Individual Life Span Development And Personality Resources
Individuallife Span Development And Personality Paperresources Articl
Individually, select a famous individual from the 20th or 21st century or use yourself. Conduct research concerning the background of your chosen individual to determine what forces impacted his or her life from the viewpoint of developmental psychology. Prepare a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper addressing the following:
- Distinguish between the influences of heredity and environment on the person’s psychological development. Specify which area of psychological development: moral, emotional, or other.
- Discuss family issues or social support systems that may have influenced the person’s developmental growth and adjustment.
- Select a theory (not a general psychological perspective) of personality or human development and apply it to your selected figure using a three-step process: describe the theory first, then provide an example from the individual's life, and finally show how the example relates to the theory.
Use a minimum of two sources, including your textbook, and be prepared to discuss your paper in class. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding human development through the lens of personality and environmental influences provides valuable insights into the forces shaping an individual's life. For this paper, I have chosen Nelson Mandela, a renowned figure from the 20th century, whose life exemplifies the interplay of heredity, environment, social support, and developmental theory in shaping personality and resilience. By examining Mandela’s background and applying Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, this paper explores the influences impacting his psychological growth.
Heredity versus Environment in Mandela’s Development
Heredity refers to genetic predispositions that influence an individual’s traits, including temperament, cognitive abilities, and emotional tendencies. In Mandela’s case, while his genetic makeup provided him with innate qualities such as resilience and leadership potential, it was his environment that significantly molded his moral and emotional development. His early childhood in the rural village of Mvezo might have predisposed him to certain personality traits, but his experiences within the social, political, and cultural contexts of South Africa deeply influenced his character.
The environment played a crucial role in Mandela’s moral development, particularly given the societal apartheid system rooted in racial discrimination. His exposure to injustice and inequality from a young age fostered a strong moral identity centered on justice and equality. His upbringing in a traditional Xhosa community imparted values of respect, community, and perseverance, shaping his emotional and moral development more profoundly than hereditary factors alone (Suttner, 2013).
Family Issues and Social Support Systems
Mandela's family background and social structures significantly impacted his developmental trajectory. His father, Chief Henry Mandela, was a local counselor, which exposed Mandela early on to leadership responsibilities and societal issues. The support from his family, especially the guidance and values instilled by his mother, played a role in fostering resilience and a sense of justice.
Throughout his life, Mandela’s social support systems, including his community, education, and political networks, provided crucial reinforcement during periods of hardship. During his 27 years of imprisonment, the support from family, the anti-apartheid movement, and global allies bolstered his emotional resilience (Suttner, 2013). The familial and social support systems cultivated a sense of purpose and perseverance that influenced his development from a young activist to a global leader committed to reconciliation.
Application of Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
Erik Erikson’s theory outlines eight psychosocial stages through which a person develops identity and personality, each characterized by a central conflict that influences psychological growth. For Mandela, the most relevant stage was “identity vs. role confusion” during adolescence and early adulthood, where individuals explore their personal Identity and sense of self.
Description of the Theory:
According to Erikson, this stage involves adolescents developing a sense of personal identity and integrating various roles in society. Successful resolution leads to a strong sense of self and purpose, while failure results in confusion about one’s role in life.
Example from Mandela’s Life:
Mandela’s involvement in the anti-apartheid movement exemplifies his exploration of social roles and identit y. His decision to actively oppose racial segregation, despite social opposition and personal risk, reflects a strong sense of purpose and commitment to justice.
Relation to the Theory:
This example aligns with Erikson’s stage of identity versus role confusion. Mandela’s active engagement in political activism and his quest for social justice illustrate the developmental process of forging a coherent identity within societal roles. His ability to reconcile these roles contributed to his resilience and leadership qualities, demonstrating successful navigation of this psychosocial conflict.
Conclusion
Nelson Mandela’s life exemplifies how heredity, environment, family, and social support systems influence psychological development. His moral and emotional growth was shaped by societal issues and personal experiences, as illustrated through Erikson’s psychosocial theory. Understanding these factors offers a comprehensive view of the developmental processes behind Mandela’s resilience and leadership, emphasizing the importance of environment and social support in shaping personality and development.
References
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Suttner, R. (2013). Nelson Mandela: A biography. Jackson: University of Mississippi Press.
- Miller, P. (2017). Developmental psychology: A life-span view. Thomson Learning.
- Simpson, B. (2014). Mandela’s ethics and principles. Journal of Social Philosophy, 45(2), 215-229.
- Santos, R. (2015). The role of social support in resilience. Journal of Developmental Psychology, 51(3), 345-359.
- Seidman, S. (2018). Self in social context: The role of family and community. University of Chicago Press.
- Gordon, L. (2019). Heredity and environment: Their impact on personality. Developmental Review, 54, 100-115.
- Kahn, R. (2020). Resilience and the social environment. American Journal of Sociology, 125(4), 876-905.
- Williams, J. (2021). Leadership and development in social contexts. Routledge.
- Thompson, M. (2022). Human growth and development. Pearson Education.