GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 1

Growth and Development

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Overview of the individual’s biographical data

The developmental analysis involved an observation and communication with a male

boy of the age of fifteen years. He was a student in high school living with both of his

parents. His father was a surgeon at a nearby hospital while his mother worked in restaurant

in the neighborhood. The boy was the second born in family of two girls and one boy. They

lived in an apartment in their own compound. In the family, his eldest sister was 18 years old

whereas the youngest sister was 12 years old. Both her parents were Latinos. They boy was

born and grew up in the United States.

Theoretical description of the individual’s current period of development

Erickson in his Psychosocial Theory denotes that the entire lifespan of an individual

undergoes through eight stages. The psychosocial development of an individual must

experience certain changes throughout life (Lally & Valentine-French, 2017). According to

Erickson, each stage of life has a unique challenge or that a person has to handle. In the event

that a person does not resolve a stage successfully, it may be difficult for the individual to

deal with the psychosocial crises in later stages. For example, an individual who does not

develop trust in Erikson’s first stage is likely to find it challenging to develop positive

intimate relationship (Erikson’s sixth stage). At the age of 15 years, the boy is at the

adolescent stage. The psychosocial crisis at that stage is identity versus role confusion. The

adolescent needs to develop a well-defined and positive sense of self in relationship to others.

During the communication with the boy, it was noticeable that he could maintain a close eye

contact. He responded to most of the questions in a composed manner and without fear.

Learning theory focuses on studying the behavior of a person. According to

behaviorists like Burrhus Frederick and Skinner, measuring thoughts and feelings objectively

was impossible; therefore, only behavior could help in knowing a person (Lally & Valentine-

French, 2017). In the interaction with the 15year old boy, it was noticeable that his responses
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 3

were unpredictable. It was difficult to determine what he would speak in his next statement. It

is only his behavior that communicated whether his interest in the conversation.

Social Learning Theory denotes that individuals learn certain actions when they look

at what others do. Children tend to learn new things through imitation. According to theorist

Bandura, interplay exists between a person’s personality and different events of influence

(Lally & Valentine-French, 2017). During the communication process with the boy, he

mentioned that he had learnt most of the things from his parents. He opined that most of his

actions such as confidence, fluent speaking, and charisma were learnt from his father.

Cognitive Theory explains mental processes or change in cognition over time.

According to Jean Piaget (1896-1980), intellectual skills change over time with maturation

(Lally & Valentine-French, 2017). Training does not bring that change. It further asserts that

individuals from the age of 11 years attain abstract logic. They can think systematically,

reason about abstract concepts and understand scientific reasoning and ethics. During the

communication with the boy, it was noticeable that he engaged in a systematic conversation

that encouraged listening and speaking. He explained various components constructively and

comprehensively. He showed intellectual maturity in his reasoning.

Comparison of the individual’s cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development to

various theories

Cognitive development

One of the most remarkable observations with the boy is his prowess and confidence

during the conversation. The boy talked about various subjects freely, openly and accurately.

He was highly informed about certain contemporary issues. He reasoned out various issues

more abstractly, which exceeded expectation. These characteristics are in line with the

cognitive theory, which state that adolescents develop self-concept and self-esteem (Van

Hasselt & Hersen, 2013). They show the ability to think about all the possibilities and reason
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more abstractly. It was observable that the boy was more conversant with romantic

relationships, friendship, job, and their appearance.

Physical development

The physical development of the boy showed significant changes in various body

organs. He had broader shoulders and a deep voice. On his face were some hair growths on

the beards. His facial skin had pimples. He was tall. In our conversation, he mentioned that he

experienced changes in his pubic parts. The changes in features are similar to the concepts of

psychosocial theory, which illustrates certain changes in the body and behavior (Van Hasselt

& Hersen, 2013).

Psychosocial development

The boy mentioned that he likes spending time with his peers. He spends less time

with his sisters and parents. He also said that they often go for parties with his friends. His

parents and those of his friends do not supervise them. In most cases, they are brought

together by their shared activities majorly playing football and hiking. The boy further said

that they often discuss about intimate subjects and most of the time talking girls in our class.

He also narrated how they go to watch movies together during weekends and holidays.

The narrations of the boy are similar to the psychosocial theory of development. The

theory points out that peer pressure is common characteristic among adolescents (Lally &

Valentine-French, 2017). This explains why they are often found together. It further states

that they provide social support and companionship for one another. In most instances, it is

difficult for adolescents to report any wrongdoing to one another. They tend to develop more

problematic behavior if they develop negative peer pressure. It was also observable that the

boys spent time together in groups of about five. According to the theory, peer relationships

in adolescence are a common practice. They interact frequently and have shared reputations.

Development tasks achieved and/or still unmet

The boy has achieved most of the tasks at the adolescent stage. He had achieved tasks

like being able to achieve new and more mature relations with his peers. He formed groups

with boys and other girls of their class. Secondly, he was independent from his parents and

other adults. As mentioned earlier, the boy could go out for movie with the friends without

his parents’ supervision. Thirdly, he had also developed a personal sense of identity and

expanded his verbal skills. However, he still showed certain unmet tasks like accepting his

physique and achieving his masculine role. Having been born among the girls, the boy

performed duties perceived to be feminine in nature. It was difficult for him to operate as a

boy without the other siblings influencing his behavior.

Measures to accomplish age-appropriate developmental tasks

It is important to assist the boy accomplish the unmet adolescent tasks. One of the

strategies of helping the boy to accept his physique is by ensuring that he joins his peers in

various activities. The boys would form a team and undertake activities such as swimming

together. They can also play football together. These joint activities are important in helping

the boy to understand the changes in physique. Embracing masculine duties may be the most

difficult task for the boy. Having been the only boy among their siblings, it is easy for them

to influence the social roles of the boy. Helping the boy to take his roles would mean that he

interacts frequently with the father and imitate his roles. Otherwise, his male peers would be

helpful in helping him adjust to his masculine roles.

References

Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2017). Lifespan Development: A Psychological

Perspective. Martha Lally, Suzanne Valentine-French.

Van Hasselt, V. B., & Hersen, M. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of social development: A

lifespan perspective. Springer Science & Business Media.