Wordsbook Applied Human Behavior In The Social Environment

250 Wordsbook Applied Human Behavior In The Social Environmentchapter

Apply your understanding of the influence of family on human development based on Chapter 14, "Family Influences on Human Behavior" from the book "Applied Human Behavior in the Social Environment." Select one factor that impacts families, such as death, divorce, parental absences, or blended families, and explain at least two ways this factor affects human development. Support your explanations with evidence from scholarly literature. Consider how this factor may have positive or negative effects on a child's or family’s developmental trajectory, including aspects like emotional stability, attachment, identity formation, or resilience. Discuss the significance of understanding these influences for social work practice, emphasizing how awareness of such factors informs assessment, intervention, and support strategies. Reflect on how encountering similar issues in your future practice might shape your approach to working with families facing these challenges. Your initial post should provide a clear, well-supported analysis of the selected factor and its developmental impacts, demonstrating integration of theoretical and empirical insights. This exercise aims to deepen your comprehension of family dynamics and prepare you for applying this knowledge in real-world social work contexts, particularly during psychosocial assessments and family interventions.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of family dynamics on human development is profound and multifaceted, shaping individuals’ psychological, emotional, and social growth throughout their lifespan. One significant factor that impacts families is parental divorce. Divorce can have both immediate and long-term effects on a child's development, influencing emotional well-being, attachment patterns, and social functioning. Research suggests that children of divorced parents are at increased risk for emotional distress, behavioral problems, and difficulties in forming secure attachments (Amato & Keith, 1991). These challenges stem from the disruption of family stability and the potential decrease in parental support, which are critical for healthy development.

Firstly, divorce can impact children's emotional development by increasing feelings of insecurity and loss. Children may experience sadness, anger, or guilt, which, if not adequately addressed, can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. For example, some studies indicate that children who undergo parental separation tend to develop adaptive coping mechanisms, but they may also be at greater risk for depression if emotional support is lacking (Kelly, 2000). This emotional turmoil can hinder their ability to regulate emotions and build resilience, essential components in healthy development.

Secondly, divorce influences social development, particularly in peer relationships and future romantic attachments. Children from divorced families may struggle with trust and intimacy, affecting their social competence (Cherlin et al., 1991). They may also have difficulties establishing stable relationships in adulthood, potentially repeating familial patterns of instability. Understanding these impacts allows social workers to tailor interventions that promote emotional resilience and foster secure attachment, such as therapeutic support targeting attachment issues or family counseling.

Recognizing the effects of divorce on development is crucial for social work practice because it informs assessment and intervention strategies. Social workers can facilitate healthy adjustment by providing emotional support, helping children process their feelings, and working with families to create a supportive environment. Additionally, knowledge of these developmental challenges equips social workers to challenge stigmatizing beliefs and advocate for policies that support families undergoing transition.

In future practice, understanding the developmental implications of divorce will influence how I approach family assessments and intervention planning. Recognizing the vulnerabilities that children face enables me to implement trauma-informed care and promote resilience-building activities. Moreover, awareness of attachment disruptions will guide me in fostering secure relationships, essential for overcoming developmental setbacks associated with family dissolution (Bowlby, 1988). Overall, comprehending this factor’s influence supports comprehensive, empathetic, and effective social work responses to family challenges.

References

  • Amato, P. R., & Keith, B. (1991). Parental divorce and the well-being of children: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 110(1), 26–46.
  • Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy development. Basic Books.
  • Cherlin, A. J., McCarthy, J. F., & Scott, M. E. (1991). Parental divorce and the social competence of young children. Child Development, 62(4), 954–962.
  • Kelly, J. B. (2000). Children’s adjustment in conflicted marriage and divorce: A decade review of research. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 39(8), 963–973.
  • https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/divorce
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5334517/
  • https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/parental_divorce.pdf
  • Furstenberg, F. F., & Dawson, D. A. (2012). Creating opportunities for families: A review of the literature on family resilience. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74(4), 757–773.
  • McLanahan, S. S., & Sandefur, G. (1994). Growing Up with a Single Parent: What Helps and What Hurts. Harvard University Press.
  • Wallerstein, J. S., & Blakeslee, S. (1991). Second Chances: Men, Women, and Children a Decade after Divorce. Ticknor & Fields.

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