Development Stages and Theory

1369 Words3 Pages

Introduction

Adolescence is the transition stage after childhood according to theories from researchers (Berk, 2010). Adolescents will encounter a number of distinctive developmental challenges which include coping with rapid changes in their bodies, managing their sexual importance, developing new affiliations, parent-child bonding and forecasting their academic and occupational expectations. Hence, this assignment will explore the physical and emotional developmental stages of human beings according to Erik Erikson’s theory, identification of two developmental issues in the given case study, the writer’s stage of development, and an overview of an article relating to the developmental stages.

Discussion

Physical changes

This case study is about a 15 year old boy named Marcus who encounters a number of problems during his adolescent stage. One of Erik Erikson’s eight stages of human development is identified as identity versus role confusion which starts from adolescence. During this stage, an adolescent begins to question their role in life, and may experience role confusion about their future adult role (Berk, 2010). Erik Erikson states that the first sign of physical changes is puberty and each individual achieves puberty at different ages (Berk, 2010). As a male, Marcus is overweight, short and has a very high pitched voice in contrast to other boys’ physiques. His body image may be related to genes that run in his family and that makes him vulnerable to his peers who always make fun of his image. Therefore, any abnormalities must be detected early to avoid dysfunction in adulthood which may be difficult to tackle once the stage has passed (Goodman, McEwen, Dolan, Schafer-Kalkhoff & Adler, 2005).

Emotional state

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...nal of Divorce & Remarriage, 51(2), 83-107.

Berk, L. E. (2010). Development through the lifespan (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education Inc.

Bulanda, R. E., & Majumdar, D. (2009). Perceived parent–child relations and adolescent self-esteem. Journal of Child and Family Study, 18(7), 203-212.

Crain, W. (2005). Theories of development: Concepts and applications (5th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Goodman, E., McEwen, B. S., Dolan, L. M., Schafer-Kalkhoff, T. & Adler, N. E. (2005). Social disadvantage and adolescent stress. Journal of Adolescent Health, 37(11), 484-492.

Ohannessian, C. M. (2009). Media use and adolescent psychological adjustment: An examination of gender differences. Journal of Child and Family Study, 18(2), 582-593.

Perry, D. G., & Pauletti, R. E. (2011). Gender and adolescent development. Journal of Research on Adolescent, 21(1), 61-74.

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