Mental Illness And Child Development

Early childhood is one of the most critical developmental periods in a human’s lifespan. The child transitions from infancy and begins the essential changes needed before the next developmental period begins, middle childhood which begins at six years of age. Development refers to “the orderly patterns of change, as well as continuities that occur in an individual through their life span” (text, p3). Human development is determined by both genes and environmental influences or nature and nurture. Nature refers to heredity which is the passing of traits from parents to their children and maturation which is the changes biologically programmed by genes (text, p7). Nurture refers to the changes that occur due to the individual’s environment

As a child being a part of the welfare system can be challenging and have negative results on mental and physical health. Often society mistake “the system’s kids” to be delinquents who are consistently in trouble, have a hard time listening or following instructions from an authority figure, or children who cannot behave themselves. Many do not realize that most of these problems are psychological and can stem from the events at home. America’s population of child maltreatment victims, seventy-five percent are under the age of 12, these children are also at a higher risk for exhibiting delinquent behavior (Whitted & al, 2012). Abuse and neglect are two major risk factors that may lead a child to develop long lasting mental health impairments such as depression, low self-esteem and difficulties maintaining relationships in adulthood.

Human development is a continuous process of maturing. When one examines the photographs of how they were when they were children and compare it to how they are now, they will notice many differences such as height and weight among others. There have been many studies focused on describing the human development and specifically human behavior in a social environment. The studies show that there are many factors that affect human development including biological, environmental, cultural and psychological factors. Throughout an individual's life, environmental factors influence their natural

A 15 year-old Veronica is ½ Caucasian and ½ Cuban American. Her visits with a psychologist reveal some of her social environment history, cultural background, psychological stressors, and her current symptoms. This is her diagnostic case formulation. Thus, previously observed symptomatology by her mother and inferential information, related to culture and biological and social etiologies can be examined for diagnosing a psychological disorder. Accordingly, the diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), along with the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3R), would be utilized for through evaluation of each aspect before accurately making a diagnostic decision. Conclusively, persistent depressive disorder with specifiers of melancholic features, early onset, and persistent major depressive episode, with moderate level in severity would be made for Veronica’s diagnosis. In other words, Veronica has an early onset of double depression with a severity level of moderate.

Developmental psychopathology is the study of behavioural health and adaptation in a context of development (Masten, 2006). The study indicates when behaviour diverts from normal and goes wrong and is also aimed at providing a clear understanding of developmental disorders and mental health problems in childhood and adolescence putting into consideration, differences that exist in developmental stages as they concern various countries. For instance, Children in Norway start to go to school at the age of 7 while in England, at the age of 5 and in Nigeria, 2years.

In developmental psychology, researchers describe the physical, emotional, and psychological stages of development while relating the specific issues involved in the stages, which can hinder proper development. Developmental psychology, also described as human development, is the scientific investigation of methodical psychological modifications that take place in humans in excess of the path of the average life span. Originally concerned with infants and young children, the field has extended to include adolescence, adult development, the aging, and the entire life span. This field of study scrutinizes adjustments across an

The study of child development is an important study for researchers to engage in today. This is because, it helps us to understand how experiences in childhood can impacts individuals as adults. The study of child development is important to study, and help children through life. From research, through the study of child development, it was found that secure infant attachments affects adults and how they are able to carry on with romantic relationships later in life. People study child development out of curiosity or interest, personal development or career, and for scientific research. The study of child development helps us understand the correlation between events and experiences in early childhood, and the events, incidents, and experiences

Childhood development encompasses the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional changes from birth until the end of adolescence (White, Hayes & Livesey, 2013). Throughout childhood, environment and genetics promote or discourage growth and development. This essay will analyse the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional domains in relativity to my own development from the prenatal stage until adolescence. Psychological and environmental theories are used to develop the understanding and connection between each domain and stage of development. Lastly, this essay will address the controversial nature verses nurture debate and its relevance to my childhood development.

Development is a lifelong process consisting of four main stages in which life goes through. Each stage of life has many ways of benefiting that particular time that an individual is developing in. These show ways that individuals can determine for themselves what is and is not beneficial to his/her development. These recommended strategies will psychologically benefit the well-being and growth of an individual from prenatal development through adulthood.

I chose to examine the journals of Development and Psychopathology, Infant and Child Development, and the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. (a) First, I chose Development and Psychopathology because I took a class in developmental psychopathology and found it interesting. I also was curious to find if there were articles about psychopathology in very young children. (b) I was surprised that there were numerous articles on psychopathology in young children, i.e., infant externalizing behaviors, negative emotionality of young children experiencing poverty, and children’s’ internalizing problems and inhibitory control. This is interesting because it provides insight into pathologies experienced by young children, rather than using the view of optimizing development. I am sure that some of these articles have this goal, however the number of articles on

Over the last two decades, the rise of children who struggle with mental health/behavioral challenges has risen. But what is exactly causing these challenges? After doing some research, there are three potential causes of mental health challenges; changes in familial structure, natural disasters, and sexual abuse. If a healthcare provider can know what is causing these problems in children, than maybe they can help these children improve their lives so they can go on and live their lives as functionally as possible.

Throughout the readings of chapters one and two of Development of Children and Adolescents, I obtained additional knowledge to add to my basic foundation from my previous psychology courses. Chapter one discussed development from a psychological perspective; on the other hand, chapter two analyzed the biological aspects of the human mind in order to grasp explanations for the population’s general function.

“You will make it through this and it will make you stronger” (Gluck). The mental health of children has constantly increased over the years. Mental health is defined as the emotional and psychological well-being of a human. The social-emotional development of early childhood children is crucial for a healthy development and advancement into adulthood. A strong social-emotional development help predict how a child will perform later in life, e.g. with social, academic and emotional progress (Waltz).

Child development is defined as the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth to teenage year from dependency to increase independence. The physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth that takes place in the first years of a child’s life sets the foundation for success or failure in learning and life. It is known that to guide a child to gain his or her optimal potential, it’s essential to understand their need and help them in fulfilling it. Development study by Erikson explores how a child develops from birth to age eight from all perspectives: physical/motor, cognitive, social, emotional, and language. It focuses on how development occurs within the context of family, community, culture,

One way of looking at human development is through domains of development and how they interrelate. Sigleman and Rider (2003) define development as the systematic changes and continuities that occur between conception and death in an individual. One approach to examining human development is through an individual narrative by integrating theories of development. In this paper, the aim is to discuss the processes of and influences on my personal development from conception through to 18 years of age. Knowledge will be demonstrated relating to domains of development (physical, social, cognitive and emotional) and how they interrelate. These domains will be explained throughout 5 stages of development: perinatal, infancy, early childhood, school children and adolescence. Personal experiences will be linked to theories that have been formed by human development theorists. The analysis of my personal experiences will show how I have developed from the time I was conceived up until 18 years of existence. It will also include descriptions of my family, friends and how the environment and people outside my home have influenced the way I have developed.