David Helfgott Research Paper

Running head: PSYCHOSOCIAL EXAMININATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

DAVID HELFGOTT: A PSYCHOSOCIAL EXAMININATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA Abstract
This research paper examines the cinematic biographical adaptation of musical child prodigy David Helfgott. The paper will examine Helfgott during the following four stages of psychosocial development based on the psychosocial theory of Erik Erikson: Middle childhood (6-12), Early adolescence (12-18), Later adolescence (18-24) and Middle adulthood (34-60). Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst who described development as a series of eight psychosocial stages. At each stage there are development tasks to master and a central conflict that the individual can resolve positively or negatively. The nature of the task
His facial expressions appear quizzical with a sheepish grin his eyes darting and hair style unremarkable. Helfgott formal operations appeared to be developing based off his musical ability. The six characteristics of formal operational thought are met. He has the ability to manipulate mentally more than two categories of musical variables simultaneously. He has the ability to think about the changes that come with time for example going to school in America. He has the ability to hypothesize logical sequences of events for example he was able to predict that musical instruction in America would lead to a fuller life. Helfgott had the ability to foresee the consequences of actions for instance, he realized that if he stayed in Australia and turned down instruction in America that certain career possibilities will be closed to him. Helfgott¡¦s had the ability to detect logical consistency and inconsistency in statements made by his father. Example Peter Helfgott, Helfgott¡¦s father, told him he would be with him for every, you can not trust anyone and music will always by your friend. Helfgott understood death, he understood friendship and music is only alive when he plays. Helfgott¡¦s ability to think in relative terms about self, others and the world is displayed by Helfgott behaving in a culturally acceptable manner for a young pianist prodigy makes
The successful completion of this developmental task relies on the resolution of earlier stages. For example, it may be difficult to establish intimacy if you haven't developed a basic sense of trust or a sense of identity. Young adults must learn how to develop intimate relationships with other adults. The alternative is alienation, isolation, a fear of commitment, and an inability to depend on others.
Helfgott is depicted as not gaining autonomy, the ability to regulate one¡¦s own decisions and actions without undue control by one¡¦s parents. Helfgott left home for studies in England but his thoughts, emotions and actions reflect his father, Peter Helfgott¡¦s goals. Helfgott did not display a comfortable sense of autonomy. His father, Peter Helfgott, constructs Helfgott¡¦s gender identity. Helfgott is taught to be a man he must be a winner, he must be health and strong. Helfgott is a winner when in music but he is not mentally strong or