The childhood development phase leading from pre-pubescence to pubescence is termed as middle childhood. During this period, the social world and self awareness of the children changes and expands dramatically and this influences their cognitive development Hence, the risks and other adverse behaviours during middle childhood are to be attended along with analysing the protective factors.
Comparing and contrasting the cases of Anthony Bryant, Brianna Shaw and Manuel Vega, one can find that the three of them were having extended family support and good academic skills as protective factors. At the same time, their parental aspirations for them were low. While Anthony had other risks like genetic disposition, permissive parenting during early childhood followed by harsh discipline in the middle childhood, he became antisocial and aggressive, may be as a trial to seek attention. On the other hand, Brianna, as a girl, faced family disruption, inadequate parental supervision and lack of warmth, which made her anxious about the appearance. But, she had the ability to make friends, high academic records and school encouragement.
Thirdly, Manuel had mastery over communication and language skills and his brother was constantly encouraging him to study, but in the new place, everything seemed “deviant “to him, which made him lose interest in studies.
The interactive effect of risk and protective factors has implications for successful preventive interventions. For Anthony, his parents and extended family can motivate him to study more, make friends and reward him for following school rules. For Brianna, her family and peer group can help her develop self esteem, no matter how she looked. She can also work out and stop taking the bullying into her head. For Manuel, he should be able to know his cultural identity as a plus point which will help him to get along with the dominant group in the new place.
References
Hutchison, E. D. (2012). Essentials of Human Behavior: Integrating Person, Environment, and the Life Course. United States of America : Sage Publications, Inc.
