The Life Course model is an approach that considers life within a wider context, taking into account biology, psychological processes, sociological context, environmental impacts and political climate (Green, 2010). These factors cumulatively impact on an individuals ability to function on a daily basis, and shape development through the life course. Taking a more ecological approach (Germain & Gitterman, 1980), the life model considers the interactions and transitions between the individual and their environment and aims to enrich this relationship. Using this perspective within Social Work will enable me to better understand how problems that arise between the individual and the environment can inhibit their ability to function (Green,
…show more content…
Infants are unable to manage stressful experiences independently, known as states of negative arousal (Streeck- Fisher & van der Kolk, 2000). Throughout infancy, the most significant movements are reflexes, which are involuntary actions in response to specific stimuli (Thelen et al. 1984). These reflexes are crucial for the survival of the infant and promote social development as the infant begins to explore their surrounding environment. Infant development takes place across several dimensions that include; biological, cognitive, emotional, social and physical (Berk, 2004). For the infant to follow normal developmental stages, ‘maturation’ must take place (Gesell, 1929), whereby feelings, behaviours, and physical progress occurs due to the ageing progression and is not associated with experiential development. In maturing, the motor skills of the infant are developed in conjunction with practice and …show more content…
As these neural pathways are explored or neglected they are either strengthened or ‘pruned’ back as the infant develops into a child (Berger, 2003; Gerhardt, 2004). It is essential, therefore to recognise emotional neglect within infants and to act upon this. When an infant is repeatedly anxious for long episodes without reassuring, even if physical care is sufficient, a sequence of events occur within the brain that initiate the release or cortisol, a stress hormone (Lee et al. 2002). If activated recurrently, the high cortisol levels can cause cell death in important structures within the brain, stunting development of the infant (Glaser, 2000). Infants that become recurrently stressed may show indication of compromised brain development, weakened immune systems, greater mortality rates through the lifespan and behavioural difficulties. Furthermore, infants that are emotionally disregarded may not have the chance to participate in playful activities that may help to expand language and enrich other
Infants are unable to manage stressful experiences independently, known as states of negative arousal (Streeck- Fisher & van der Kolk, 2000). Throughout infancy, the most significant movements are reflexes, which are involuntary actions in response to specific stimuli (Thelen et al. 1984). These reflexes are crucial for the survival of the infant and promote social development as the infant begins to explore their surrounding environment. Infant development takes place across several dimensions that include; biological, cognitive, emotional, social and physical (Berk, 2004). For the infant to follow normal developmental stages, ‘maturation’ must take place (Gesell, 1929), whereby feelings, behaviours, and physical progress occurs due to the ageing progression and is not associated with experiential development. In maturing, the motor skills of the infant are developed in conjunction with practice and …show more content…
As these neural pathways are explored or neglected they are either strengthened or ‘pruned’ back as the infant develops into a child (Berger, 2003; Gerhardt, 2004). It is essential, therefore to recognise emotional neglect within infants and to act upon this. When an infant is repeatedly anxious for long episodes without reassuring, even if physical care is sufficient, a sequence of events occur within the brain that initiate the release or cortisol, a stress hormone (Lee et al. 2002). If activated recurrently, the high cortisol levels can cause cell death in important structures within the brain, stunting development of the infant (Glaser, 2000). Infants that become recurrently stressed may show indication of compromised brain development, weakened immune systems, greater mortality rates through the lifespan and behavioural difficulties. Furthermore, infants that are emotionally disregarded may not have the chance to participate in playful activities that may help to expand language and enrich other