SOCW 6111 - Week4 Discussion 2 - Development Stages discussion Responses

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.

Respond to at least two colleagues who identified a different case and provide feedback on the client’s stage of development. Identify another area that should be addressed, based on developmental stage.

The following are the original posts:

Kas B 

RE: Discussion 2 - Week 4

COLLAPSE

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Erik Erickson’s stage of identity has not been mastered by Tiffani. The fourth stage of this theory, industry vs. inferiority, is characterized by the need for positive feedback that promotes the development of work ethic (Sprouts, 2017). The following stage, identity vs. role confusion, is characterized by the development of a teenager’s identity as an individual. If done with parental guidance can be a positive experience (Sprouts, 2017). Failure at any stage will negatively affect an individual’s ability to successfully complete the next stage. In Tiffani’s case, dysfunction started in the fourth stage of development and continued onto the fifth. The positive feedback Tiffani received was centered around her dancing but it was later used as a form of grooming and then molestation. Tiffani did not receive guidance from her parents resulting in role confusion. Her role as a child in need of protection was tainted due to her parent's substance abuse and subsequent lifestyle. In addition to the drug activity, Tiffani was being molested. This in turn led her to seek what she thought was safety in  Donald (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). Tiffani’s parents and Donald assisted in forming a destructive, false identity for her. Donald gave Tiffani a false sense of belonging. In Tiffani’s eyes, Donald protected her from those that wanted to harm her (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). In the beginning, Tiffani was able to disassociate herself from all of the harmful things that Donald did to her because he gave her the one thing that she wanted. Through therapy, Tiffani was able to define herself. She set and completed goals such as obtaining her GED and employment. The therapist also helped Tiffani paint a realistic picture of Donald and as a result, Tiffani stopped her attempts to contact him (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). Towards the end of treatment, Tiffani was able to properly work towards mastering the stage of identity. An intervention to use with Tiffani is the strength-based approach. It is important to build upon Tiffani’s accomplishments so that she feels confident in her abilities. This approach would also help support the continued development of Tiffani’s self-esteem and self-worth. A second intervention that would be beneficial for Tiffani would be intensive case management. Tiffani’s parents are still struggling with addiction. They are not able to provide support for Tiffani at this time. Tiffani is 16 years old and although she has made significant progress, she will need guidance in making her transition into adulthood. Intensive case management is needed to help Tiffani properly address all areas of her life.

 

References:

 

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader]. The Bradley Family (pp. 17–19)

 

 

Sprouts. (23, April, 2017). 8 Stages of Development by Erik Erickson. [Video File]. Retrieved from :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYCBdZLCDBQ&feature=youtu.be

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Mar Tay 

RE: Discussion 2 - Week 4

COLLAPSE

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In the case of Tiffani, a 16-year-old heterosexual Caucasian female. Tiffani currently resides in a group home, Teens First, which is a court-mandated teen counseling program for adolescent victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking (Plummer et al. 2014). Tiffani lived with her parents, Shonda and Robert, and her little sister, Diana. Tiffani was sexually assaulted by her Uncle Nate and family friend Jimmy, which is why she ran away from home. When Tiffani ran away from her home, she met Donald who became her pimp/boyfriend, she views Donald as someone who saved her from her problems at home. Tiffani is currently attending school at the group home to obtain her general education development (GED) credential and stated that she would like to rekindle her relationship with her sister (Plummer et al. 2014).

Erickson’s development theory emphasized that the ego makes positive contributions to development by mastering attitudes, ideas, and skills at each stage of development (Mcleod, n.d.). I would say that Tiffani falls into Erikson’s stage of identity vs. role confusion which is stage five. During this stage, adolescents learn that we have different social roles and many experience an identity crisis (Sprouts, 2017). The identity vs. role confusion stage during the ages 12 to 18 years old. According to Mcleod, (n.d.), by the end of this stage, the adolescent should have a reintegrated sense of self, of what one wants to do or be, and of one’s appropriate sex role. I believe by the end of Tiffani’s time at Teens First she will have a better understanding of what she wants out of life and will master this stage.

An intervention that could be used based on Tiffani’s developmental stage could be with a standardized intervention, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a common type of talk therapy or psychotherapy. CBT helps clients become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so they are able to view the challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2019). CBT would help Tiffani recognizes her style of thinking and possibly see her past trauma’s in a different light. By using CBT, Tiffani and I could address certain areas of her life by talking about her thoughts, feelings, and the way she responds to certain situations or individuals. If I was working with Tiffani I would have her journal her thoughts so that she was able to express her feelings and emotions whenever they happen. I would also show her different mindfulness activities to assist her in relaxation and ways to not be too stressed. After we have built a rapport and positive relationship, I would ensure her that it was not her fault that everything happened to her. Also, I would discuss her future goals and assist her in establishing the proper steps to achieve them.     

References

Cognitive behavioral therapy. (2019, March 16). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

Mcleod, S. (n.d.). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Developments. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

Sprouts. (2017) 8 stages of development by Erik Erikson [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYCBdZLCDBQ&feature=youtu.be

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