CASE STUDY

Case Study: Young People's Growth and Development

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Detailed Analysis of Selected Theories on Childhood and Adolescent Development3

Bowlby - Ainsworth: Attachment Theory3

Alice Miller - Misuse of Power by Adults4

Winnicott - Mirroring and Object Relations Theory5

Erikson's Theory: Crisis of Identity versus Identity Confusion6

Best Theoretical Approach to the Case Study7

Conclusion8

Case Study: Young People's Growth and Development

Introduction

The development of a child occurs during the initial few years of his/her life, and is moulded by various factors. Their surrounding environment and other external factors in combination with several internal influences from their DNA make up to their nutritional needs, all are factors which affect their development. Their environment especially plays a vital role during their childhood and adolescent years or what are commonly called a child's 'formative years.' However, environmental factors usually tend to change from a child's early stages till his/her adolescent years. Adolescence is therefore widely accepted as a time when transition which includes multi dimensional changes like psychological, cognitive, social, and biological, takes place . Adolescents go through puberty, experience changes in the brain structure and increasing sexual interest, which can be defined as biological changes (UNICEF, 2005, pp 1).

Psychological changes in adolescent herald the maturing of cognitive capabilities, and social changes include those in school as well as the other transitional roles they are required to play in familial and community settings (NRC, 2002, pp 1). Usually, these changes occur naturally as well as simultaneously, however, the pace of each change for every individual adolescent is different. Factors that affect the pace of such changes lean upon their gender, environmental and structural setting, all of which combine to affect the overall development of children and adolescents (UNICEF, 2005, pp 2).

Detailed Analysis of Selected Theories on Childhood and Adolescent Development

A critical analysis of the four identified theories related to childhood and adolescent development is mandatory as they will help in identifying the best theory which specifically relates to Karen's case.

Bowlby - Ainsworth: Attachment Theory

John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth have both contributed towards the evolution of the attachment theory. This theory outlines the dynamics of the relationships which are long term between all humans, especially in the familial and social settings. Basically, Bowlby's theory revolves around the assumption that all early experiences of childhood affect development and behaviour later on in life, and attachment styles are based upon a psychodynamic theory, which is a reflection of the relationship we have with our primary caregiver or parents during early stages of development (Speilberger, 2008, pp 192).

Bowlby proceeded to break down his theory into four bases of attachments, safe haven, secure base, proximity maintenance and separation distress. Safe heaven is when the child is afraid or feels threatened, he or she has the option of going to the primary caregiver for soothing and comfort. Secure base is when the caregiver builds an environment which is secure, steady and most of all, can serve as a dependable base for the child. The third characteristic of attachment is the proximity maintenance where ...