PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6025 Child Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

This case study explores the developmental trajectory of a six-year-old biracial girl named Emma, who lives with her maternal grandparents. Emma’s move to her grandparents’ care was voluntary, prompted by concerns regarding neglect from her biological parents. There is limited information available about her parents’ backgrounds, including their educational, medical, and socio-economic status. Since relocating to her grandparents’ home, Emma has attended daycare and preschool, although her attendance has been inconsistent. She has completed a year of kindergarten but exhibits developmental concerns. Observations at her daycare and preschool indicate that she experiences anxiety and tends to withdraw from physical contact, while demonstrating strengths in independent play and fine motor skills. However, Emma struggles with maintaining focus on tasks that require more than two-step directions and shows developmental delays, particularly in gross motor skills.

Ecological Perspective

John Bowlby’s attachment theory, formulated in the 1930s, emphasizes the importance of early emotional bonds in influencing social, emotional, and cognitive development. Bowlby identified four attachment styles: secure attachment, anxious (ambivalent) attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized (fearful) attachment. In Emma’s case, elements of both secure attachment, as seen in her relationship with her grandparents, and anxious attachment, reflected in her clinging behavior during visits with her mother, are present. The inconsistency in maternal care may contribute to Emma’s anxiety and withdrawal.

Expectations for Healthy Development

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory outlines eight stages of human development, highlighting the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. Emma’s developmental concerns align with Erikson’s framework, particularly regarding her difficulties with focus and social interaction. Additionally, maternal distress, indicated by Emma’s mother’s infrequent visits and potential neglect, could adversely affect Emma’s neurodevelopmental trajectory.

Conclusion

Emma, a six-year-old biracial girl, displays signs of anxiety and withdrawal, along with challenges in social interaction and focus. Her attachment patterns, shaped by inconsistent maternal care, may contribute to these difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation and targeted intervention are essential to support Emma’s developmental journey and mitigate potential long-term consequences.

References

Fine Motor Skills. (2023). Retrieved from http://childdevelopment.com.au

Laksmi, I. G. A. P. S., Wati, N. M. N., & Lestari, R. T. R. (2020). The role of parenting to increase gross and fine motor skills development in children aged 5-6 years. Media Keperawatan Indonesia, 3(2), 54-62. https://doi.org/10.26714/mki.3.2.2020.54-62

Mcleod, S. (2023). Attachment theory: Bowlby and Ainsworth’s theory explained. Simply Psychology Journal. Retrieved from http://simplypsychology.org

Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022). Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/

Tu, H. F., Skalkidou, A., Lindskog, M., & Gredebäck, G. (2021). Maternal childhood trauma and perinatal distress are related to infants’ focused attention from 6 to 18 months. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 24190. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03568-2

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

Tuovinen, S., Lahti‐Pulkkinen, M., Girchenko, P., Lipsanen, J., Lahti, J., Heinonen, K., Reynolds, R. M., Hämäläinen, E., Kajantie, E., Laivuori, H., Pesonen, A., Villa, P. M., & Räikkönen, K. (2018). Maternal depressive symptoms during and after pregnancy and child developmental milestones. Depression and Anxiety, 35(8), 732-741. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22756

Veiskarami, P., Roozbahani, M., Saedi, S., & Pour, E. G. (2021). Evaluation of the development of gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social skills of children 6 to 18 months in Khorramabad based on Denver II developmental screening test. Yafteh, 23(4), 169-181. https://doi.org/10.32592/Yafteh.2021.23.4.14