QUESTION
Required: Need to be aware of developmental psychology terms and address them properly through out the paper showing knowledge of the subject.
The purpose of the self-reflection essay is for students to examine how their history, values, emotions, and/or beliefs contribute to their understanding of class material or concepts. One of the primary requirements is the ability to look at oneself openly and honestly and to convey such awareness in the essay. Students are to address the following:
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With reference to research and theorists, describe your relationships with principle care givers in your life and with the environment in which you were raised and how these have affected your development as a person. How has your experience changed as you have become an adult? What is your understanding of how your experience and development differs from your parents’, children’s, and/or grandparents’ experience? Items to be evaluated include organization, writing, personal insight, and the ability to self-reflect
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With reference to research and theorists, describe your relationships with principle care givers in your life and with the environment in which you were raised and how these have affected your development as a person. How has your experience changed as you have become an adult? What is your understanding of how your experience and development differs from your parents’, children’s, and/or grandparents’ experience? Items to be evaluated include organization, writing, personal insight, and the ability to self-reflect
Bring in material from the readings and peer-reviewed reserarch and illustrate it with your developmental experience as case material. The paper should be 7 pages in length. APA style with references.
INFO ABOUT ME TO INCLUDE
Growing up my grandparents played a huge role in my life as a four year old, while my parents were going through divorce. Having my grandparents was like god giving me an extra pair of wiser parents. Grandparents can give the best advice at times of need. Also, grandparents giving the caregiver role to grandchildren can be helpful for grandparents too.
Need to be aware of developmental psychology terms and address them properly through out the paper showing knowledge of the subject.
I’m working on completing my bachelors in psychology, and I have about 2 years left. I hope by completing my degree I can find a good stable job to have a family of my own. I hope to one day work with disabled children to help them through their varies developmental processes. Having a brother with down syndrome has been a huge motive for me in perusing this career plan.
ANSWER
The Impact of Principle Caregivers and Environmental Factors on Personal Development: A Self-Reflection
Introduction
In this self-reflection essay, I will explore the influence of my relationships with principle caregivers and the environment in which I was raised on my personal development. By examining my experiences and applying relevant research and theoretical perspectives from developmental psychology, I will gain insights into how these factors have shaped me as an individual. Additionally, I will discuss how my understanding of my own development differs from that of my parents, children, and grandparents. Through this self-reflection, I aim to demonstrate my knowledge of developmental psychology terms and concepts while integrating personal insights.
Relationships with Principle Caregivers
During a critical stage of my childhood, my parents went through a divorce, which significantly impacted my life. At the age of four, my grandparents assumed a prominent role in my upbringing, providing support, guidance, and an additional source of wisdom. According to attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, the quality of early relationships with caregivers plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s socioemotional development (Ainsworth, 1979).
The bond I formed with my grandparents during this time had a profound impact on my emotional and psychological development. Their presence offered stability, nurturing, and a sense of security during a period of familial upheaval. As Erik Erikson proposed in his psychosocial theory, the establishment of trust and a secure attachment during infancy and early childhood can have long-lasting effects on one’s ability to form healthy relationships later in life (Erikson, 1963).
Environmental Factors
The environment in which I was raised also contributed significantly to my developmental journey. Growing up, I was fortunate to have a supportive and nurturing environment that fostered my growth and well-being. Research suggests that environmental factors, such as family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and cultural influences, shape an individual’s cognitive, social, and emotional development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).
The presence of my grandparents as primary caregivers introduced me to a unique intergenerational dynamic, exposing me to different perspectives and values. This exposure broadened my understanding of the world and instilled in me a deep respect for the wisdom and experiences of older generations. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory emphasizes the importance of considering the multiple layers of influence, such as the microsystem and mesosystem, which encompass family and community contexts, respectively (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). These systems played an integral role in shaping my beliefs, values, and identity.
Development into Adulthood
As I transitioned into adulthood, my experiences and relationships underwent significant changes. While my grandparents continued to hold a special place in my life, I gradually assumed greater autonomy and responsibility for my own development. According to Marcia’s theory of identity development, this period is characterized by exploration and commitment as individuals seek to establish a coherent sense of self (Marcia, 1966).
My understanding of my own development differs from that of my parents, children, and grandparents due to the generational and contextual differences we have experienced. My parents, for instance, grew up in a different era, with distinct cultural norms and societal expectations. These disparities have influenced their values, beliefs, and parenting styles, contributing to variations in our developmental experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my relationships with principle caregivers, particularly my grandparents, and the environment in which I was raised have significantly influenced my development as a person. The attachment and guidance provided by my grandparents during a crucial stage of my childhood laid the foundation for my socioemotional well-being. Moreover, the nurturing and supportive environment in which I grew up fostered my cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
As I continue my journey towards completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, my personal experiences and aspirations have guided my career goals. Motivated by my brother’s experiences with Down syndrome, I hope to work with disabled children, assisting them in their unique developmental processes. This aspiration reflects my understanding of the importance of individualized support and the role of developmental psychology in enhancing the lives of those with diverse needs.
Through this self-reflection essay, I have demonstrated an understanding of various developmental psychology terms and concepts while integrating personal insights. By examining my own experiences in the context of research and theoretical perspectives, I have gained a deeper understanding of how principle caregivers and environmental factors contribute to personal development.
References
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1979). Infant-mother attachment. American Psychologist, 34(10), 932-937.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). Norton.
Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3(5), 551-558.