Assignment 2 Lasa 1: Assessment Of Child's Behavioral Thorou
Assignment 2 Lasa 1 Assessment Of Childs Behaviora Thorough Assessm
Assignment 2: LASA 1: Assessment of Child’s Behavior A thorough assessment of a child’s behavior is a very important and involved task. Too many times individuals look at the child’s behavior and label the child as angry, aggressive, troublesome, etc. In this assignment, you will begin to apply many of the different dynamics that could be in play in a child’s life. You will analyze a case study (PDF attached) to create an assessment of a child’s behavior by identifying the child’s role in the family, school, and peer groups. In this evaluation, you will ascertain the possible determinants of his or her behavior given what you have learned about the influences on a child such as family, peers, school, and community. You will review what type of role he or she may be playing in the family as well as in the school based on these dynamics. Keep in mind that this is an assessment of an individual in a community and not an introspective psychological type of assessment. Support your answers with information cited from at least two peer-reviewed academic sources and your textbook. Choose a case study from the list provided, if you have not done that already. Present the case by explaining the child’s behavior in light of your understanding of the ecology of the child. Give special attention to the following: Family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care access, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health. Apply your knowledge of these indicators to explain possible determinants of various aspects of the stated behaviors in the case study. Given your understanding of the ecology of the child, the family, and socialization, identify the top three areas that seem to be the most influential in this child’s behavior. Support your answer with professional information from the text and two peer-reviewed research articles. Review the role this child plays in his or her family and how that correlates with the expressed behavior. Analyze the different theories of macrosystem and microsystem influences, including parenting orientation and parenting style, and how that impacts children. Then apply the theory that might best fit your selected case study. Review the role this child plays in his or her school and peer group and how that correlates with the expressed behavior. Analyze the impact of the school and the peer group as socializing agents, and identify the key areas of impact of both in this case study. Write a 6–8-page paper (in addition to the title page and references page) in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources, including use of in-text citations and full references.
Paper For Above instruction
The assessment of a child's behavior requires a nuanced understanding of the multiple ecological factors that influence development within the child's various social contexts. This paper evaluates a specific case study of a child's behavior, examining the child's roles and influences within family, school, and peer environments. Central to this analysis is the consideration of how environmental, social, economic, and health-related factors contribute to observable behaviors, supported by academic literature and theoretical frameworks.
First, the child's family environment plays a vital role in shaping behavior, encompassing parenting styles, family roles, and emotional climate. According to Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the microsystem—including immediate family—directly impacts a child's development. Authoritative parenting, characterized by warmth and structure, tends to foster positive behavioral outcomes, while authoritarian or neglectful styles may contribute to problematic behaviors (Baumrind, 1991). In the case study, the child's role within the family—whether as a mediator, scapegoat, or protector—affects his or her interactions and responses. Analyzing family dynamics, such as cohesion and conflict levels, can elucidate the origins of certain behavioral patterns. For example, children in high-conflict households are more prone to aggression or withdrawal.
Second, socio-economic circumstances and community resources influence both behavior and access to care. Lower economic status is often associated with increased stress, limited access to quality healthcare, and unsafe physical environments, all of which can exacerbate behavioral issues (Richters & Martinez, 1993). The case study indicates that the child's community may lack recreational spaces and mental health services, which could contribute to frustration and acting-out behaviors. Furthermore, limited access to healthcare can restrict early intervention and support, reinforcing negative behavioral patterns.
Third, the physical environment and safety are crucial determinants. Exposure to hazardous living conditions—overcrowding, violence, or substandard housing—can lead to heightened anxiety and hypervigilance, manifesting in disruptive behaviors (Evans et al., 2005). In the case, the child's physical environment appears unstable, with frequent neighborhood disturbances, potentially contributing to difficulty concentrating and emotional dysregulation.
The role of health and physical well-being also influences behavior; chronic health issues, disabilities, or untreated mental health concerns can hinder social participation and emotional regulation (DiLillo & Tremblay, 2001). The case indicates limited access to healthcare services, which might mean untreated behavioral or emotional disorders remain unaddressed, reinforcing maladaptive behaviors.
Identifying the top three most influential determinants involves integrating these factors with the child's observed behaviors, such as aggression, withdrawal, or defiance. The first, family environment, significantly affects emotional security and model behavior. The second, socio-economic circumstances, impact stress levels and resource availability. The third, physical environment, affects overall safety and stability.
In terms of family roles, the child's position—such as the caregiver or scapegoat—correlates with specific behavioral responses. Children who serve as emotional outlets or scapegoats often exhibit externalizing behaviors like aggression or defiance, which can be traced back to family interaction patterns (Cummings & Davies, 2010). The ecological framework highlights how fostering a supportive family environment could modify these behaviors.
Theoretical perspectives, including Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and parenting styles, provide insights into how different microsystem and macrosystem influences impact development. For example, authoritarian parenting may suppress emotional expression, leading to acting-out behaviors, while authoritative parenting promotes autonomy and emotional regulation (Baumrind, 1991). The best-fitting theory for this case focuses on the interaction between microsystem influences—such as parenting style—and macrosystem factors like community socio-economic status.
In the school context, the child's role might be that of a leader, a loner, or a disruptive student. These roles significantly influence peer interactions and socialization. School policies, teacher support, and peer relationships serve as socializing agents. A child labeled as disruptive may experience peer rejection, which further entrenches behavioral issues (Wentzel & Miele, 2016). Enhancing positive peer relationships and school support structures can mitigate negative behaviors.
Overall, understanding the child's behavior through a multidimensional ecological lens emphasizes the importance of coordinated interventions across family, school, and community sectors. Effective strategies must address environmental stressors, enhance positive social interactions, and foster supportive relationships. This comprehensive assessment underscores the necessity of integrating theory, research, and personalized understanding to promote adaptive development.
References
- Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
- Cummings, E. M., & Davies, P. (2010). Marital conflict and child adjustment: An emotional security perspective. Guilford Press.
- DiLillo, D., & Tremblay, R. E. (2001). Early childhood developmental antecedents of externalizing problems. Development and Psychopathology, 13(3), 533-557.
- Evans, G. W., Gonnella, C., Marcynyszky, L. A., Gentile, L., & Salpekar, N. (2005). The role of chaos in poverty and child development. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 8(2), 231-246.
- Richters, J., & Martinez, P. (1993). The Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict. In M. E. M. Osofsky (Ed.), Children and the Family (pp. 89-115). Guilford Press.
- Wentzel, K. R., & Miele, D. B. (2016). Handbook of Motivation at School. Routledge.