boundaries (as many children during this stage innocently do), they may begin to feel as if they are bothersome and annoying to any person that they communicate with (Sokol, 2009). Furthermore, a child maturing during this stage must be given the opportunity to feel in control of certain situations in order to build their confidence and self-assurance. Failure to complete this stage positively results in feelings of guilt and low …show more content…
role confusion stage, which takes place between the ages of 12-18 years (McLeod, 2008). In this phase, teens begin to make decisions about who they are, and who they want to become. Their personalities become more fixed. Independence becomes increasingly prominent during this developmental period as they are faced with maturity into adulthood (Broderick, and Blewitt, 2006). At this point, adolescents quest for their place in society, which in turn, helps develop their forthcoming roles as adults and active citizens in their communities. During this era of their developmental progression, a teen may also cultivate their own opinions and ideas of numerous diverse matters in life. It is crucial that parents permit a child in this stage to express, and explore themselves (Sokol, 2009). Forcing a teen into an identity that they have not chosen themselves can influence rebellion, often resulting in a negative self-image and low self-esteem. Failure of this stage results in role confusion, defined as an individual’s inability to be sure of themselves and who they are or want to
Introduction
There are various theories in the field of psychology that seek to describe and define the chronological stages of human development. Amongst these, one of the most popular theories is that of the psychologist Erik Erikson. Furthermore, there is an interesting theory that focuses on human behaviors, appropriately coined “behaviorism,” that was studied and clarified by John B. Watson. In order to conceptualize the case of the chosen subject for this paper, both of the above mentioned theories will be utilized. The subject’s developmental history will be analyzed along with their current cognitions, affect, behavior, and interpersonal style. With the information gathered from the analyzation, a case-appropriate …show more content…
This phase is titled initiative vs. guilt. The time frame of this developmental segment occurs between the ages of three and five (McLeod, 2008). During this period, children begin to socialize. As the child matures, they begin to identify their ability to lead. This leadership takes the form in the creation of games, as well as initiating activities with playmates, and asking questions. Curiosity fuels this phase along with a young child’s formation of their decision making skills. As the youngster develops, their necessity for expressing initiative must be nurtured. If they are often put down by their parents for over-stepping boundaries (as many children during this stage innocently do), they may begin to feel as if they are bothersome and annoying to any person that they communicate with (Sokol, 2009). Furthermore, a child maturing during this stage must be given the opportunity to feel in control of certain situations in order to build their confidence and self-assurance. Failure to complete this stage positively results in feelings of guilt and low …show more content…
role confusion stage, which takes place between the ages of 12-18 years (McLeod, 2008). In this phase, teens begin to make decisions about who they are, and who they want to become. Their personalities become more fixed. Independence becomes increasingly prominent during this developmental period as they are faced with maturity into adulthood (Broderick, and Blewitt, 2006). At this point, adolescents quest for their place in society, which in turn, helps develop their forthcoming roles as adults and active citizens in their communities. During this era of their developmental progression, a teen may also cultivate their own opinions and ideas of numerous diverse matters in life. It is crucial that parents permit a child in this stage to express, and explore themselves (Sokol, 2009). Forcing a teen into an identity that they have not chosen themselves can influence rebellion, often resulting in a negative self-image and low self-esteem. Failure of this stage results in role confusion, defined as an individual’s inability to be sure of themselves and who they are or want to