Personality and Development Theories

Unit Topic: Apply personality and development theories
Unit Code: CHCCSL504A
ASSESSMENT BOOK 4
PERSONALITY AND DEVELOPMENT THEORIES
Published by: Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty Ltd ATF AIPC Trust
ACN 077 738 035
All Case Histories in this text are presented as examples only
and any comparison which might be made with persons either
living or dead is purely coincidental.

Second Edition, April 2015
Copyright ownership: Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty
Ltd ATF AIPC Trust
ACN 077 738 035
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This Assessment Book
Belongs To:
Student Name: Oliver Alwar
Student Number: ALW61427 NYC YW 03/05/2019
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01/05/2019
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Section 1
THEORIES OF PERSONALITY AND HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
What is development?
1.1 Why is it important for counsellors to learn about theories of
personality and lifespan development? Hint: Consider what this
understanding can provide counsellors with that would be useful
within counselling. (Your response should be no more than 75
words)
formulate theories that explain how and why we see the typical
characteristics and responses that we do, and
 understand what factors contribute to developmental
differences from one person to another.
Nature versus nurture
1.2 Historically, many theorists viewed nature and nurture as separate
and rival factors. Some theorists believed that biological and
genetic factors were the sole reason for growth and development,
while other theorists assumed that children were influenced only
by the environment they were raised in. What is the current view in
relation to nature and nurture and their influence on growth and
development? (Your response should be no more than 100 words)
all of our characteristics and behaviors are the result of evolution.
Genetic traits handed down from parents influence the individual
differences that make each person unique. For example, when a
person achieves tremendous academic success, did they do so
because they are genetically predisposed to be successful or is it a
result of an enriched environment? If a man abuses his wife and
kids, is it because he was born with violent tendencies or is it
something he learned by observing his own parent's behavior?
believe that both nature and nurture influence behavior and
development.
1.3 Name three genetic factors counsellors should consider in their
clients. (Your total response should be no more than 30 words)
1. Genetic diseases
2. racial and cultural background
3. mental and physical factor
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1.4 Name three factors about one’s environment that counsellors
should consider about their clients. (Your total response should be
no more than 30 words)
1. cultural and beliefs
2. social setting
3. nurture ex parents situation
1.5 Consider the following case scenario in relation to the issues of
nature and nurture.
Thomas has been referred to your counselling agency for
depression and alcohol abuse. He was assessed by the intake
team who have provided you with the following details regarding
his history:
Client history:
Thomas was born in regional QLD to a single mother. His mother
had depression and abused prescription drugs; she died of an
overdose when Thomas was 7 years old. After this, Thomas lived
with various relatives and foster parents. There is no disclosed
history of abuse. Thomas attended the local public high school
and obtained low to average grades. He discontinued schooling
after Year 9 and left home to live independently at age 15. He
worked sporadically as a labourer until a workplace injury 12
months ago rendered him incapacitated. He is now on a
temporary disability pension. His overweight and is being treated
for Type II diabetes.
Thomas is married with two children aged 5 and 9. He described
his wife as loving and supportive. He has limited social support
outside of his immediate family and has no active interests or
hobbies. Thomas has had bouts of depression since age 21, but his
symptoms have worsened since being out of work. His wife is
concerned about his mood and recent episodes of severe binge
drinking – up to a carton (24 beers) in a session.
a) Name the nature (biological) factors that have influenced
Thomas’ current presenting problems (depression and alcohol
abuse). (Your response should be no more than 40 words)
As Thomas's mother had depression and was abused by drugs
therefore, it can be said that Thomas was influenced by these
biological factors that he inherrited from his mother.
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