PSYC FPX 3210 Assessment 3 Meet the Washingtons Case Study

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 3210 Human Lifespan Development

Prof. Name

Date

Abstract

This study delves into the theoretical construct of identity in relation to Erickson’s psychosocial development stage applicable to Kyla’s age. Kyla, the second eldest of four siblings, resides with her parents and grandparents, displaying responsibility and helpfulness at home. While she maintains a close bond with her mother, her relationship with her father tends to be more contentious. Kyla expresses a keen interest in culinary arts, aspiring to attend culinary school, yet exhibits a negative attitude towards conventional academia. The paper explores the impact of Kyla’s familial dynamics, social media influence, and individual traits on her psychosocial development, with a particular focus on self-perception and decision-making. Through an examination of Kyla’s self-reported sentiments and behaviors, the study seeks to comprehend the various factors shaping an individual’s psychosocial development.

Keywords: psychosocial development, Erickson’s stages of development, identity, idealism, decision making, self-esteem, family, community, society, adolescent development.

Process of Identity Formation Using the Erickson Psychosocial Development

According to Erickson, adolescents undergo a process of identity formation, exploring diverse roles, values, and beliefs to establish a stable sense of self. Kyla currently navigates Erickson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development—identity versus role confusion. This phase challenges individuals to develop a self-concept and discern their place in the world (Gross, 2020). Amid societal expectations favoring traditional academic paths, Kyla’s pursuit of a culinary career suggests a development in her sense of identity. The influence garnered from social media attention underscores her quest for validation externally.

Additionally, her distinct relationships with her parents signify an attempt to carve out her identity apart from familial expectations. Her aversion to traditional academia further signifies this process. Kyla is on a trajectory of positive psychosocial development, engaging in the exploration of roles and interests critical to this developmental stage. It is imperative for her to persist in exploring her values and beliefs while seeking support and guidance through this developmental phase.

Brain Development

The cognitive evolution of an adolescent, such as Kyla, is intricate and influenced by genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant alterations, especially in regions governing decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. The maturation of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala plays a pivotal role in judgment, impulse control, and emotional stability—a central facet of teenage cognitive development. The development of the brain’s reward system, driven by dopamine release, influences behavior and is heightened in adolescents, making them susceptible to pleasurable experiences, including social media attention (Clements et al., 2022). The limbic system, responsible for emotional regulation, continues to develop during this stage (Frere et al., 2020). These factors elucidate Kyla’s potential struggles in emotional regulation and susceptibility to environmental influence.

Kyla’s brain development is likely shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental, and experiential elements. It is essential to recognize that brain development persists continuously, reaching full maturity in young adulthood.

PSYC FPX 3210 Assessment 3 Meet the Washingtons Case Study

Ethical Considerations

In conducting assessments or interventions, psychologists must secure informed consent from Kyla and her parents to ensure comprehension and agreement to participate. Upholding confidentiality is crucial to safeguard Kyla’s privacy. Avoidance of conflicts of interest is imperative, aligning interventions with Kyla’s best interests and devoid of personal biases. Psychologists must ensure evidence-based and situation-appropriate interventions, guided by the APA code of ethics, emphasizing beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for rights and dignity, and responsibility to promote social justice.

Conclusion

The case of Kyla Washington underscores the intricate nature of psychosocial development during adolescence. Leveraging Erickson’s psychosocial development stages and identity theory, this paper has elucidated how familial dynamics, interests, and social media shape Kyla’s self-perception and decision-making. Additionally, the discussion on Kyla’s brain development emphasizes the pivotal changes during adolescence impacting her behavior. Acknowledging the continuous nature of psychological and brain development, ethical considerations are paramount when working with adolescents like Kyla.

References

Clements, C. C., Ascunce, K., & Nelson, C. A. (2022). In context: A developmental model of reward processing, with implications for autism and sensitive periods. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.861

Frere, P. B., Vetter, N. C., Artiges, E., Filippi, I., Miranda, R., Vulser, H., Paillère-Martinot, M.-L., Ziesch, V., Conrod, P., Cattrell, A., Walter, H., Gallinat, J., Bromberg, U., Jurk, S., Menningen, E., Frouin, V., Papadopoulos Orfanos, D., Stringaris, A., Penttilä, J., & van Noort, B. (2020). Sex effects on structural maturation of the limbic system and outcomes on emotional regulation during adolescence. NeuroImage, 210, 116441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116441

Gross, Y. (2020). Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences, 1, 179–184. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118970843.ch31

PSYC FPX 3210 Assessment 3 Meet the Washingtons Case Study