Developmental Theories

Developmental Theories

Deborah Norton

BSHS 361

                                                    November 16, 2014

                                                         Julian Wren

Developmental Theories

This paper will provide information about a developmental theory that the writer prefers to use. The writer will discuss 3 different observations that she made of children.  This writer will provide information on how she saw the theory present in each observation.

Theory

Having witnessed how this theory is correlated to many individuals and how each stage can be developed at any age, this writer prefers to use Erikson’s theory of development. The development of the ego identity in Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is one of the main elements. This is the conscious sense of self that a person develops through social interaction. The ego identity constantly changes because of new experiences throughout life and the interactions one acquires, daily, being with others. As each new stage of development is faced, a new challenge arises that can help further the development of the next stage. Although, each new challenge can also hinder a person in the development of identity. When discussing identity, psychologists are referring to all the beliefs, values and ideals that help to guide and shape a person’s behavior. Identity is formed in the beginning of childhood and is particularly important during the adolescent age. Erikson believed that the process continues throughout life, giving each individual a sense of self that grows and endures as each person ages. Additionally, Erikson believed that is the sense of competence that motivates the actions and behaviors of people. In each stage of Erikson’s theory there is concern with the certain competencies in certain areas of life. When a stage is handled well, the person will have a sense of mastery. Erikson refers to this as ego strength or ego quality. The opposite of this or when the stage goes badly a person ends up with a sense of inadequacy that follows them through life.  (Cherry, No Date)

Observation

The first observation, that this writer made, was of a Caucasian little girl.  She appeared to be about 8 years old. At first glance she seemed to be a normal child, just playing on a jungle gym at the park. After watching this girl for some time, she seemed to be aggressive towards the other children. This girl would see a smaller child and try to be bossy towards them. This writer could hear her telling the other children how they were not playing the right way. The child’s mother watched on and did nothing. The mother also seemed to be a little pre-occupied with her phone at the time. About a half an hour went by and the mother was joined by some friends. This writer doesn’t normally judge a book by its cover but the mother’s friends appeared to be bad news. Once the mother’s friends showed up the little girl seemed to want a lot more of her mother’s attention. The little girl went as far as tugging on her mom and trying to get her to come play with her on the swing. The mother put the girl off and continued to speak with her friends. The little girl became more aggressive with the other children. The mother, after concluding her business with her friends, told the little girl it was time to go. This writer can only assume that the mother forgot to play with the little girl, as she proceeded to drag her out of the park kicking and screaming.

Theory

Erikson’s developmental theory discusses children between the ages of 5 to 12 years-old. This is the stage where reading and writing is learned. When a child cannot develop a sense of competence, a feeling of inferiority is what is developed. Although some failure is required for a child to develop a sense of modesty.  (McLeod, 2013)

Rationale

 This child was the most peculiar of the observations that this writer made. The child did not appear to have any modesty at all. This writer believes that because of the actions of the child’s mother and her friends the child became upset. This writer believes that this child may be in danger or is being exposed to things sh should not be exposed to.

Observation

The second observation that this writer made was of a Mexican-American boy who appeared to about 4 years of age. This boy was playing with siblings. This writer noticed how the mother hovered over her children. The boy played with his family and appeared to be content with just playing at the park. There was one occasion where the boy went to wander to the restroom. This writer found it very interesting that the boy’s siblings were there, to keep him from harm, right away. The older looking sibling took the boy, by the hand, and walked him to his mother. The mother was waiting to take the child to the restroom. It was almost like to the older sibling instinctively knew that the boy needed looking out for, even though the mother was present and attentive. The entire family looked and acted as if they were one unit. They all went to use the restroom with the boy. After that they all had some lunch. The boy and his sibling played well together with no fighting or arguing. This was very refreshing to watch. When it came time to leave, they all left peacefully.

Theory

 This stage is what Erikson called Initiative vs. Guilt. Erikson believed that around the age of 3 and continuing to the age of 5 a child will assert themselves more often. This is a lively stage of activity in a child. The years develop rapidly.  What is most central to this stage is play. The child begins to interact with other and initiate play.

Rationale

This child demonstrated this by playing with his siblings and listening to his mother. In the stage a child will develop a feeling of security. An example of this would be that the child feels secure about his abilities to lead others and make decisions. Success at the stage of initiative vs. guilt leads to the virtue of purpose.  (McLeod, 2013) This child had just the right balance of both initiative and guilt. The child had the initiative to go to the restroom. And the child had enough guilt to allow somebody to go with him without making a fuss.

Observation

The last observation that this writer made was of an African-American child that appeared to be about 10 years or older. This child was not with any parents. He played on the swings and then he went over to the basketball court and played there for about an hour. He seemed to be bouncing the ball in order to get the attention of the other kids that were there. It did not take long for the other kids to come and join him in a game of horse. The boy seemed aggressive in his playing of basketball. However, he did allow for all the other kids to have a chance. He seemed lonely to this writer. After the game of horse was over the boy picked up his ball and left. He was not joined by any other kids and he did not appear to ask anybody to join him. He simply left the park.