SOCW 6111 Week 4 Discussions

SOCW 6111 Week 4 Discussions

Discussion 1: Attachment Theory

The adolescent stage can be described as a time where there is a loss of innocence and a preentry into adulthood. A large part of being an adolescent is beginning that process of stepping out into the world and learning about oneself as a unique and autonomous individual. This movement out into the world is contingent upon the knowledge that this young person will have a safe and secure home to return to at the end of the day. If a traumatic loss or event has occurred in the adolescent’s life, there may be no safe base to which this individual can return. Attachment theory teaches us that a young person’s ability to attach/engage with peers, family, and other potential support systems is an important aspect of the developmental process. During the adolescent stage of development, assessing attachment styles is important because it provides a window into how the adolescent relates to others, which allows the clinician to choose the appropriate intervention.

For this Discussion, choose either the program case study for the Bradley family or the course-specific case study for Brady.

By Day 3

Post an application of the attachment theory to the case of either Tiffani or Brady. Discuss the connection between his or her attachment style and the exhibiting behavior.

Support your posts with specific references to this week’s resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references

Discussion 2: Developmental Stages

Understanding an adolescent’s behavior can be at times elusive and even frustrating. Due to the multiple aspects of the developmental tasks during these years, it can be at times quite challenging to clearly define the issue(s) at hand. Assessment during this stage will include an evaluation of whether an adolescent’s actions are indicative of unhealthy behavior or merely representative of being an adolescent. A comprehensive assessment that includes an evaluation of the client’s developmental stage is a priority when working with this age group.

For this Discussion, choose the opposite case from Discussion 1 and use Erikson’s developmental theory.

By Day 4

Post an assessment of whether the client is mastering the stage of identity. Identify the areas that should be addressed in an intervention based on his or her developmental stage. Describe how you might address those areas.

Support your posts with specific references to this week’s resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Attachment Theory and Developmental Theory

Introduction

The Strange Situation Test is used to assess attachment and the results can be compared with those from other tests. The four types of attachment are identified by their reactions to separation and re-initiation of play. These types have been found to have a connection with relationships in later life, including work relationships and parenting skills.

19th Century Originator of Modern Attachment Theory

John Bowlby was a British psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and psychotherapist who is best known for his work in the field of attachment theory. He was also an early proponent of the humanistic approach to mental health care.

Bowlby’s ideas about attachment are based on his observations of children during World War II that he witnessed first-hand while serving as a doctor with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Key Concepts of Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is a developmental theory that proposes that infants are born with an innate need for security and affection. The idea of attachment was first introduced by John Bowlby in his book “Maternal Care and Mental Health.”

Bowlby theorized that separation from their mothers during infancy could cause anxiety, anger, depression or even psychosis later in life. Children who did not receive adequate care during infancy were more prone to develop psychological disorders such as anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Attachment theorists believe that this lack of attachment makes people more prone to mental health issues because they don’t feel safe enough inside themselves; therefore they repress those feelings until they become completely unbearable at which point patients may turn inwardly violent towards themselves which only further exacerbates their condition

Comparing the Four Types of Attachment

The first three types of attachment—secure, insecure avoidant and insecure ambivalent—are all characterized by the presence of a securely attached infant. However, they differ in terms of how this condition manifests itself.

Securely attached infants form attachments to their primary caregivers who provide them with safety and protection; they are comforted when they cry or feel scared; they explore their environment without fear; these children often remain close friends with their parents throughout childhood and adolescence (Sroufe et al., 1996). As adults these people tend to have higher self-esteem than those who have insecure attachments (Belsky & Rovine, 1984).

Insecure avoidant attachment occurs when an individual does not seek out comfort from others but instead tries to distance themselves from them whenever possible; this behavior may occur during infancy or childhood depending on whether it occurs before or after birth (Sroufe et al., 1996). This type of behavior can also cause feelings of shame because there is no way for others outside themselves know how bad things feel inside!

Stages of Development

• Infancy: During this stage, infants are dependent on their caregivers for survival and maintenance. They cannot understand or control their environment, but they can respond to the environment by crying and sucking.

• Toddlerhood: At this point in development, toddlers begin to explore objects in their environment as well as communicate with others through play (e.g., pretend play).

• Preschool age: Children enter preschool at about five years of age and begin to develop social skills such as sharing toys with others or playing games together (e.g., tag). They also progress in cognitive abilities such as learning new words while talking with others

Impact of Parenting Style on Child Development

The relationship between parenting styles and child development is not a new topic in the field of psychology. However, recent studies have shown that positive parenting can help children develop emotional intelligence while negative parenting can lead to emotional problems in children.

Negative Parenting is defined as harsh discipline and lack of warmth or affection; it also includes using physical punishment such as spanking or hitting with objects like belts and sticks. This type of parenting negatively impacts children’s self-esteem, which makes them more likely to act out when frustrated or angry because they feel powerless over their situation (Guzzo & Keeler 2014). Negative parent–child interactions are related with poor health outcomes such as obesity-related diseases (Rothman et al., 2005). Positive Parenting refers to positive reinforcement strategies such as praise for good behavior; encouragement when faced with challenges; providing empathy towards others’ feelings during conflict resolution activities; providing support through listening skills rather than yelling at each other during arguments (Kramer & Johnson 2008).

There are different types of attachment, which can be measured by the Strange Situation Test, and can impact social skills and emotional intelligence later in life.

The Strange Situation Test is a way to measure attachment. Attachment theory posits that there are different types of attachment, which can be measured by the Strange Situation Test, and can impact social skills and emotional intelligence later in life.

Attachment styles are thought to be influenced by parenting styles during infancy, childhood and adolescence. Attachment styles have been shown to have long-term effects on social skills and emotional intelligence (EQ), which affect how well you manage relationships with other people later in life

Conclusion

While the concept of attachment has been around for centuries, it is only in the last few decades that researchers have started to look at how different types of attachments affect children’s development. Attachment theory has proven itself as an important tool when it comes to understanding how infants relate with their caregivers and what this relationship can mean for early life experiences.