Case Analysis of Silvia's Food Insecurity

Case Analysis of Silvia's Food Insecurity

Yuri Gonzalez, Jessica Kurtz, (Birth to 5 years) Karen Baugus, Lois Mixon (middle childhood), Justin Honea (Abstract, Introduction, 12 to 18 years and conclusion)

Tarleton State University

Author Note

This paper was prepared for SOCW 3329 - Human Behavior and Social Environment I Shelia Brown, Professor

Abstract

Utilizing Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of the stages of development, our group will analyze our case study of Silvia. Silvia is a 24 year old, mother of two, struggling to cope with life seeking assistance. We will highlight what we have observed during her life that will give us clues to why she has the food insecurity as well as her development of self -worth. This analysis of her background will also give us clues on how to help her change the projectile of her life for not only her but her children,

The following is our group's biopsychosocial assessment for Silvia. This report is broken down by ages and stages of Silvia's development and the relational aspects of her family's interaction and their relationship using Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development.

Prenatal and Newborn

The prenatal and newborn timeframe is crucial in human development. During this time in pregnancy the fetus continues to grow at a rapid pace developing cell division and internal organs (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013). In this time period anything the mother consumes the baby will as well which is why it is important to eat nutritious foods. Nutrition is the base of cognitive, socio-emotional skills, and motor skills development (Prado & Dewey, 2014). It is imperative that the mother take care of herself and go to prenatal doctor visits to avoid any complications that could cause pre-term delivery and birth defects.

Infancy (birth-12months)

Developmental Theory: During this stage of life Erik Erikson emphasizes the trust vs. mistrust theory. Infants develop a bond or attachment with the caregiver forming the conception of trust vs. mistrust. This means that the infant knows their needs are going to be met with that particular parent or caregiver. During this stage the infant also begins to recognize how they see the world (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013). Silvia's information is not provided during this time period therefore cannot be assessed.

Biophysical Dimension: In the biophysical dimension we see rapid growth with the infant's brain development and physical development making it easier to detect developmental delays. Infants begin to work on their fine and gross motor skills during this time. Silvia's information is not provided during this time period therefore cannot be assessed.

Psychological Dimension: According to Piaget, the infant is in the sensorimotor stage where they develop a sense of right and wrong and a sense of self. They also use their language of cooing and crying as a form of communication. At this point in development infants develop emotions and attitudes as well as separation anxiety. The infant's hazards and risks would be "failure to thrive" (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013) in this area. Silvia's information is not provided during this time period therefore cannot be assessed.

Social Dimension: During this time the infant interacts with their family and other groups they associate with such as childcare. The social hazards and risks would be their environment and if they are in poverty, parents mental illness if any and parents history of developmental delay if any (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013). When Silvia was a baby her father was sent to prison for selling drugs therefore Silvia spent her infancy without her father. Silvia may have experienced depression, sadness, loneliness, and insecurity due to her father's absence. Silvia's mother was also not around as often because she was left as a single parent in charge of supporting the family. This made it difficult for Silvia's mother to not only provide for her physical needs but emotional needs as well. Her mother suffered from a mental disorder in which allowed them to receive SSI. Silvia's mother also relied on public assistance to meet their needs.

Early Childhood (2-5 years):

Developmental Theory: In Erikson's autonomy vs. shame and doubt, the child experiences independency and confidence in one's self. It is also important for the child to interact with others and experience play to increase their development (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013). They begin to assert their ability to use their power and control in all their interactions in what Erikson calls the Imitative versus guilt stage of development.

Biophysical Dimension: During this time period it is important for a child to receive nutritional meals for proper growth and development. As for Silvia, her needs were not getting met. Silvia and her brother ate quick and cheap foods which did not contain the proper nutrients they needed. Silvia and her brother were left hungry often and were ignored by their mother. This could have caused Silvia and her brother to feel unloved, isolated, unwanted, and afraid.

Psychological Dimension: At this time children go through Piaget's preoperational stage in which they develop language, emotional regulation, and their self-concept. Children continue to work on their social skills and develop relationships with others (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013). The risks and hazards would be disorders of childhood such as ADHD and depression. Silvia's information during this time is not provided therefore cannot be assessed.

Social Dimension: There is evidence to support Silvia's mother's parenting style as permissive indifferent meaning Silvia's mother is uninvolved. This parenting style has impacted Silvia and her brother in terms of aggressiveness. This caused Silvia and her brother to argue and fight violently among them at a young age. The father was not around at this time due to being incarcerated for selling drugs.

Industry versus Inferiority (6 to 11 years)

Developmental Theory. This is early school years, kindergarten to around end of 5th grade. In this developmental part of the Erikson's theory states that children will begin to either develop their sense of pride in what they accomplish and in their abilities. Or they will begin to doubt themselves. In this stage if the child has been able to successfully find a balance their psychosocial