QUESTION
LifeSpan development
Carlos, a 63-year-old divorced male was self-referred to you through his Employee Assistance Program. He presents as a lonely and withdrawn older adult requesting assistance with what he describes as “life issues.” The purpose of this paper is for you to present a developmental conceptualization of a client over four developmental stages that explains individual growth using biological, social, psychosocial, cognitive, and environmental theories. For each of the four developmental stages, you are also asked to present suggestions for interventions that may have changed the developmental trajectory for the client.
Include the following in your paper:
Explain the developmental concerns of adolescence using the theories and concepts learned involved in the case provided.
Explain the developmental concerns of young adulthood using the theories and concepts learned involved in the case provided.
Explain the developmental concerns of middle adulthood using the theories and concepts learned involved in the case provided.
Explain the developmental concerns of late adulthood using the theories and concepts learned involved in the case provided.
Design at least two interventions addressing the cognitive, biological, psycho-social, cultural, and environmental concerns at each stage in the case provided.
Subject | Psychology | Pages | 9 | Style | APA |
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Answer
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Lifespan Development
Lifespan development evaluates how individuals change and develop from conception to death. It is described as a field studied by developmental psychologists. In most occasions, psychologists perceive lifespan growth as a lifetime process that can be evaluated accurately across three developmental specialities: physical, cognitive-developmental, and psychological (Harms et al., 2018). There are various theories concerning how toddlers and children develop and grow into happy, healthy adults. This paper aims to proffer a developmental understanding of a patient over four developmental scenes that demonstrate personal growth utilizing physiological, cultural, emotional, cognitive and environmental realms. The paper will elaborate on the developmental interests of puberty, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood using the principles and theories acquired in the case study provided. Moreover, the paper will provide two arbitrations discussing the cognitive, physiological, psychosocial, sociological and environmental matters at every scene in the case study presented.
Change is considered necessary. As humans, individuals continuously grow during their lifespan, from birth to death. Studies indicate that psychologists often attempt to comprehend and demonstrate how individuals develop during life (Barry & Owens, 2019). While numerous of these variations are expected, and every day, they can quiet present various difficulties for improved outcomes. Lifespan development incorporates phases such as psychology development in all stages. Psychology development is described as a division of psychology that centres on how individuals develop and evolve throughout a lifetime. On most occasions, developmental psychology focuses on emotional, social, and cognitive development that emerge throughout life (Barry & Owens, 2019). Observing the case study to identify the best solution for Carlos, it is essential to understand the developmental lifespan theories.
Developmental psychologists often use various approaches when considering different factors of personal development. For instance, a psychiatrist evaluating mental growth in a child might contemplate using Piaget’s theory of cognitive growth, which could outline the significant scenes that children experience as they discover (Barry & Owens, 2019). Moreover, a psychologist might also consider the relationship with the caregivers impacts the child’s characters and consider Bowlby’s theory of attachment. Observing the case study, a psychologist might consider following how Carlo’s social relationships influenced his childhood and adult development. Erikson’s philosophy of psychological evolution and Vygotsky’s doctrine of social-cultural growth are two standard academic outlines that inscribe the cultural impacts on the developmental procedure.
Lifespan Developmental Stages
Analysts often break down growth according to different stages of development. These stages of growth describe a period when various discoveries are typically attained (Orth, 2017). Individuals may encounter significant challenges at each point. At this point, a psychologist can assist Carlos, who is be grappling with issues to get back on the trail.
Parental (Before Birth)
The parental stage is considered significant in lifespan development. Developmental psychoanalysts endeavour to comprehend how the earliest activities can influence future development during childhood (Harms et al., 2018). At this stage, psychologists observe at how fundamental reflexes develop before childbirth, how fetuses react to provocations the womb and the sensation and perception that fetuses are able of identifying before birth (Barry & Owens, 2019). Furthermore, at this stage, factors such as Down syndrome, parental drug use an acquired illness may influence the course of future development.
Early Childhood (Birth to 8 years)
The time from infancy through early childhood is often considered as a period of extraordinary change and growth. During this stage, psychologists observe factors such as the cognitive, environmental and emotional development that occurs during this significant period of growth, besides offering interventions for possible developmental concerns (Orth, 2017). Besides providing intervention for possible developmental problems during this phase, psychologists often focus on assisting individuals in attaining their full potential. During the early childhood stage, healthcare providers and parents are usually focused on the prospect to guarantee that children are developing correctly, receiving sufficient nourishment and attaining cognitive breakthroughs essential for their stage.
Middle Childhood (9 T0 11 years)
Both physical maturation often identifies this stage of lifespan development, and the enhanced significance of social influence as individuals make their way through primary school (Harms et al., 2018). Studies indicate that during this stage, individuals often start to identify the world as they develop friendships, increase competency through school, and proceed to develop their sense of self (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). During this stage, parents may decide to endeavour the support of a developmental psychiatrist to assist the children with possible issues that might emerge during this stage, including emotional, cultural, and psychological concerns.
Adolescence (10 to 19 Years)
The adolescence years are usually the subjects of significant concern as individuals encounter the emotional confusion and development that characterizes this stage of growth. Psychoanalysts such as Erik Erikson are considered to have developed an interest in observing how navigating this stage leads to self-identification. During this stage, individuals frequently experiment boundaries and examine new personalities as they evaluate the subject of who they are and who they want to become in the future (Orth, 2017). According to the case study, Carlos’ teenage years were confusing and lonely. Moreover, he did not get along with his parents during this stage. The most common concerns among adolescents often relate to growth and development, school, childhood complication that continues into adulthood, mental health disorders and the outcomes of illegal or risky characters (Harms et al., 2018). The consequences of these behaviours can be legal consequences, pregnancy, infectious illnesses and substance use disorders (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). Physical adjustment is regular during this stage of development, given that ordinary people struggle with concerns related to identity, autonomy, sexuality and relationships.
On most occasions, during this stage, individuals start to wonder who they are, where they are heading and how they will associate with people in their lives. Psychological disorders are often more common during the adolescence stage than during childhood (Orth, 2017). For this reason, many individuals tend to precipitate in unhealthy behaviours. According to the case study, Carlos’ teenage years were not as smooth as he wished. For instance, while he was still below nine-teen years, he started drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, claiming that they help forget all his troubles. Substance use is something common among the youths, particularly youths experiencing issues in their daily lives (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). For instance, Carlos was often angry about not having the lifestyle other boys had at school and blamed his parents. He spent most of his time evading communication with his parents and often stayed in his room for extended sessions. While the adolescence stage can be a difficult phase for both youths and parents, Carlos and his parents never attempted to develop a mutual understanding. This is common in most youths. Moreover, it is at this stage that Carlos divorced his wife due to lack of mutual understanding.
Early Adulthood (20 to 40 Years)
This stage of lifespan development is often identified by developing and nurturing bonds. Significant breakthroughs during this stage include creating relationships, closeness, and beginning a family. During this phase, individuals who can develop and maintain relations, participation and cultural assistance. At the same time, those who struggle are often left feeling lonely and alienated, like the case of Carlos after his relationship with the older woman ended. Studies indicate that there are various challenges young adults encounter (Berk, 2009). For instance, early adulthood is considered a period where individuals encounter more financial instability. Observing the case study, during this stage, Carlos moved in with his parents after the divorce. Moreover, is it at this stage that he could not find an occupation that he wanted to follow (Berk, 2009). According to researchers, intimate relationships, separation, and divorce are common challenges during the young adult stage.
During this stage, a person is often concerned about promoting the capacity to share affection, aiming to build connections and find special love, something that Carlos did not have during this stage (Berk, 2009). On some occasions, the relationships developed during adolescence carry into young adulthood, but this was not the case for Carlos. Researchers indicate that when these relationships end, it can cause a lonely and confusing encounter (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). When individuals have been with a partner for a long time, their identity forms in conjunction with the relationship, thus, it is common for young adults to encounter confusion regarding their identity at the end of their long-term relationship. Carlos portrays this in the case study after divorcing his wife.
Middle Adulthood (40 – 60 Years)
According to Erikson’s theory, the main psychosocial objective of middle adults is to strengthen generativity or have the urge to develop their reputation and dedication to family, community, and forthcoming generations. Researchers indicate that middle adulthood incorporates forming and guiding the next generation (Orth, 2017). According to the case study, Carlos did not have any child during this period. Moreover, he did not have a stable relationship. Middle adults who fail to develop generativity encounters stagnation, correlated self-indulgence and infirmity (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). Conceivably middle adulthood is best recognized for its treacherous mid-crisis. Researchers describe the middle turmoil, a period of re-evaluation that leads to challenging long-held assumptions and values (Orth, 2017). On most occasions, mid crises result in an individual divorcing his or her partner, changing jobs, or moving from town to rural.
In the case study, there were two incidents of middle crisis. The first incident involves Carlos’ partner who was older than him, and the second incident incorporates Carlos, who is seen preferring to change his job after realizing it was not what he wished. Moreover, it was during this stage that Carlos lost his mother. Her death significantly contributed to the agony experienced in this stage. During middle life, individuals often prefer being closer to their loved ones (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). Carlos did not have a wife or children who he could call or consult with; thus, he only friend became alcohol. During the first and mid-40s, the pressure often emerges in acknowledgement to a feeling of extinction, as the aged notice that their youth is faulty, and they have not achieved their aspired objectives in life.
Late adulthood (65 years to death)
Late adulthood often starts at 65 years. On most occasions, the developmental tasks in this stage include creating a meaningful identity and social status. Late adulthood comprises creating good relationships, having adequate leisure time and rewarding new family roles (Berk, 2009). However, this could not be the case for Carlos since he did not have any child or family after losing his father during early childhood and losing his mother in middle adulthood. During this stage, individuals remember more about early adulthood and adolescence than about middle adulthood (Harms et al., 2018).Researchers indicate that older individuals maintain semantic memory, the ability to remember vocabulary while younger individuals depend on mental rehearsal approaches to retain and retrieve information. Erikson’s theory of late adulthood is described as integrity vs despair. According to Erikson, people in late adulthood reflect on their experiences and feel either a sense of achievement or breakdown (Fasbender & Klehe, 2019). While observing at the case study, it is evident that Carlos reflects his life as a failure, given that he had lost his father during his early childhood, divorced during his adolescence stage and never had children or did the job he desired.
Interventions
The first intervention I would suggest to Carlos is to consider participating in physical activities. Studies indicate that individuals in late-adulthood who exercise are considered 28% less likely to be persistently disabled physically. Engaging in physical activities helps in relieving chronic pain brought by different conditions and maintain healthy mental alertness. Generally, participating in physical activities will assist Carlos to remain healthy during his late adulthood stage (Barry & Owens, 2019). I would also advise Carlos to consider joining a support group. Socializing with other individuals who have had similar encounters, will help him feel less alone.
Facing and talking about his issues is a fundamental approach. Moreover, I would encourage him to spend time with at least one individual a day. This person can be a neighbour or a friend. Physical interaction is considered to be much more useful than messages or calls (Barry & Owens, 2019). Moreover, it assists in evading the feeling of depression and loneliness. I would encourage Carlos to accept the changes that he has experienced instead of trying to resist them. Growing old and losing loved ones is inevitable. Once he accepts and starts enjoying what he has, he will be free to live a happier life. I would also advise Carlos to become a volunteer. This will be a practical approach to meeting people who have the same interest as him (Harms et al., 2018). Moreover, helping others with issues will enable him to forget his problems and be grateful for his life.
References
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Barry, J. A., & Owens, R. (2019). From fetuses to boys to men: the impact of testosterone on male lifespan development. In The Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology and Mental Health (pp. 3-24). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Berk, L. (2009). Development through the lifespan (Vol. 1). Pearson Education, India.
Fasbender, U., & Klehe, U. C. (2019). Job search and (re) employment from a lifespan development perspective. Work, Aging and Retirement, 5(1), 73-90.
Harms, M. P., Somerville, L. H., Ances, B. M., Andersson, J., Barch, D. M., Bastiani, M., … & Coalson, T. S. (2018). Extending the Human Connectome Project across ages: Imaging protocols for the Lifespan Development and Aging projects. NeuroImage, 183, 972-984
Lindenberger, U., & Lövdén, M. (2019). Brain plasticity in human lifespan development: the exploration–selection–refinement model. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, 1, 197-222.
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