PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3

Introduction

This case study traces the development trajectory of six-year-old biracial girl Emma, who resides with her maternal grandparents. Allegations of neglect by her biological parents prompted Emma to voluntarily move in with her grandparents. There is limited information given on the educational status, medical condition, and socio-economic status of Emma’s parents. Since living with her grandparents, Emma has attended daycare/preschool, presenting inconsistently and finishing one year of kindergarten with developmental concerns. Presenting at her daycare/preschool are withdrawal and anxiety from physical contact, as well as areas of strength in independent play and fine motor skills. Emma struggles with focusing on tasks with more than two-step directions and presents with developmental delays, particularly in large motor skills.

Ecological Perspective

John Bowlby’s attachment theory, which was developed in the 1930s, points to early emotional attachment as a significant factor in affecting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Bowlby hypothesized four patterns of attachment, including secure attachment, anxious (ambivalent) attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized (fearful) attachment. Emma’s situation shows elements of both secure attachment, as seen in her relationship with her grandparents, and anxious attachment, as seen in her clinging during her visits with her mother. Lack of consistent maternal care may be to blame for Emma’s withdrawal and anxiety.

Expectations for Health Development

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory describes eight stages of human development based on the interrelationship between biological, psychological, and social factors. Emma’s development problems align well with Erikson’s model, particularly her attention deficit and problem with social interactions. Maternal distress, further exemplified by Emma’s mother’s failure to visit and likely neglect, could also impact Emma’s neurodevelopmental trajectory.

Conclusion

Emma, aged six and a biracial child, displays withdrawal and anxiety, along with social interaction issues and attentional difficulties. Inconsistent maternal care can form the foundation of such issues in her attachment styles. Detailed intervention and assessment are called for to modify Emma’s course of development and mitigate the potential long-term effects.

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3: Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development 

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PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 3: Examining Early and Middle Childhood Development 

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