Introduction
Stages of psychological development are generally defined by the behavioral traits and aspects of a person. In fact, the development of a child depends on numerous factors, including the factors which were observed during pregnancy. In fact, child development depends even on the factor whether the pregnancy was planned or not, hence, all the factors should be regarded and studied deeply.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the development process of a child under four from the perspective of development psychology, and define the key problems that were observed during development. In fact, the development form was filled by the means of interview, and respondent refused to answer some questions that were considered as too personal for a research. Additionally, personal information will not be disclosed as it was required by the respondent.
Risks and Developmental Complications
In general, no serious complications were observed during the medical examination of the child. All the problems are psychological, and they are mainly associated with the excess shyness and the inability to adapt for the changes of social environment. Hence, as it is described in the form, Nikolas experiences communicational problems with his sister when a company of his or her friends is at their home. For the rest of the time they are able to reach understanding. Moreover, he is too sensitive to environments if there are too many unknown people for him. He may start crying (however, this is observed rarely), nevertheless, the most common reaction is the inability to communicate with others, and difficulties in communication with parents while staying in this environment.
The risks that are associated with the developmental periods are as follows:
- 0 – 1 year. Nikolas was too attached to his mother, and all the parts were born painfully for the first 4 months. Later, the reaction was less dramatic, however, he disliked when someone distracted mother (or parents) from him. However, if parents were alone, and did not pay any attention to him – this was taken as a must. Hence, this may be regarded as the first risk of his social development. Parents needed to show him that they are not able to stay with him 24/7, however, they will do everything they can. This period is closely linked with the necessity of an infant to satisfy his or her basic needs, and the possible conflicts are linked with trust vs. mistrust for any person who is involved into a child’s environment.
- 2 – 3 years. The key psychological problems is closely associated with the autonomy vs. shame and doubt inner conflict. In general, it is hard to define the actual root of the problem, nevertheless, it is mentioned that Nikolas dislikes to stay alone, and the largest punishment for him is isolation from others. Hence, the problem is rather controversial: he is too attached for his family. Selecting from the stated aspects of conflict, it should be emphasized that doubt is the key problem for him.
Specific Disorders that May Arise
In fact, the key problem of the regarded person is purely psychological. On the one hand it may be considered normal that a toddler is attached to his family, nevertheless, some problems seem pathologic. The problems that may arise in future are solely communicational, as Nikolas experiences problems in communication with unknown people. It is hard for him to talk to someone he does not know, even if a person is talking to him. His parents consider that he needs to overcome this difficulty by himself, nevertheless, this problem can not be overcome without highly qualitative psychological assistance.
The possible problems that may arise will prevent Nikolas from full-fledged communication with the opposite sex and people in general, while the everyday life presupposes constant contacts (brief or long-term) with unknown people: supermarket purchases, public transport, post office, conferences, concerts etc. Independently on the type and length of communication, these contacts are important, and people with the adaptability and communication problems are often subjected to neuroses, psychoses, depressions, and even schizophrenia.
Long-term Consequences
The consequences of the described disorders are closely linked with the communication and the emotional condition of the person. Hence, Nikolas’ emotional health is endangered, as he got used to stay in an isolated environment of his family, and his emotional condition is normal only in this environment (parents, his sister and his grandparents). Nevertheless, he is not able to keep his emotions and feelings when he is alone, and it is evident that he closes. Then he may become too angry when he stays alone for too long. The same is while staying in a changed social environment, however, a fear to get lost is added to his anger.
In fact, good communication involves the following components:
Good communication involves:
- Knowing when to communicate
- Knowing what to communicate
- Knowing how to communicate (Bentham, 2004)
In accordance with the research by Plomin (2002, p. 317) dedicated to communication with schizophrenic patients, the following statement should be emphasized:
Communication has two levels, verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication is what you actually say. Keep all your verbal communication simple, brief, and specific. Nonverbal communication refers to how you say it ‑ your tone of voice, posture, eye contact, facial expression, and physical distance between speakers. The nonverbal “message” that comes across is often more important than the verbal message.
In the light of this statement it should be emphasized that the actual importance of communication is emphasized from the perspective of developing a contact, and exchanging information. Hence, Nikolas needs to overcome the fear of isolation from his family and communication with strangers. Otherwise, the verbal communication will be violated, as the communication process requires sufficient psychological relaxation, which is hard to achieve for Nikolas.
Relations between Findings and Developmental Case
The findings are aimed to emphasize the existing problems with communication. In fact, the form is mainly based on defining the medical problems associated with physical health, consequently, it should be stated that the relations are rather weak. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the solution may be found, if the form is studied attentively: Nikolas does not have any problems with physical development, moreover, he likes being active. Physical activity may be regarded as a basis for solving the communicational problem. He just needs to realize that parents will not be able to teach him everything he wishes to know, hence, he will have to address other people. Parents need to find someone who is professional in sport activity, and who will agree to teach Nikolas. First, communication with this mentor will be established. Then, Nikolas will join a group of other apprentices. Hence, the problem may be overcome at least partly.
Potential Issues for the Child Based on the Responses Received
Potential issues are closely associated with the importance to motivate Nikolas overcome his problem by himself. While parents consider that he needs to overcome the problem by himself, they do not know how to explain the solutions. Psychologists insist on the professional assistance, while Nikolas himself just wants to have someone he may rely upon. Surely, he relies upon parents, however, they are not always close to him. Hence, he needs to teach how to make friends with others, how to sort people, and how to defend psychologically from those who will not become his friends.
Conclusion
In spite of the fact that the problem seems pathological, the solution is quite evident. Nevertheless, everything should be natural. Nikolas likes moving and being physically active, hence, the solution should be based on this preference. Otherwise, the problems may be serious, as the emotional health of this child is endangered.
Reference List
Bentham, S. (2004). A Teaching Assistant’s Guide to Child Development and Psychology in the Classroom. New York: RoutledgeFalmer.
Plomin, R. (2002). Development, Genetics, and Psychology. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.