HNC Social Care Psychology
How can psychological theory help me to understand the development and needs of an individual?
To answer this question I will use the Case Study of John. John is a twenty-five year old adult who identifies the following as his key issues: low self-esteem, low self-confidence, excessive alcohol consumption and occasional recreational drug use, depression and anxiety; particularly social anxiety with members of the opposite sex.
To begin understanding the development and needs of John I will explore the generally accepted lifespan through which each individual progress. This is an ongoing process from birth until death and consists of five stages according to age: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older adulthood. At each stage five strands of development occur: social, physical, emotional, cognitive and cultural, referred to as SPECC. Similarly the needs required to meet each developmental stage can be categorised by the same terms.
Stage/Age Development Needs
Infancy (Birth-2 years)
Cognitive-growth of language from babbling to first words.
Emotional- bond develops with carer.
Interaction, repetition, positive encouragement.
Consistency, love and affection.
Childhood (2-12 years)
Physical- develops muscular control, potty training.
Emotional- recognises self as person in own right. Positive encouragement.
Freedom of choice, respect.
Adolescence (12-21 years)
Social- transition from education to employment.
Physical-
Support, guidance and encouragement.
Adulthood (21-65 years)
Social-personal social activities may be reduced due to demand of parental responsibilities.
Cognitive- further training/re-training, return to education.
Make time for own social needs without guilt.
Opportunities, support and encouragement.
Older Adulthood (65 onwards)
Emotional-social isolation may increase.
Cultural-may have time for new interests and hobbies due to retirement
Opportunities, support and encouragement.
To answer this question I will use the Case Study of John. John is a twenty-five year old adult who identifies the following as his key issues: low self-esteem, low self-confidence, excessive alcohol consumption and occasional recreational drug use, depression and anxiety; particularly social anxiety with members of the opposite sex.
To begin understanding the development and needs of John I will explore the generally accepted lifespan through which each individual progress. This is an ongoing process from birth until death and consists of five stages according to age: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older adulthood. At each stage five strands of development occur: social, physical, emotional, cognitive and cultural, referred to as SPECC. Similarly the needs required to meet each developmental stage can be categorised by the same terms.
Stage/Age Development Needs
Infancy (Birth-2 years)
Cognitive-growth of language from babbling to first words.
Emotional- bond develops with carer.
Interaction, repetition, positive encouragement.
Consistency, love and affection.
Childhood (2-12 years)
Physical- develops muscular control, potty training.
Emotional- recognises self as person in own right. Positive encouragement.
Freedom of choice, respect.
Adolescence (12-21 years)
Social- transition from education to employment.
Physical-
Support, guidance and encouragement.
Adulthood (21-65 years)
Social-personal social activities may be reduced due to demand of parental responsibilities.
Cognitive- further training/re-training, return to education.
Make time for own social needs without guilt.
Opportunities, support and encouragement.
Older Adulthood (65 onwards)
Emotional-social isolation may increase.
Cultural-may have time for new interests and hobbies due to retirement
Opportunities, support and encouragement.