Developmental Psychology

My own development during my 18 and a half years of being alive, relates to the theory of human development created by Urie Bronfenbrenner. Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development is also known as the PPCT model. The PPCT model has four interrelated components, which are Process, Person, Context and Time. Bronfenbrenner (2005). These are the proximal processes that make up the characterisitics of a child, the stimulation of a child's development and the time in which a child matures and develops. In this essay I will use the PPCT system to epxain the five systems which are the Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem and Chronosystem as well as explaning the components. I will also clearly indicate my development using these interrelating systems. I will then sum up and conclude my essay by what I have found as a result of his theory. Bronfenbrenner (2005) said it is the “phenomenon of biophysical characterisitics of human beings both as individuals and as groups. The phenomenon extends over the life course across successive generations and through historical time, both past and present”.

In Bronfenbrenner's PPCT system, the first component acknowledged is a person. In a person's adolescent years the characterisitics of that individual are made from the development that occurred at an early age. I was lucky enough to grow up in a world where I was physically capable of doing whatever I wanted to achieve, whether it be a sporting, socialising or academic activity. Different people have different qualities and characterisitics that enable them to do different activities. Some people may be at a disadvantage if they have a physical disability as they are incapable of preforming the activity In the same way as others. An example of my experience as a child growing up, is that I had rashes on my legs from various reactions. This made me feel self conscious and I gave up activities like swimming with friends and family because of these rashes. I did this