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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
Benchmark Development Analysis
Elizabeth Grace Pearl Wallace
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
ABSTRACT
This paper is an analysis within my own life and the different development
stages and looking at the residual effects of proper and improper care during
different stages. The purpose of this paper is to showcase my understating of
human development withing a personal story to highlight my knowledge of
the different stages to ensure that will be a multigenerational counselor who
can properly understand all of my client’s life stages.
Keywords: Human development, counseling, intervention.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
BENCHMARK DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS.
Human development is a multifaceted journey that is influenced by a variety of factors,
including individual experiences, familial dynamics, and societal contexts. By understanding that
within the realm of mental health counseling, there are extreme and raw intricate interplay
between these factors that can be make or break for the promotion of- holistic well-being and
resilience. This paper seeks to explore the intersection of -my own stages of development within
my personal life and shedding light on the findings and places and implications of lack of
intervention and proper care. My hope for this experience is to showcase my understanding of
my own story, the utter importance of the study of human development, and how I can see my
own life through a counselor perspective.-
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
INFANCY
During the infancy stage of development, infants experience rapid growth and
development and I would argue that the parents do as well, just in other measures. For the
infants, this growth is laying the foundation for future of their social, emotional, and cognitive
abilities (Tamis-LeMonda et al., 2017). For me, this period was marked by a nurturing
environment provided by my family, my parents, and particularly my grandmother, who played a
significant role in my daily care. Growing up in a household where both parents worked, my
grandmother served as a primary caregiver during the day, my infant period was marked by the
rocking me to sleep, singing old hymns, and offering a loving and safe environment (Bernstein et
al., 2018). This arrangement fostered a sense of attachment and trust, as I formed a strong bond
with my grandmother in the day and a strong bond with my parents at night. This arrangement
created functionalities for all the members in my life and creating a system that provided
everyone with their needs to be met. Research shows that in developmental psychology, creating
secure attachments during infancy is crucial to the overall development of the child (Shonkoff et
al., 2016). By having consistent caregivers, this promotes both healthy and productive
socioemotional development for both the child and the caretakers (Shonkoff et al., 2016).
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
Moreover, my experiences during infancy were influenced by the dynamics of a
multigenerational family setting, where the presence of extended family members enriched my
earliest social interactions (Conger et al., 2017). These interactions with family members,
including parents, grandparents, and siblings, provided excellent opportunities for social
learning and emotional regulation in this stage of development. While both parents worked fiull
time jobs, the presence of family members ensured that I was given ample care and attention,
that contributed to my overall well-being during this stage of development. Research shas
suggested that by having and cultivating a supportive family environment during the infancy
stage can have long lasting on psychological and psychosocial outcomes between the family
members and the child (Prime et al., 2020).
During this time period, my upbringing was filled with abundant nurturing and love,
creating a supportive environment that laid a solid foundation for my early development. My
grandmother, as the primary caregiver during the day, provided a warm and nurturing presence,
ensuring that my needs were met with love and attention. Her gentle demeanor and unwavering
love fostered a sense of security and trust, allowing me to explore the world around me with
confidence. In addition the presence of my extended family members further enhanced this
nurturing environment, as their attention, love, and support contributed to a sense of belonging
and connectedness within the family unit. This abundance of love and nurturing during infancy
not only facilitated my physical and emotional well-being but also instilled within me a deep
sense of security and resilience that continues to shape my relationships and outlook on life
today and why I believe in the power of a strong and loving family unit.
EARLY CHILDHOOD & PRESCHOOL
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
During this stage of human development, which encompasses early childhood, the
influences of complex family dynamics, social interactions, and religious upbringing plays a
huge role in shaping the child's identity and behaviors (Sroufe et al., 2017). Growing up with
hardworking parents who prioritized family values, academic achievement, and spiritual growth,
I was immersed in a highly competitive environment where grades and good manners were
highly emphasized. My parents, both dedicated Sunday school teachers, instilled within me a
strong foundation of my faith from a young age. At the age of five, I made a profound
commitment considering my age, to my faith by giving my life to Christ and undergoing
baptism. This just further solidified the importance of spirituality in my life (Ruch, 2018). My
parents' involvement in church activities and their role as spiritual guides provided me with a
sense of security and purpose during this formative stage of development.
Despite the nurturing environment provided by my parents, early childhood also
presented challenges, including struggles with friendships and experiences of bullying in
preschool and kindergarten. These challenges influenced and added to my social and emotional
development. Research has shown that similar challenges within this development stage can
shape and effect the resilience a development and interpersonal skills of a child (Wickrama et al.,
2017). As a self-professed "daddy's girl," I developed a close bond with my father, seeking his
attention and approval. However, sibling rivalry and competition with my brother for parental
attention were common themes in our household. This led to often felt overshadowed by my
brother, who shared my mother's heart condition, leading me to believe that he received
preferential treatment due to their shared medical history.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
Despite these challenges, my early childhood was enriched by memorable experiences,
such as playing outdoors on my grandparent's farm, visiting lighthouses along the coast, and
exploring art museums with my mother. These positive experiences provided opportunities for
growth and exploration, contributing to my overall well-being and cognitive development
(Waters et al., 2020). However, it is important to acknowledge that my upbringing also involved
exposure to unhealthy behaviors, such as yelling and extreme fighting between my parents,
which were normalized within my family environment. Counseling during early childhood can
provide support in navigating such challenges, promoting healthy coping mechanisms and
resilience (Garland et al., 2017). By addressing the complexities of family dynamics at an early
state of early childhood, counselors have the opportunity to foster positive interventions that
promote optimal growth for the entire family unit in this crucial time.
SCHOOL-AGE
In this stage of human development, according to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory,
individuals will experience the crisis of industry versus inferiority, which typically occurs during
the elementary school years. This stage is characterized by the development of competence and
mastery in various aspects, including academic achievement and social relationships (McLeod,
2018). However, my experience during this stage was marked by profound loss and upheaval,
which impacted my development. Within the span of 18 months at the age of 8, I lost three
grandparents in traumatic ways, ranging from leukemia, bone cancer, and a fall causing an
internal bleed. All of these events made me as a child at a pivotal age become aware of the last
stage of development, which in turn resulted in me feeling the need to be strong for my family.
In this same period of such emotional turmoil, my parents shared the announcement of their
divorce.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
The traumatic losses and family upheaval disrupted any sense of security and belonging
that I had once known and been given in my early childhood and infancy stage of development.
This led to struggling in regards to my relationships with friendships, academic performance, and
emotional well-being. As I walked with the grief of losing loved ones and the dissolution of my
parents’ marriage, I also faced challenges in navigating social interactions and academic
expectations. I felt like I was drowning in when no one had even bothered to show me how to
swim to begin with. Furthermore, the revelation of my father’s infidelity and the unraveling of
my parents’ relationship forced me to confront adult realities at a young age. Situations like these
can often led to exacerbating feelings of confusion and distress which can result in the
development of disfunction in relationships at later stages (Johnson et al., 2019).
In addition to the emotional turmoil within my family, financial struggles compounded
the stressors I faced during this stage of development. My mother as the primary caretaker and
provider, our family faced financial hardship, further complicating and straining our already
fragile stability. As my brother outwardly expressed his grief and struggles, I internalized my
emotions, fading into the background and experiencing feelings of invisibility and neglect. The
disparity in coping mechanisms between my brother and me contributed to a sense of isolation
and alienation, exacerbating the symptoms of depression and anxiety that began to manifest
(McMahon et al., 2020).
From a counseling perspective, the challenges I faced during the third stage of
development underscore the importance of early intervention and support in addressing trauma,
loss, and family upheaval. Counseling interventions focused on grief processing, coping skills
development, and social-emotional support can mitigate the long-term impact of adverse
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
childhood experiences and promote resilience (Kieling et al., 2019). By addressing the family
dynamics and interpersonal relationships that contributed to my distress is essential for fostering
healthy coping mechanisms and rebuilding a sense of security and belonging.
ADOLESCENCE
Navigating the fourth stage of development has been an arduous journey, marked by
profound emotional struggles and challenges that have deeply affected my sense of self and well-
being. As I grappled with an official diagnosis of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an eating
disorder, the toll on my physical health was palpable, with changes in appetite, sleep
disturbances, and fluctuations in weight becoming daily battles. All of these factors unfortunately
adding to my fragile emotional state (Nevonen & Broberg, 2015). Amidst the chaos of my
mental health found myself struggling to maintain relationships, plagued by feelings of
inadequacy, unworthiness, and self-doubt despite outward success. Imposter syndrome became a
constant companion, whispering doubts into every accomplishment and amplifying my
insecurities (Brady et al., 2019).
In my quest for validation and healing, I found myself seeking solace in unhealthy
romantic relationships, longing for the love and acceptance I felt I lacked from my parents and
specifically my father. Religious trauma from purity culture also create an unhealthy view and
mindset of sexual temptation and sex as a whole, thus resulting in struggling with sexual sin and
the shame of that within the church. The wounds of what felt like parental neglect and emotional
abandonment ran deep, driving me to seek validation from others as a means of filling the void
within myself (Morse et al., 2015). Even as I sought external validation, I grappled with feelings
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
of unworthiness and depression, feeling like I was drowning in a sea of self-doubt and longing
for something more.
Even in the middle of all of my inner battles, my faith remained a beacon of hope, a
source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, even within the confines of my
religious community, I struggled to find the support and understanding I so desperately needed
(Smith et al., 2018). Despite being known as the “Christian girl” in school, I felt like an outsider,
unable to reconcile my deep-seated pain and longing for healing with the expectations and
judgments of those around me. In the depths of my despair, I longed for a safe space to process
and heal, to find solace in the embrace of others who understood the depths of my pain.
In conclusion, this stage of development has been a tumultuous journey of self-discovery
and healing, marked by profound challenges and moments of growth. From navigating the
complexities of trauma and mental illness to seeking validation and healing in unhealthy
relationships, my journey has been fraught with obstacles and setbacks. Yet, amidst the chaos
and despair, I remained hopeful, clinging to the belief that through counseling and support, I
could eventually find the healing and wholeness that I so desperately craved.
YOUNG ADULTHOOD
Entering the fifth stage of development, I find myself amidst a whirlwind of experiences
and transitions that have shaped my journey towards self-discovery and identity formation. After
embarking on a Christian gap year adventure that led me to live in four different countries,
followed by pursuing higher education and working as an au pair in Italy, I now navigate the
complexities of marriage and adulthood. This stage, as described by Erikson’s psychosocial
theory, is marked by the crisis of identity versus role confusion, where individuals struggle with
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
societal expectations and personal aspirations all while trying to establish their sense of self
(Erikson, 1980).
Regardless of all the uncertainties and challenges of this new season of life, I find a peace
in the unity that comes from this stage of development. Unlike other stages, I have noticed that
this particular season of life becomes more freeing because more people are beginning to admit
similar feelings of uncertainty and despair. However, I find myself still daily wrestling in societal
expectations and expectations I have developed for myself from early adolescence and even
early childhood of what my life would look loke. Yet, I find peace and hope in the steadfast
belief that I can trust in God’s guidance and providence. Drawing on my faith as a source of
strength and resilience, I am learning how to embrace the process of self-discovery and identity
formation with courage and grace (Pargament et al., 2013). While the journey may be daunting, I
find myself taking comfort in the knowledge that it is through navigating the unknowns and
embracing life’s twists and turns that I will ultimately grow and evolve into the person I am
meant to be.
In this stage of development, I am learning to cultivate a sense of authenticity and
confidence in who I am and the life I have chosen. While the path ahead may be uncertain, I am
discovering the normalcy of self-exploration and development during this phase of life. Through
introspection, meaningful relationships, and a reliance on my faith, I am gradually becoming
comfortable in my own skin and embracing the journey of self-discovery with optimism and
resilience (Waterman, 2013). As I continue to navigate the complexities of adulthood and
marriage, I am reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s plan and remaining open to the
opportunities for growth and transformation that lie ahead.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
Despite the inevitable challenges and uncertainties that accompany this stage of
development, I am committed to embracing the journey with an open heart and a steadfast
resolve. By leaning into the discomfort of the unknown and trusting in God’s guidance, I truly
believe that I will emerge from this chapter of life with a deeper sense of gratitude and trust
within God because of the healing he has and will do on my heart and past wounds.
Neuroplasticity is not just another term to throw around, but something to revel and trust in and
know that it is possible to rewire the brain and develop in new ways regardless of what stage you
are in (Smith et al., 2018). As I navigate the complexities of forging my identity and charting my
path forward, especially as a counselor, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth
experienced along the way. As faith as my compass and resilience as my ally, I look forward to
the adventures that await on the road ahead and being able to advance the kingdom of God
through cultivate spaces for individual to develop more into the person God crafted them to be.
CONCLUSION
Taking this course has been a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights
into human development within the context of mental health counseling. Through exploring the
stages of development and their effects on the mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being, I
have gained a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between individual experiences,
familial dynamics, and societal influences. Learning about theories such as Erikson's
psychosocial stages has not only expanded my knowledge but has also enhanced my respect for
the complexity and nuance of human growth and the importance of addressing mental health
concerns at every stage of life. Preventative treatment is how human development can continue
to thrive.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
While this course has provided a foundation in understanding human development and
mental health, there is still ao much within this field to explore and uncover. Further studies are
needed to delve into the long-term effects of various experiences, such as religious trauma and
family trauma, on adolescent development. Specifically, I am intrigued by any studies on how
the intersection of religious trauma and family trauma may impact adolescents as they transition
into the adolescence and early adulthood stage of development. Understanding the nuanced
interactions between these factors can inform more targeted interventions and support strategies
for individuals navigating similar challenges.
In conclusion, the journey of studying human development in the context of mental
health counseling has been both enlightening and rewarding. As I continue to deepen my
understanding of the complexities of human growth and psychological well-being, I am excited
and ready to contribute to the ongoing discourse and research in this field. Humans are resilient
and created so intricately, and as counselors it is our responsibility to recognize and advocate for
all our clients to see that as well, no matter what stage of human development they are in.
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Benchmark Developmental Analysis.
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