Application of Theory and Interview in Human Development - Essay Example

? Human Development: Application of Theory and Interview or Submitted) Until today, many cannot understand why young adults behave the way they do. Young adults become independent, develop dreams, form vision and goal in life and explore the possibilities for adult identity. A discussion of human development particularly the early adulthood stage is the focus of this study. It included the application of psychosocial theory of Erikson, Havighurst’s development theory and Ginzberg’s development theory of career choice to two women corresponding to the age range of young adulthood. Such theories were first defined for clearer grasp of each theory and then applied in each of the situation of participants selected for the study. It all began with the presentation of the formulated questionnaires and interview guide to the targeted female participants. Pertinent information which was missed out in such methods was obtained through observation simultaneously carried out during the conduction of interview and distribution of questionnaire. Data collected were then analyzed in conjunction with the above mentioned theories. Introduction Human development unfolds from simple to complex patterns in a predictable manner but not without conflicts to resolve in each stage. Such challenges in early adulthood stage would be fully understood with the considerations of real life situation. Thus, this study has two purposes in mind. One is to present a picture of the developmental milestone of early adulthood across life span as well as animosities accompanying the stage. The other is to provide corresponding theories applicable for early adulthood. The information upon which the study is based was obtained through the descriptive method of research using the standard anthropological approach of observation, interview and questionnaire. Observation includes the non-verbal cues which may support to explain further the roles and satisfaction of the two female participants. Interview conducted was with the help of a guide questions. Prepared questionnaire was administered personally in their own home addresses. The respondents were chosen on the basis of age and the duration of stay in their respective present residences. Consolidated data gathered is then analyzed with the incorporation of selected theories. Participants The study covers two participants in the same State of the country however belong to different ethnicity. The first participant is of American descent and the second participant is of Asian ancestry. Although they are both women in the same stage of development, their age gap is far apart. Subject one (S1) has just entered the early adulthood since she is in her early 20’s while subject two (S2) is towards the middle part of the developmental stage as she is 30 years old. S1 is single and seems to change partner every now and then. She lives in a suburb area. She derives her income from her salary as a teacher and from her small poultry business. As a young career woman, she is active in her work but not in attending “happy affairs” or occasions. When it comes to her social relationship, she only has a handful of acquaintances however enjoys night life. She occasionally visits family and relatives. On the other hand, S2 is married with three children. They live in the same community. Unlike S1, she obtains her monthly income from her salary alone. Although, she wants to entertain or relax herself most often, she cannot do so because she is more focused in caring for her family, more so with her children. Her time after wok is dedicated for housekeeping and other household chores. Both participants are demonstrating a happy life however at different levels. S1 is happy with her new found independence, new started career and status of promiscuity. S2 is likewise happy with how her life is going at the moment with her new family, permanent career and vast social relationship. S2 has gained many friends not only in her work place but extended to her neighborhood. Although both subjects correspond to the developmental milestone of being young adult, analysis of the information obtained reveals differences in their approach in living the life of a young adult as one participant fails in most of the developmental task of being a young adult. Stage theories of early adulthood Psychosocial theory Definition: This psychosocial theory by Erik Erikson proposes that young adults experience conflict of isolation as maladaptive behavior when the individual cannot be able to handle pressure of dating, mating and mutually loving relationship, where as intimacy may develop as a result of healthy relationship ( Sigelman & Rider, 2006). According to Erikson, every young adult has to pass through this same challenge and that success to hurdle such stage depends on biological maturation and environmental influence. Application of theory: The information as a result of interview reveals that S1 and S2 demonstrate contrasting components of early adulthood since one participant fails while the other participant seems to cope. S1’s answer to questions pertaining to social relationship illustrates her crisis of isolation in early adulthood. Her relationship with her family seems to be distant. She expressed that she does not join much in family affairs or occasions like birthdays, weddings, Christmas celebrations and the like. She is more comfortable to celebrate alone. Interview also reveals that while she had previous short relationships with the opposite sex, she had done so with conditions. When asked why that is so, she claims she establishes relationship just for the sake of companionship purposes but not actually because of mutual feeling of love. In addition, she divulged that to be happy, she may have two relationships at a time that only shows her vulnerability. Answers yielded by S2 in the same questions about social relationship are the opposite. Her reaction in my statement during the interview, “freedom to do what a single individual enjoys would be restricted when one is married” shows her readiness to give up her self interest which means she is more than satisfied and comfortable to share her love and caring to others such as her husband and children. She further mentioned that she can still have her freedom to go places with her family and still can enjoy however not with friends anymore. This shows she is committed to her role as a mother and as a wife. When asked about her relationship with the husband, she readily replied that their love is without any conditions. Each is capable of giving love and be loved and have the full trust that their relationship would be successful. She further reveals she is honest in her relationship with the husband from the time they were dating. Interview still discloses that S2 have a good bonding with her relatives, parents and brothers as she enjoys their presence during weekends and other important occasions. Developmental Theory Definition: Havighurst developmental theory had proven that when individual reaches the stage of young adulthood, their certain task is changed to include selecting partner, starting a family, managing home and establishes a career which may be a source of happiness ( Manning, 2002). Such theory also explains that successful completion of developmental tasks in every stage leads to a happy and successful life in the future. Application of theory: The theory of Havighurst is evident in both cases of the participants. S1 verbalized that she has plans to become a principal in the years to come thus she is active in her work. However, when the question shifted to mention if she has a group she is associated with, she mentioned she is comfortable with her few circle of friends and that grouping does not matter to her. Furthermore, interview also uncovers that she is not certain if she will marry someday and have children of her own. Such answers of S1 illustrates that she is having a difficulty entering the early adulthood stage. Although she meets one developmental tasks like starting and building a career, she fails in other tasks stipulated in such stage like finding congenial social group to fit in, selection of a mate and having family as evident in her singleness and background. This seems to be in unison with Havighurst idea that not all individuals reaching early adulthood are successful in meeting the tasks. Such failure could be traced from the defective previous stage. This also predicts that S1 may live a life that would not be as satisfying as S2. S2 on the other hand mentioned in her interview that when her husband comes home late, she disposes the idea of nagging him. She also added that she forgives other simple things her husband does which may irritate her like leaving his brief unwashed in the bathroom. This shows that she is adjusting well to her married life. Observation also shows that she enjoys taking care of her children as she even asked for some information and assistance on how to care for them properly. From her answer during the interview, she envisioned her boys to be successful in their life to be contributory individuals to the society. Having such plans indicates developmental tasks of rearing children. Non Stage Theory Cognitive-Social Learning Theory Definition: This theory by Bandura posits that behavior depends on self reinforcement and the reinforcement contributed by others for the person to be self efficient (Lawrance & Mcleroy, 1986). It also points out that adults learn from others by example (Santrock & Yussen, 1984). Application: Both participants indicated that they are motivated to meet their own goals in life however differs in their priorities. S1 is focused in her career while S2 is more concentrated in her marriage life. When S1 was asked what keeps her going with her career, she replied that she desires for excellence thus, she is inspired to do better in her work assignments although it could not be ignored that doing a task is a requirement of her duties. While S2 reported that her goal is to become a “good mother” despite a career woman too. In this regard, achieving her goal is not only a result of her own ambition to have a good family but also is driven by the consequence of the reaction of others that serves to encourage her to be such. S2 also explains that she wanted to rear her family in much the same way her parents reared them. This illustrates the other point of cognitive social learning theory where in it specify that behavior could be learn by example through observation and imitation. Conclusion Human development accompanies developmental tasks. Each task is with conflict to resolve. In early adulthood stage, the problem of isolation results when adaptation to roles becomes maladaptive as discussed in the psychosocial theory of Erikson. The young adult may also display failure in her future life and may live it miserably if the developmental tasks are not accomplished successfully while the opposite may happen if tasks are accomplished. On the other hand, the young adult may live her life in accordance to what she sees and imitates as stipulated in cognitive social learning theory. The idea of each theory is really applied in real life situation as displayed by the situation of the two women participants. After all, they agree that the way we live our life is already predicted in those theories as S2 stated that “living in this world is sometimes difficult as you need to choose which direction to live. If you were mistaken to choose a maladjusted life, you prepare yourself for an impending doom”. References Lawrance, L., & Mcleroy, KR., (1986). Self efficacy and health education. Journal of school health. 56(8):317-21. Manning, L., ( 2002). Havighurst developmental tasks, young adolescents, and diversity. The clearing house. 76 ( 2). Santhrock, J., & Yussen, S., ( 1984). Children and adolescent. Brown publisher. Iowa. Sigelman, C., & Rider, E., ( 2006). Life-span human development. Thomson Wadsworth. Belmont, CA. 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