Psychosocial development is a lifelong process that takes place at each stage of an individual's life. A conflict at each stage of the development could adversely affect the potential development of the individual in later stages of life. Events like emotional turmoil that the acrimonious divorces of Steve and Marissa potentially has a damaging effect on the psychosocial development of their son Dennis.
According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, Dennis is currently in the Concrete operational stage of cognitive development. This stage occurs between the ages of seven and eleven years of age. The stage follows the pre-operational stage. The main feature of this stage is the use of logic by the individual. During this stage, some important processes take place in the individual. Dennis is still to develop the sense of abstract thinking at this stage. During the concrete operational stage, the individual gradually decreases centristic thought and increases the ability to focus on more than one aspect of a stimulus. The concept of grouping is gradually been grasped although these concepts are only applied to concrete objects. The later years of this, stage is moreover, characterized by the individual being able to learn how to conserve, i.e. they realize that objects are not always they way they appear to be. They are also able to form ideas like ‘what if' in order to anticipate what might happen next. In Dennis's case, he was able to deduce that the acrimonious divorce would only end in a disaster for both parents and would mean an end to the family as he sees it. He was able to understand that his parents would no longer have a hold on him as it used to be when the divorce is over. Therefore, he has decided to show them that he understands this fact.
Applying Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development to the case, one would also realize that Dennis is currently in the industry versus inferiority stage. During this stage, the individual begins to develop a sense of pride in their achievements and abilities. This is reinforced by encouragement received from parents and friends, without which, the individual doubts his ability to be successful. This can also serve as a form of explanation for Dennis's behavior since he was not getting any encouragement from his parents who are busy fighting. He decided to show this by being defiant to them.
In order to reverse this trend, Steve and Marissa need to be more sensitive about the presence of their child. They should realize that the child is now able to draw inferences from their actions and is able to take actions based on them. Dennis has recognized the acrimony being displayed by both parents as a pointer to the fact that trouble is looming ahead and is acting on that fact. Both parties need to sheath their sword and be more discreet about their disagreements. In doing this, Dennis would be placated that there is no danger and would be less defiant and hostile. Dennis could also use more complements on his achievements and abilities. This would also keep him more at ease in the situation. By receiving more praise, he also might not be exposed to the battle going on between parents. In addition, if he sees less disagreement between his patents, he would not have any basis to form conclusions about the future of the family.
References
AllPsych Online (2012). Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. Allpsych. Retrieved on 30th April, 2012 from http://allpsych.com/psychology101/social_development.html
Kendra, Cherry (2012). Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development: Psychosocial Development in Young Adulthood, Middle Age, and Old Age. About.com Psychology. Retrieved on 30th April 2012 from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_3.htm
Kendra, Cherry (2012). Background and Key concepts of Piaget's Theory: Stages of Cognitive Development. Abot.com Psychology. Retrieved on 30th April, 2012 from http://psychology.about.com/od/piagetstheory/a/keyconcepts.htm
Learning Rx (2012). Cognitive Stages for Child Development - Learning Requires Basic Cognitive Skills. Learning Rx. Retrieved on 30th April 2012 from http://www.learningrx.com/cognitive-stages-for-child-development.htm
