Psychologists and researchers alike have embarked on different studies and compiled various theories that seek to explain the growth and development of a child from their initial stages into adulthood. This analysis takes into consideration physical, cognitive, emotional, and intellectual aspects that are involved in different stages (Crisp, 2001). For this reason, different theories that primarily focus on one or more considerations mentioned above are advanced by varntious theorists such as Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and Sigmund Freud.
In order to understand the concept of child development throughout different growth stages and in consideration of relevant study theories associated with each phase, this paper will analyze a film, Ray, and evaluate the concept of child development based on a psychological assessment.
Ray
The film features three main characters, Ray, his younger brother George, and their mother, Fiona. Fiona struggles to raise her two children on her own as their father abandoned them at a young age. However, she is fiercely independent and raises her children as such. Tragedy occurs when Ray and his brother are playing, and George drowns in a basin full of water. Shocked beyond belief, Ray only manages to stay in the same position, unable to move as a result of the trauma that has engulfed his body. Unfortunately, Fiona arrives a while latter, unable to save her youngest son.
In this case, various psychological aspects can be considered. The witnessing of the tragic death of his brother affects Ray to a large extent as at seven years old, when his brother died, as his brain had not developed adequately to cope with the situation. For this reason, the part of the brain responsible for visual aspects is affected leading to the shutdown of the area responsible for sight. Also, the lack of psychological attention to assist Ray cope with the loss of his brother further impounds the problem as he is unable to communicate his real feelings about the situation, leading to bottled-up emotions that have adverse physical impacts as demonstrated in Ray's loss of sight.
However, despite his blindness, Ray manages to learn the piano and begins his singing career. He goes on to become a successful singer specializing in the genres of jazz and blues. In spite of his success, Ray falls victim to drug use as he frequently uses cocaine to help him deal with the nightmares he is confronted with from the early loss of his brother. The guilt forces him to consider the use of drugs as a coping strategy, leading to frequent rehabilitation in an attempt to rectify the harmful behavior.
In light of Ray’s situation, the assessment of psychological systems is imperative to understand the application of different theories applicable in Ray’s situation. In this case, a psychological system is defined as a combination of different aspects that take into consideration human behavior and experiences. This system is comprised of four distinct areas, namely, cognitive, psychodynamic, and behavioral psychology. According to Waldie (2004), cognitive psychology takes into consideration mental experiences from memory creation and retention. In Ray's case, the cognitive aspect is significantly affected by the loss of his brother, resulting in memory retention that is not addressed through proper means such as receiving adequate psychological assistance. As a child, the brain’s cognitive ability is not fully developed hence susceptible to adverse consequences, as seen in Ray’s loss of eyesight.
Psychodynamic psychology is involved in the evaluation of the co-existence of an individual’s motivation and personality (Crisp, 2001). This theory assesses the coping and defense strategies adopted by a person in instances of unforeseen events. In Ray's case, as a child, he isolates himself from his witnessing of the tragic event as a coping strategy. This ultimately does more harm than good as his brain’s inability to cope with the situation shuts down visual functioning leading to blindness. In terms of personality, Ray undergoes various stages of development, a concept supported by Erikson in his seven steps of personality development as explained further below (Sokol, 2009):
Trust versus Mistrust
This phase marks the first stage according to Erikson. In this case, the infant experiences the new environment for the first time. At this point, he/she is unaware of his/her surroundings and, as a result, looks up to the primary caregiver for guidance. If the caregiver gives him/her considerable amounts of attention and care, the child develops the element of trust. However, if this aspect is missing, the child becomes insecure and generates mistrust in future relationships. In Ray's case, his mother takes good care of her sons, and Ray develops trust even to the level at which he trusts his employer will pay him the right amounts despite him not physically seeing the payment.
Autonomy versus Shame
In this case, the child tries to assert his independence by separating from his/her mother. He/she tries to do things on his/her own. The successful completion of this phase is the development of the virtue of will. On the other hand, if the opposite happens and the child is restricted from trying new things, he/she develops the feelings of shame. In relation to Ray’s case, under the guidance of his mother, Ray becomes independent irrespective of his physical condition.
Initiative versus Guilt
At this point, the child takes up various competencies in a bid to gain recognition and acceptance in the society. As a result, he/she develops leadership abilities from his/her taking up the initiative to undertake tasks. On the other hand, if the child is not encouraged to participate in activities that enable the development of these skills, he/she develops feelings of guilt of his/her incapacity to lead and ultimately becomes a follower in later stages. In the film, Ray Charles’ life is affected at this point following the death of his brother, George. As a result, he develops feelings of guilt which he carries on to other stages in his life until the time he chose to face and address them during one of his drug rehabilitation sessions.
Industry versus Inferiority
The successful progression from the previous stage leads to the child taking up activities that are supported and advocated for by society. This is done to gain recognition. However, if the child is not involved in activities that reveal his/her strengths in line with those preferred by society, he/she develops feelings of inferiority as he/she feels inadequate and useless. In Ray’s case, he develops the talent to sing and play the piano. As such, he goes on to become one of the greatest performers of all times.
Identity versus Role Confusion
This stage usually occurs at the crucial adolescent stage. At this point, the individual is transitioning from childhood to adulthood. This phase is usually trouble for a majority of adolescents as they try to understand who they are and what they like. This concerns both personal and professional considerations. If successful, an individual focuses on choosing the right career path and forms a positive identity, both in terms of career and personal aspects. On the other hand, if an individual does not understand what he/she wants regarding career and relationships, he/she becomes confused as they try various roles to see which fits best. Ray manages to find his place through his musical career, and upon marrying his wife, although their relationship is turbulent, starts a family in search of stability and belonging.
Intimacy versus Isolation
An individual can establish stable, loving, and intimate relationships other than one's family. This creates intimacy. The success variable of this stage is love. On the contrary, if this is not achieved, an individual becomes lonely and highly susceptible to developing depression. In Ray’s case, he marries his wife and starts a family. In addition, he also goes on to start extra-marital affairs with other women. However, his love remains with his wife.
Generativity versus Isolation
In the final stage, an individual can look back at their lives and if he/she has managed to fulfill his/her goals, can feel successful. However, if this is not so, a person feels unfulfilled and just like the previous stage, is prone to developing depression. At the end of the movie, Ray feels fulfilled as he performs his final performance following the receipt of an official apology from the State of Georgia that had banned one of Ray’s song that focuses on racial discrimination in the State.
References
Crisp, R. (2001). "Journal of applied psychology." Wiley Online Library.
Sokol, J. (2009). "Identity development throughout the lifetime: An examination of Eriksonian theory." Graduate Journal of Counselling Psychology.
Waldie, K. (2004). "Cognitive psychology." Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy. New York: Sage Publishers.
