PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6025 Child Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

This study investigates the developmental trajectory of a six-year-old biracial girl named Emma, who resides with her maternal grandparents due to concerns of neglect by her biological parents. Limited information is available regarding Emma’s parents’ background, including their educational, medical, and socio-economic status. Since moving in with her grandparents, Emma has attended daycare/preschool inconsistently but completed a year of kindergarten with developmental concerns. Observations at her daycare/preschool reveal anxiety and withdrawal alongside strengths in independent play and fine motor skills. However, Emma struggles with focus on tasks requiring more than two-step directions and displays developmental delays, particularly in large motor skills.

Ecological Perspective

John Bowlby’s attachment theory underscores the importance of early emotional bonds in shaping social, emotional, and cognitive development. Bowlby identified four attachment styles, including secure attachment, anxious (ambivalent) attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized (fearful) attachment. Emma’s case reflects elements of both secure attachment, evident in her relationship with her grandparents, and anxious attachment, as seen in her clinging behavior during visits with her mother. The lack of consistent maternal care may contribute to Emma’s anxiety and withdrawal.

Expectations for Health Development

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory delineates eight stages of human development, emphasizing the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. Emma’s developmental concerns align with Erikson’s framework, particularly regarding her struggles with focus and social interaction. Moreover, maternal distress, as evidenced by Emma’s mother’s infrequent visits and potential neglect, could impact Emma’s neurodevelopmental trajectory.

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

Conclusion

Emma, a six-year-old biracial girl, exhibits signs of anxiety and withdrawal, alongside difficulties in social interaction and focus. Her attachment patterns, influenced by inconsistent maternal care, may underlie these challenges. Comprehensive evaluation and intervention are crucial to support Emma’s developmental journey and mitigate potential long-term consequences.

References

Fine Motor Skills. (2023). Retrieved from http://childdevelopment.com.au

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Mcleod, S. (2023). Attachment Theory: Bowlby And Ainsworth’s Theory Explained. SimplyPsychology Journal. Retrieved from: http://simplypsychology.org

Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022). Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/

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Tuovinen, S., Lahti‐Pulkkinen, M., Girchenko, P., Lipsanen, J., Lahti, J., Heinonen, K., Reynolds, R. M., Hämäläinen, E., Kajantie, E., Laivuori, H., Pesonen, A., Villa, P. M., & Räikkönen, K. (2018). Maternal depressive symptoms during and after pregnancy and child developmental milestones. Depression and Anxiety, 35(8), 732-741. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22756

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3 Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development

Veiskarami, P., Roozbahani, M., Saedi, S., & Pour, E. G. (2021). Evaluation of the development of gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social skills of children 6 to 18 months in Khorramabad based on Denver II developmental screening test. Yafteh, 23(4), 169-181. https://doi.org/10.32592/Yafteh.2021.23.4.14