Theoretical Application

Describe the treatment each theorist would recommend for the problems of Stanley, Jacob, and Amanda.

5 year old Stanley is having a lot of trouble printing his name correctly
8 year old Jacob is always getting into fights and bullying other children
13 year old Amanda seldom does her homework despite warnings at home and at school

Gessell

Freud

Erikson

Skinner

Piaget

Bandura

Brofenbrenner

Vygotsky 

Over time, psychologists have come up with different theories explaining the child development process. These can be used to address different problems that arise during childhood period.

Stanley’s predicament can be explained using Arnold Gesell’s ‘Maturational’ Theory. The development and maturation in children is influenced by biology and genetics. This way then Stanley’s problem could be hereditary. Vygotsky’s ‘higher mental functions’ also emphasize that biological factors limit memory in young children (Vygotsky, L. S., 1978). These biological factors are hereditary and are hard to change. Jacob’s parents can do little about this since it is an inherent issue. They should therefore understand him and take him through the learning process with special attention (McLeod, S. A., 2007).

Jacob’s bullying nature could be explained by Bandura’s Social learning theory. People learn other people’s behavior and replicate the coded behavior in future (Bandura, A., 1997). There is an interaction between the environment, other people’s behavior, the world, and one’s cognitive abilities (Bandura, A., 1986). Jacob’s parents should therefore expose him to a peaceful environment devoid of bullying. This way, he will learn to appreciate peace. Erikson would also recommend that Jacob be exposed to a peaceful environment. The friends he chooses, the books he is given to read, the films he watches at home should all drive at peace. This way, peace will be part of his knowledge (Erikson, E.H., 1950). Urie Bronfenbrenner would still emphasize on Jacob being exposed to a peaceful environment as environment plays a key role in shaping a child’s behavior.

Amanda’s habit can be well explained by Skinner’s ‘operant conditioning’ theory. Here, behavior which is reinforced tends to be repeated while that which is not reinforced tends to die out or weakened. Punishment weakens behavior while negative reinforcers encourage negative behavior. On the other hand, neutrant operants do not weaken or strengthen behavior (McLeod, S. A., 2007). Skinner would therefore suggest that Amanda be punished in order for her laziness to end. This will serve as a positive reinforcer as it will instill a sense of responsibility in her. Warnings act as neutrant operants because they have not had any effect on Amanda’s laziness (Skinner, B. F., 1971).

In conclusion, the process of child development is important and so all caregivers need to pay attention to little details in children as these will influence their behavior and personality in future. A positive environment, both physical and psychological should be availed to children for positive growth. Today, issues and problems arising in childhood period can be addressed, thanks to the past theorists in child development sphere.

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.

Bandura, A. (1986). Social Foundations of Thought and Action. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-

Hall.

Erikson, E.H. (1950). Childhood and Society. New York:Norton.

McLeod, S. A. (2007). B.F. Skinner | Operant Conditioning. Retrieved from

http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html

McLeod, S. A. (2007). Vygotsky – Social Development Theory. Retrieved from

http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. New York: Knopf.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes.

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.