The process of developing child abilities and personal qualities can be studied from different angles, and psychological concepts used to explain certain norms imply different approaches to the description of cognitive, behavioral, and other features. Based on the analysis of one of the theoretical perspectives regarding a specific example, it is possible to estimate the degree of a particular property’s influence. This paper includes the behavioral factor’s influence on child development and the main aspects and challenges that may arise during this process.
Character Description from the Perspective of Behaviorism
One of the properties that largely determine the degree of children’s socialization and their perception of the world around them is behavior. Vital attitudes obtained at a young age form the manner of communication and are often explained by hereditary traits. Nevertheless, Steinberg, Vandell, and Bornstein (2010) call into question this assumption and do not consider the concept of behavioral genetics as a key factor influencing the actions of children.
As the authors argue, “development is a result of reciprocal influences between biology and experiences, genes and environment” (Steinberg et al., 2010, p. 17). Therefore, the factor of behavior is not subject exclusively to hereditary influence and is the result of accumulated experience and the perception of the environment.
As an example, it is possible to describe Alice’s character from Carroll’s book (1998). The girl in Wonderland finds it hard to perceive reality and the events that happen to her. However, as the story progresses, the character acquires new experience, in particular, communicating with unusual creatures, and adopts some behavioral traits of those whom she meets. As a result, the impact of heredity is minimal here, and the key role belongs to communication and the surrounding world. Therefore, the theoretical concept of behaviorism is closely related to socio-cultural phenomena.
Basic Issues of Child Development
One of the topical issues of child upbringing is how to achieve the normal formation of all the properties that are responsible for harmonious development. In case cognitive, behavioral, socio-cultural, and other functions correspond to the normal level, the process of adaptation in society will be as simple as possible. It is essential to remember that the development process is not universal. Certain properties may be developed in accordance with a specific algorithm, for instance, educational skills. However, child development is more individual, and particular features and characteristics are to be taken into account. Moreover, this work has no time limit, and the participation of parents can be continuous to achieve the positive outcomes of upbringing.
One of the challenges is to change those characteristics of child nature, which are hereditary and embedded in genetic information. Although a combination of different factors influences behavior, certain patterns cannot be ignored, and according to Steinberg et al. (2010), there are chemicals that influence genetic codes. For instance, a child growing up in a dysfunctional family may adopt the lifestyle of his or her parents and perceive their habits as personal ones.
In this case, the nurture factor is more significant than nature, and work should be carried out with the aim of explaining correctly oriented behavioral patterns. At the same time, the cognitive aspect is not difficult to change since children do not have much knowledge, and it is sufficient to maintain their learning in the right direction. Therefore, dangerous results may be avoided due to timely educational measures.
Conclusion
The behavioral factor is the significant component of child development, and following certain educational techniques may help to avoid challenges. On the example of a book character, it is possible to consider the peculiarities of actions under the influence of the environment and interaction. Any difficulties of child development, in particular, behavioral disorders, can be resolved through competent intervention aimed at the timely elimination of deviation through nurture.
References
Carroll, L. (1998). Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. Chicago, IL: VolumeOne Publishing.
Steinberg, L., Vandell, D., & Bornstein, M. (2010). Development: Infancy through adolescence. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.