Child Psychology Case Study: Developing Self-Confidence in Adolescence

This case study focuses on developing self-confidence in adolescence through the lens of child psychology. The education plan devised for Dylan, a child facing slow maturity, is based on Freud's psychosexual theory and Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. The plan focuses on Dylan's talent in drama and engaging him in social activities to regain his self-confidence and overcome negative behaviors. The importance of understanding child psychology in adolescence is emphasized.

Running head: SCRIPT
SCRIPT
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

1SCRIPT
Child psychology is a very extensive field of research and understanding. Moreover,
the development phase of a child, or the adolescence phase is a very vital phase for the
development of a child’s character in the adulthood. In the following discussion, I am going
to present a case study on one child named Dylan, who is facing certain developments in his
adolescence.
Dylan has a case of slow maturity than his peers which lets his growth to be slower
than his peers. This has led Dylan, to avoid social contact or socializing with the friends or
family members. Moreover, it has also affected his educational life, as Dylan has moved
away from the active participation in different subjects and activities. This drawback has been
caused due to the lesser physical development. The lesser social interactions has been caused
as a lack of the social development due to lack of self-confidence and demotivation.
However, in between these negative effects, there is still hope, as Dylan is still showing
promise, in one subject, which is drama.
As a teacher, it is my responsibility to understand the child’s behaviour very closely
and identify the key difficulties that the child is going through. According to Freud’s
psychosexual theory, every child’s different stage is very important for the self-development.
If a stage of development is hampered then, the negative effects of that particular stage will
affect the entire life. Similarly, I will develop an education plan, which will focus on the key
talents of Dylan. A development of these talents can help Dylan to regain his self-confidence.
For example, despite all the negative impacts, Dylan shows an impressive performance in
drama. Dylan should be encouraged towards his talent and this can help to develop his
confidence and will further help him to perform well in other subjects and activities. As an
English teacher, I can easily help him to grow his knowledge in several drama related
activities. The proper knowledge can help Dylan, to gain more confidence in the field of
drama.

2SCRIPT
Moreover, according to Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the children in the
adolescent phase are more influenced by experiences than by formal teaching. Social learning
is an important aspect of the adolescent development. The education plan hence focuses on
engaging Dylan more into social activities. As Dylan is already good in drama, social
interactions are possible with the co-actors and other peers who are involved in the drama.
Moreover, active participation in drama can help Dylan to interact more with the audiences
and elate the lost self-confidence. The role of the parents also plays a very important part in
the development of Dylan. Active support and external encouragement can help Dylan to
interact socially with the peers and relatives. Knowledge of positive stories and events can
help Dylan to participate more into social activities and lift the stereotypical dilemma from
the mind.
However, every activity or strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages that have to
be kept in mind. The education plan that I have devised for Dylan has its own fair share of
advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the proposed education plan are:
 Dylan can himself identify his talent, invest more time in such activities, and move
away from the negative behavioural activities such as smoking or drinking.
 Dylan might not be able to participate in activities such as basketball or mathematics
due to lesser rate of the development of maturity, but the development of talents in
other field such as drama is also helpful for the development of the character and
personality. This can help Dylan to socialize and return back to normal life.
 Thirdly, when Dylan restores his normal life, regains his self-confidence, he might
slowly do well in other subjects as well, as he has overcome the prejudices and lack of
confidence towards the other subjects.

3SCRIPT
The disadvantage of the proposed education plan is:
 As Dylan excels in one subject, his disregard might grow more for the other subjects,
which will not help him to participate in those activities for the fear of being left
behind the peers.
As can be seen from the above case study analysis, the importance of understanding
child psychology is very important in the adolescence phase of a child as it helps in the
identification of the key problems that exist in the child. As an English teacher, it will be
easier for me to devise advanced learning strategies which can help me to develop the student
in gaining more self-confidence and socialize with his peers to regain a normal and healthy
life.