Psychosocial Development in Children Aged 2-5: A Case Study Analysis

Throughout the lifespan, psychosocial development has been recognised as a
critical element of a child’s growth and development (Levine &Munsch, 2011). This
essay will discuss normative psychosocial aspects of development for a child aged
2-5 years. Next, the essay will elaborate on the work of Erikson’s psychosocial
theory and further discuss factors which may influence psychosocial development
(with reference to the case study, Andrew 2.5-year-old male). The essay will
conclude with a discussing explaining why nurses need to be knowledgeable about
psychosocial development in relation to their nursing practice. Therefore, this essay
will discuss and explain key aspects of psychosocial development for a toddler aged
2-5 years.
Paragraph 1- Define what is psychosocial development is? Then link your
discussion to Erickson and the stages involved for a child between the age
2-5 (as per the case study Andrew). Provide a definition on some of the
terms such as what is autonomy vs shame and doubt? What is initiative vs
guilt? how does this fit with Andrew from the case study as described by
Erikson?
Development from infancy to adulthood, according to Erikson’s psychosocial theory has 8
stages. Psychosocial development is defined as the psychological development of mind and
body that occurs in a human being in stages with the help of social contact it receives. With
the social interaction, child is expected to grow in a certain way, that growth is particularly
referred to as psychosocial development (Levine &Munsch, 2011).
Erikson theory suggests a child must meet each stage in order to proceed
to the next. Andrew in the case study overlaps the 2 stages of Erikson’s
psychosocial theory which are autonomy vs. shame and doubt and
initiative vs. guilt. Autonomy vs shame and doubt is the second stage of
Erickson’s theory of development, it occurs between 18, months to 2-3
years of age and it consists of a regular question in the mind of the child,
that, “whether I am capable of doing the work on my own or I am

dependent on others for the same”. The basic virtue of this stage is – will
and the major event of this stage is toilet training.
Initiative vs guilt is part of the third stage of Erickson’s theory. In this
stage, the children grow and develop interpersonal skills as they interact
with other children in the playschool. If given right opportunity, children
try to take initiative and develop leadership in the group to make their
own decision (Erickson, 2002). In this stage, children assert themselves
more than necessary as it is the most lively stage of a child’s life. With
questions in the mind of child, it is confusing for him to judge reactions
of the elders. They tend to feel guilty or nuisance in case of not getting
their answers in a proper way.
Paragraph 2- What would be expected or normal to be normative
psychosocial examples of development for a 2-5 year-old? Give 2
examples from the case study.
What is normal for a child of age 2-5- talk about toilet training and
language development or play – what is normal for a child aged 2-5? And
talk about what Erikson says
The age group from 2-4 years are taken up with the virtue of “will”. The psychological crisis
involved in the process is autonomy in relation to the shame and doubt (Rand, 2019). The
theory that collects this is, that the child is able to gain control over his motor abilities and
eliminative functions as they start to explore the nearest surroundings. At this point of time,
parents play a very important role in creating a base for the security of the child and allow
them to do according to their will. This encouragement and patience helps in fostering the
autonomy of the child. Examples of such stage are to learn about toilet training, clothing
oneself, learning language for interaction and development of an intellect (Barnard, 2014).
For example, in the case study Andrew mother is concerned about him not able to go to the
toilet by himself, however the Child and Family Health Nurse has reassured Maria that

Andrew is meeting all his developmental milestones. Also, the following case study tells us
about the development of Andrew includes communicating his needs, speaking a few
sentences and also enjoying music and dance with his father (Erickson, 2002).
Communication also plays an important role in the psychosocial development of a child. It is
important for the nurse to interact with child in order to make him aware of the expected
activities out of the children of his age. Parents must also take care to respond the child with
full attention so as to create the feeling of being praised for the activities.
Paragraph 3/4 - What factors influence psychosocial development? -
environment, parenting styles, significant others, etc The theorists you
can use - Bronfenbrenner - microsystem, mesosystem, parenting styles
& consider Vygotsky, zone of proximal development, scaffolding etc
The skill development of a child means, cognitive skills, emotional and social skills, language
and speech skills, motor skills and daily living activity. If any one of the following skills is
not being developed in the child then it might be termed as a development delay. In this case,
the caregiver must suggest the parents to be easy on the child. The parents, in the following
case study are using an authoritative style of parenting which means, high demands and high
responsiveness towards the child. Setting limits and enforcing boundaries is a common
response of such kind of parenting. This would help them to get the best results in kids, with
more resilience, better social skills, emotional health and secure attachment with the parents
(Erickson, 2002). The caregiver is expected to imply the attachment theory with the child,
which includes the emergence of an emotional bond between the child and the primary
caregiver. This would help the child to enhance child’s emotional and behavioural
development (Barnard, 2014). Parents must also imply the theory in their relationship with
the child.
Bronfenbrenner theory states that childcare is in the mesosystem and
directly impacts the child’s psychosocial development. Parents have
influence on the child’s psychosocial development through the
microsystem. Vygotsky states though play children develop their
communication though social interaction, for example Andrew attends
childcare and this is good influence for his psychosocial development.