RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 1
Developmental Analysis Part 1
HSCO 502
Liberty University
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 2
Personal Introduction of Childhood-Adolescence
While growing up, I was in a two-parent household with both biological parents. Within
our household was a blended family of a sister from my mother and a sister and brother from
my father. We lived in a very rural area of North Carolina, where our neighbors were not close
by, we had a very big yard that we often hosted different family gatherings (Cookouts, Birthdays,
etc). During my childhood, my parents were blue collar workers who worked at a nearby sewing
factory. Observing my parents working as hard as they did to provide for their family ultimately
taught me the importance of hard work and responsibility. Throughout my childhood my father
was very big on health and fitness and he would often take the family on a bike rides, or he
would make up competitions for me and my older sibling to do for fun. My mother played the
role as modern day mom who was the disciplinarian, the cook, the stylist, and the hairdresser.
Ultimately viewing how she ran the household was carried on with us throughout our
adulthood. If you would ask my family to describe me in three words, they would probably
describe me as being energetic, daring, and competitive. As the youngest of all my siblings I was
often trying to prove that I could do anything they could, and even tried to do it better.
By my early adolescence, age 12, my parents separated due to them not being able to
get along and certain infidelities that my father had. My mother and I moved away to another
town and my father stayed at our home where he continued to raise my older sister. At this age I
totally understood what was transpiring between my mom and dad and most importantly to my
family as a whole. Moving away and the separation of my parents mad me very angry and sad.
Contrary to the decision my parents made for our family I stayed close to both parents. By the
age of 14 I was much more comfortable with the separation and had made new friends in the
new town my mom and I moved to. I spent majority of this time with my mother and seen my
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 3
father and other siblings every weekend. As an adolescent I did pose some trouble as I began to
take interest in boys and would often times rebel against my mothers’ better judgement. When I
was old enough to drive, I would sometimes break curfew and find nothing wrong with doing
so.
By age 15 my parents were legally divorced due to finding other partners. At this age I
was more comfortable of the fact that my parents were not going to be together anymore and
could no longer be happy with one another. Transitioning into adulthood, the rebellion towards
my mother ceased and began to have a much healthier relationship with her, ultimately getting
much closer to her than my father. I maintained a very healthy relationship with my dad, but it
was not as close as the relationship that I had with my mother. I also had a strong and lasting
relationship with my other siblings.
Stage of Development According to Freud
Within the text there are three prominent theorists that had their own description of the
stages of development. Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory both describes the complex
functioning of the adult personality and offers an explanation of the processes and progress of
its development throughout childhood. This theory is not the most accurate of all the theories
but is still important and influential due to it being the Freud also highlighted that people's
personalities were developed through conflict with one another in the id, ego, and super ego.
Freud further explained adult personality functions as if there were actually three personalities
(Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). The first stage was id, this stage is one’s biological self which is the
source of all energy. The second stage, ego is consisted of the development of cognitive and
development skills. During the ego stage individuals seek to meet their needs in a sensible way
and take into account all aspects of a situation. The third stage is the superego stage and within
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 4
this stage there is an investment of an internalized parent which allows a person to feel guilty if
they behave in ways inconsistent with parental restrictions (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Freud
emphasized that the psychosexual stage conception does not depict a clean, unidimensional,
progression, but rather a more or less sequential, yet hesitating, evolvement of developmental
patterns. These stages consist of the following: oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latency, and
genital stage (Garcia, 1995).
The oral phase of this theory that can apply to my life when I can think of one instance
where my mother told me a story about where she was in labor with me and my heart rate
began to drop closer to the time she was ready to deliver. She was prepped for an emergency C-
section and when I was delivered, I was not breathing, I had coded several times and the
doctors tried wholeheartedly to revive me and succeeded. My mother expressed to me her
sense of stress and anxiety her and my father were feeling when they were unsure if their baby
girl would survive. Furthermore, there were many times where I would display actions
consistent of the Phallic stage of this theory where I was often misbehaving or participating in
activities I knew my mother would not allow, while rebelling against my mother’s wishes I
unknowingly became much closer with my father at this time period.
Stages of Development According to Erikson
Erik Erikson’s stages of development is often more appealing to helping professionals
than Freud’s theory. Erikson’s emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of personality focuses
attention precisely on the issues such as attitudes about self and about others. Erikson’s
psychosocial stages of development include Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy), Autonomy vs. Shame
& Doubt (Early Childhood), Initiative vs. Guilt (Play age), Industry vs. Inferiority (School age),
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 5
Identity vs. Isolation (Adolescence), Generativity vs. Stagnation (Adulthood), and lastly Ego
Integrity vs. Despair (Old age). (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). The Trust vs. Mistrust stage of
development is one that is fresh as I have observed my 4-month-old infant maneuver through
this stage in his development. At birth he was immediately placed in the room with me for one
hour of bonding time, also known as the “Golden Hour” to ensure we were able to bond as well
as establish breastfeeding. Research has shown that what happens during the first 60 minutes
of a baby’s life can maximize the bonding between mother and child. That uninterrupted
contact between mother and baby during the “golden hour” is critical to the child’s growth and
development (Early bonding with your baby creates 'golden hour, 2018). During this time in his
life, I realized that a lot of attentiveness and cue recognition would develop me into a trusting
caregiver to my infant son.
The times where I endured the Identity vs. role Confusion stage in my life I was in my
sophomore and senior year of high school. During these two different yet similar times in my life
I was faced with making a major decision. In my sophomore year in high school I had to make a
choice regarding where I wanted to work for my first job in order to receive money for my own
personal expenses. This was one of the first challenging decisions I had to make within my high
school career simply because I did not have any working skills and had to learn what job
selection would most likely fit me. During my senior year of high school, I was more importantly
faced with the challenges of choosing a college to attend as well as preparing for entry into
adulthood. I remember not being sure of where I wanted to go nor did I know what I would
major in. This developmental stage in my life was where I face many stressors of making adult
decisions without fully being an adult.
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 6
Stages of Development According to Piaget
The cognitive development theory that Jean Piaget argued was children’s reasoning and
understanding emerging naturally in stages with the assistance of both parents and educators
can by allowing children their own freedom to explore their environments by providing them
with learning experiences consistent with their level of ability (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). His
cognitive theory Piaget breaks down life stages into four sections, Sensorimotor, Preoperational,
Concreate operational, and Formal operational. For this particular outlook on cognitive
development it is hard to relate this theory to my life as it gives an individual from infancy to
adulthood total independence to learn through trial and error. While growing and developing,
my parents displayed an authoritative parenting style that did not allow me to be in a situation
where I had to make my own decisions because they would make decisions for me that
ultimately molded my cognitive development through my parents.
Nature versus Nurture
The debate of nature versus nurture is one of the oldest debated issues within
psychology to date. Different branches within the psychology field stress the importance of
genetics and biological influences, where others stress behavioral factors are being influenced
by an individual’s environment. In my childhood rearing, I can distinctly remember a lot of my
influences coming from my family. A very prominent trait that we have within our family is
green/hazel eyes. I inherited this trait from my family and now my son’s eyes are a bright brown
color which leads me to believe he will have these same color eyes.
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 7
Bowlby's Attachment
Bowlby’s theory of attachment suggests that children come into the world biologically
pre-programmed to form attachments with others for their survival. As first developed by the
psychiatrist Bowlby, theorizes that the primary function of a child’s bond with parents or
caregivers is to provide a secure, safe base from which the child can then explore their
surrounding environment. In moments of stress or fear, children will respond in various ways
depending upon the kind of attachment relationship they have with a primary caregiver (Gibbs,
Forste & Mitchell, 2018). Bowlby define four significant attachment styles, which are avoidant,
secure, resistant, and disorganized. When reflecting to my early childhood, I would be placed in
the category of having a secure attachment with my mother. The text explains most children to
be securely attached and often display distress when separated from their mother, by crying and
attempting to go after her when she is leaving and becoming happy upon her return (Broderick
& Blewitt, 2015). My mother often spoke to me regarding my early childhood and how I was
“clingy” and did not want anyone else but her for most of my infancy. She explained that she
believed it was due to her breastfeeding me my first 8 months of my early childhood. When
doing much research, breastfeeding has an important link to the child’s use of their caregiver as
a secure base for exploration and a place of comfort when distressed (Gibbs, Forste & Mitchell,
2018).
When my mother would drop me off to daycare in the mornings for her to go to work, I
would cry for her to stay longer and comfort me. My mother would sometimes leave our home
an hour early so she could sit in the daycare for an extra 30 minutes until I was distracted
enough by my peers and certain toys for her to leave. My mother disclosed that I displayed this
separation anxiety from ages 1-3. Even know during my adulthood, I often observe myself
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 8
having moments where I just want to be around my mother, as it is always a comforting feeling
for me when I am stressed or sad. Being close to my mom has always been a relief for me and I
believe it was due to her making me feel secure as a child that I still feel that same security as an
adult.
Faith Development
James Fowler was a theorist who created seven stages of faith to improve the process in
human faith. These seven stages include: Intuitive-projective, Mythic-literal, and
Syntheticconventional (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Fowler breaks these stages down in the
simplest form for his readers to have clear knowledge of each stage and which age they will
experience them.
The Intuitive- Projective stage, includes the defenseless exposure to the unconscious mind.
Children are less interested in playing amongst themselves in isolation but more inquisitive with
interactive play with peers (Fowler & Dell, 2004, p.19). During this stage I was most playful and
goofy, it was also the stage where I got into the most trouble behind my mischievous ways. The
stage that I am currently in is stage four, the Individuative-reflective (ages 21-30). During this
time in my life, I was in the real world and many of my faith beliefs were questioned, especially
when I was faced with certain adversities. During this stage in life one displays the kind of
dissonance that questions the faith that one begins to address during this stage of
development."
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 9
Challenges and Success
The most profound challenge that I endured in my lifetime was being diagnosed with
infertility. This challenge was a hard one to endure, because I could not see the light at the end
of the tunnel. I fell into a depression during this time because my husband had children before
we have gotten married and I was not able to start a family with my husband. During the 4 years
I was dealing with my infertility, my faith was tested, and I even questioned God why he made
me this way. I soon found that straying away from his love only made the situation worst and I
was advised to read the book of 1 Samuel chapter 1 where the text speaks about a barren
woman named Hannah who continued to pray through her situation and the Lord remembered
her. I read this book many times through my years of infertility and December 25, 2019 at 8:06
p.m. the
Lord remembered my prayers as I was blessed with my first son. I found it extremely
coincidental that my son was born on the same day of Jesus’ birthday. My testimony further let
me know to pray until something happens, and the Lord will remember your prayers.
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Page 10
Reference
RUNNING HEAD: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 11
Page
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping
professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Early bonding with your baby creates 'golden hour' | Sanford Health News. (2018). Retrieved
5 May 2020, from https://news.sanfordhealth.org/womens/pregnancy/the-golden-
hour giving-your-newborn-the-best-start/
Fowler, J.W., & Dell, M.L. (2004). Stages of faith and identity: birth to teens. Child and
Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 13(1), 17-33. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1056-4993(03)00073-7 doi: ISSN 1056-4993.
Garcia, J. L. (1995). Freud's psychosexual stage conception: A developmental metaphor for
counselors. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 73(5), 498.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1995.tb01785.
Gibbs, B., Forste, R., & Mitchell, E. (2018). Breastfeeding, Parenting, and Infant Attachment
Behaviors. Retrieved 6 May 2020, from
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c550/b4f39e8d8bba75ce2b8667d4addeb5a11866.p
df
