6200 wk 4 discussin

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RESPONSE 1

Ladoshia Sinkler ( She/Her)

WednesdayMar 22 at 8:45pm

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Explain the role peer group acceptance plays in identity development among children in middle childhood. Also discuss whether peer acceptance is a predictor of successful adjustment in middle childhood.

Peer group acceptance plays a major role in the development among children in middle childhood. According to Zastrow, peer groups can have a positive impact on children where the child is able to learn about their own identity and learn how to interact with others as they continue to fully develop out into adulthood (2019). Peer group acceptance can also have a negative impact where, there child can be placed under unwanted pressure where they do things they. Amy have never though of doing before (Zastrow et Al,2019). I believe peer acceptance is a predictor of successful adjustment in middle childhood because it allows the child to interact with others and gain experience in all areas across the board. Peer acceptance also has a positive impact on the child wanting to develop those strong relationships and build onto their self esteem level. 

·       Then, imagine that you are working with a child being raised by older relatives, as in the Big Mama video. How would you expect the family situation to affect the child’s identity development?

Honestly, older relatives raising young children can have positive impacts on a child that they maybe raising. As seen in the Big Mama video, the grandmother shows her dedication to her son, Walters dad by wanting to take care of Walter (Seretean,2000). I find it to be a blessing that she was even able to prove herself to the system to remove Walter from foster care. The grandmother is able to offer unconditional love to her grandchild while many children in foster care are not as blessed. Walter also displayed behavioral issues in the video and we can make assumptions that it’s because he is not able to have may interactions with other children except for when he’s going to school.  Majority of the video, Walter has been seen participating in many day to day activities that his grandmother enjoys. Walter may also experience learning the differences between his upbringing and his peers that could result in questions of himself and why he may not be able to do as them. 

 

References

 

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

            ◦           Chapter 4, “Social Development in Infancy and Childhood” (pp. 159–232

 

Seretean, T. (Producer, Director). (2000). Big mama [Film; documentary]. California Newsreel

RESPONSE 2

· Jasmine Molder

WednesdayMar 22 at 9:58pm

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Peer group acceptance plays a vital role in identity development among children in middle childhood (Ages 6-12). During this developmental stage, children rely more on their peer groups for social and emotional support and validation than on their parents or other adults (Brown et al., 1987). Peer group acceptance plays a role in shaping children's understanding of themselves and their self-esteem. Children who feel accepted by their peers tend to have higher levels of self-esteem, while those who are rejected or excluded may experience lower self-esteem, self-doubt, and other adverse outcomes (Shehu, 2019).

Peer acceptance can also be a predictor of successful adjustment. Children who are accepted or popular by their peers tend to have better social skills, fewer behavioral problems, and better academic achievement than those who are unpopular (Zastrow et al. 2019, pg 205). However, it is essential to note that peer acceptance is not the only predictor of successful adjustment in middle childhood. Other factors, such as family dynamics and access to resources, can also play a role in children's development.

The video "Big Mama" is a prime example of how family dynamics can impact successful adjustment. Like most elders, Big Mama demonstrated much life experience and wisdom even when engaging with her grandson Walter. Big Mama also provided a stable and nurturing home environment, structure, and strong values. As a result of stability and support, Walter could improve academically, behaviorally, and emotionally (Seretean, 2000). Despite the hardship of Walter losing his father and absentee mother, I believe that through observational learning, Walter will continue to adopt and develop healthy behaviors and values from Big Mama, which will positively impact his identity development (Zastrow et al., 2019, pg 177).

References

Brown, B. B., & Lohr, M. J. (1987). Peer-Group Affiliation and Adolescent Self-Esteem: An Integration of Ego-Identity and Symbolic-Interaction Theories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(1), 47–55.

Shehu, B. P. (2019). Peer Acceptance in Early Childhood: Links to Socio-Economic Status and Social Competence. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 10(4), 176–200.

Seretean, T. (Producer, Director). (2000). Big mamaLinks to an external site. [Film; documentary]. California Newsreel.

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

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·

Collapse Subdiscussion Elizabeth Hillstrom

Elizabeth Hillstrom

WednesdayMar 22 at 10:25pm

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            The role of peer group acceptance is critical in identity development among children in middle childhood, especially if following Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development. Through playing with children or adolescents in their peer group, learning to communicate, compete, share, and socialize is encouraged (Zastrow et al., 2019). During a child’s middle childhood, they establish a self-identity, confidence, and a feeling of competence. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development states that they are working through the industry versus inferiority and identity versus role confusion stages of development during this time. The children begin to rely on their peer groups for recognition of their accomplishments (McKegney, 2021). This helps to prevent feelings of failure and develop their sense of identity. They are looking to their peer groups to help compare and relate their behaviors, beliefs, and actions for appropriateness as they are beginning to learn themselves. Their emotional and mental needs focus solely on fitting in (McKegney, 2021).

            Peer acceptance can help to predict successful adjustment in middle childhood. Identity development of who one is and how one came to that person includes success in developing the ability to connect with others (McLean and Syed, 2018). This is due to the reinforcement through others’ interactions, responses, and engagement with the child that helps to affirm their beliefs, values, and goals. Without outside interaction and peer involvement, the child can begin to show signs of stress and anxiety (McKegney, 2021).

            The child’s identity would depend on the culture, values, beliefs, and social norms displayed and modeled by the older relatives. Cultural values significantly affect how children are socialized, what values they acquire, and what behaviors they learn (Zastrow et al., 2019). As an older parent raised Brandon, the grandmother appeared to hold more traditional beliefs and values. These beliefs and values will become part of how Brandon forms his sense of self and determine his competence. The video stated that the grandmother was initially successful with Brandon as she showed and told him he could do better, and he did do better (Seretean, 2000).

 

Elizabeth

 

            Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019).  Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

            McKegney, C. C. (2021).  Understanding Child Development in the Assessment of Stress in Children Amidst the COVID-19 PandemicPediatric Nursing47(1), 48–51.

            McLean, K. C., & Syed, M. (2018).  Identity DevelopmentLinks to an external site. . In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.),  The Sage Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development. Sage.

            Seretean, T. (Producer, Director). (2000).  Big Mama .Links to an external site.  [Film; documentary]. California Newsreel.