Case Study of a Child

Age 12
By Mackenzie Mead
 Typical Characteristics/ Behaviors

● Physical characteristics, “During adolescence, young people go through many changes as they move into
physical maturity” (US national library of medicine, 2021)
- Girls may develop breast, pubic hair, armpit, leg hair, etc.
- Boys notice their testicles and scrotum growth, pubic care, voice is change, growth spurt, etc.
● Emotional characteristics are behaviors that impact the way you feel.
- Difficulty with change develops fears, looks to adults, understands others feelings.
● Cognitive characteristics are brain-based processes that control and regulate our behavior.
- Uses imagination, understands consequences, shows curiosity.
● Psychosocial characteristics influence social factors on individual mental health and behavior.
- Shares, forms friendships, thinks of others, discovers their own identity
● Moral characteristics, the concept of understanding right from wrong and choosing to be honest and
trustworthy.
● Lacks morality, is impulsive, partakes in responsibility, self-centered.
 Different Cognitive Development theorists
There are many different theories on cognitive development. However there are four theorists whose work follows the
typical characteristics and behaviors we have and will be discussing in this presentation. These theorists are:

● Snowman (Physical/ Emotional)

● Piaget (Cognitive)

● Erikson (Psychosocial)

● Kohlberg (moral)
 Typical Physical Behaviors of a 12 year old
At age 12 a child will be referred to as an adolescent; in development textbooks. They go through sudden and rapid physical
changes at this time. The changes they go through make adolescents very self-conscious. They are sensitive and worried about their
body changes. Often l body change leads to painful comparisons between themselves and their peers. “Physical changes may not occur
in a smooth, regular schedule. Therefore, adolescents may go through awkward stages, both in appearance and physical conditions (US
national library of medicine, 2021).

Some of their physical traits include:

● Body awareness
● Starting to act on sexual desires
● Boys are ahead of girls in growth with large appetite
● Maybe self-consciousness about learning new skills
● etc.
 Snowman on 12 Year Olds
In snowman and biehler child development guide 12 year olds are categorized in two groups. These groups are eleven
year olds to twelve year olds, and eleven year olds to fifteen year olds.

11 to 12 12 to 15

Developmental tasks Developmental tasks

Twelve year olds will start to feel accomplishments in “Able to create their own personal identity based on
their learning and skills. According to Snowman they will values relations to societies others the opposite sex”
begin to test values and beliefs, that they will use to help (University of washington, 1993).
guide them throughout adulthood. They will also “come to
terms with and except that they will have dramatic change in
their bodies” (University of washington, 1993).
 Snowman Cont.
11-12
● Physical
- Body awareness
- Starting to act on sexual desires
- Boys are ahead of girls in growth with large appetite
- Maybe self-consciousness about learning new skills
● Intellectual
- Will challenge adults knowledge
- Shows interest in earning money
- Shows more interest in the world and Community
(University of Washington, 1993)
12-15
● Physical
●
- Show sudden increase in height weight and strength
- Girls have been slowly start reaching physical and
sexual maturity while boys just begin to mature
physically and sexually
- Acne appears
- Are concerned about appearance
- increased likelihood of acting on sexual desires
● Intellectual
- Does good with arguments and discussions
- Is better at memorizing and thinking logically
- Can start reading a lot more
- Wants to feel important in the world and have
something to believe in

(University of Washington, 1993)

 Physical Observation of A Child Age 12
Development Milestone Met:

● The 12 year old girl I observed had began to develop hair on her armpits and mom said she also has hair in other places.
● Is very smart and extremely focused on getting good grades.
● Earns money by babysitting.
● Concerned about fitting in and not reaching puberty at the same time as her friends.

Development Milestone Not Met:

● Has not yet developed breasts

● Has not received her period
● Has no interest sexually in boys or girls
● No acne
 Physical Development Recommendations

Adolescence is often one of the most sensitive times in a person's life. The University
of Washington's national library of medicine has a few valid recommendations for parents.
"Adolescents most often need privacy to understand the changes taking place in their
bodies" (University of Washington, 1993). I completely agree with the quote a person
should have some space for privacy that they can call their own. Something as simple as
having your room as a child is so benificial to discovering ones self. Another major
recommendation for the parent of the child I was observing was to have open and honest
conversations. I know what it's like to develop slower than my friends and I was always
able to ask my mom questions and she assured me that I was normal and puberty would
come in time.
 Typical Emotional Behaviors of a 12 year old

There is no time more emotional than going through you adolescence. During
adolescence, it is normal for young people to have emotions all over the place. There is an
abnormal amount of hormones that run run rappid through your body. In a blink of an eye a
person at this age can be happy, then sad, then mad and so on. “They can begin to separate
from their parents, and make their own identity” (university of washington, 1993). By doing
this increased tension can accrue between the family. Friends and their opinions will become
more important as adolescents pull away from their parents. This time in your life can also
lead to more passive aggressive behavior, self-consciousness, self-doubt, overconfidence,
and of course moodiness (Child development institute, 2015).
 Emotional behavior according to Snowman
11 to 12
● Social
- Obnoxious to live with
- Wants unreasonable independence
- Has intense interest in teams and organized games
● Emotional
- Anger is common
- Is often moody and dramatic
- Has many fears and worries
● Moral
- Has strong urges two conform to peer group morals
(university of washington,1993)
(university of washington, 1993)
12 to 15
● Social
- Wants nothing to do with old fashion parents
- Boys start resisting showing affection
- Thanks parents are too controlling and starts rebelling
- Wants less family companionship
- Shows less interest in friendships of the same sex usually has a
whole group of friends girls show more interest in the opposite
sex and Boy do
- Annoyed by younger siblings
● Emotional
- Afton is upset and directs anger and authority figure
- Worries about grades appearance popularity
● Moral
- Understand right from wrong and try to decide decisions alone
- Concerned with fair treatment of others, and can be reasonably
thoughtful and unlikely to lie.
 Emotional development observation
Development Milestone Met

● Very emotional has many mood swings.

● Cares about what friends think.
● Feels self-conscious
● Fears things like doing bad in school

Development Milestone Not Met

● Still wants to be around mom and take her advice.

● Confident in school not worried about doing bad
 Emotional development recommendations
At this age children are ultra sensitive. It's up to us as teachers and parents to assess each
situation and determine the best plan of action. Each situations has to be handled with such care,
because one wrong move can negatively affect a child for the rest of their life. “Teasing an adolescent
child about physical changes is inappropriate. It may lead to self-consciousness and embarrassment
Parents need to remember that it is natural and normal for their adolescent to be interested in body
changes and sexual topics” (university of washington, 1993). Not only can teasing a child at this time
affect their confidence as a child but sometimes could be cared into their adult life. For example
teasing a young girl about her weight can lead to her feeling embarrassed and ashamed about her body
her whole life. My recommendation is to think before you say something. Something that may feel
like not a big deal to you could be the end of the world to a child during this time.
 Typical Cognitive Behaviors of a 12 year old

Cognitive development refers to the development of thought. "Including

remembering, problem-solving, and decision making, from childhood through adolescence
to adulthood” (Gale Virtual Reference Library, 2016) “Cognitive behavior also know as
formal operations, is a stage that begins in early adolescence age 11 or 12”(Gale Virtual
Reference Library, 2016). Adolescents are at the age to start thinking about the future.
They ask lots of questions and are capable of formulating and testing their ideas. Often
showing signs of being interested in philosophical issues. Their newly formed ideas/
beliefs become as valuable to them as material objects. This stage in their development is
crucial to how they will grow up to think as adults.
 Piaget Stages of cognitive
development
Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is represented in 4 stages. (Gale Virtual Reference
Library, 2016)
Stage 1: This stage is during the first 2 years of life. During this stage the child learns through
sensory and motor skills. These 2 ways of learning can be used simultaneously and also helps
the child have control over his or her body.

Stage 2: This stage is during years 2 to 6 in a person's life. This stage is also referred to as the
preoperational stage. This basically means the child is now able to recognize manipulation of
images and symbols. Now that they have reached this stage they become more imaginative and
play time can include more make believe games.

Stage 3: This stage is during years 7 to 11 in a person's life. This stage is also known as the
concrete operational stage. Children in this stage can perform logically. They can add, subtract,
divide, multiply, measure, and so much more. They can also start to understand situation from
others viewpoints.

Stage 4: This stage is from age 12 on. This stage is known as the formal operational stage.This
is the last stage where a person is now able to think logically and speculate about what may
happen in the future. They are now able to formulate and test their own hypothesis. They also
can use abstract concepts and moral values that are important to them.
 Cognitive development observation of a 12 year old

Development Milestone met

● Does good in school

● Uses technology to learn more about the world
● Is proficient in math
● Asks lots of questions and puts ideas to the test
● Understand right from wrong

Development Milestone not met

● None based on what I know

 Cognitive behavior Recommendations
It seems like the girl is on the right track as far as her education is concerned.
However, according to the gale encyclopedia of psychology, “parents can enhance
their children's intellectual development through environmental factors” (Gale Virtual
Reference Library, 2016). That means providing stimulating learning materials and
experiences at an early age. For example reading, and talking with their children helps
them explore the world around them. As the child matures, parents can both challenge
and support their talents. The mother of my observation child does well at this. She is
very supportive of her child and her dreams and is very involved in her life.
 Typical Psychosocial Behaviors of a 12 year old
As the transition starts from childhood to adulthood, teens may begin to feel confused
or insecure about themselves and how they fit into society. At this age they also begin to
figure out what talents they posses” (Journal of Adult Development, 2017). These talents
and skills results in a sense of independence and the psychosocial strength. Puberty
however plays a big role in a person's psychosocial development. For example a 12 year
old boy who starts puberty early can begin to be overconfident. This boy also may have a
lot of friends. While a 12 year old girl that started early can feel self-conscious.this girl
could also have friends but for the wrong reasons and she may grow up feeling like an
object. And as time goes on those who haven't started for both boys and girl can be teased
and shut out like outsiders.
 Erikson psychosocial stages

Erikson's 8 stages of development in his theory. (journal of adult development,)

stage 1: This stage is based of “infants and is about basic trust vs mistrust.”

Stage 2: This stage based on “toddlers and is about autonomy vs shame and doubt.”

Stage 3: This stage is based on “preschoolers and is about initiative vs guilt.”

Stage 4: This stage is based on “school agers and is about industry vs infertility.”

Stage 5: This stage is based on “adolescents and has to do with identity vs role confusion.”

Stage 6: This stage is based on “young adults and has to do with intimacy vs isolation.”

Stage 7: This stage is based on “middle aged people and is about generativity vs stagnation.”

Stage 8: This stage is based on the “older adults and has to do with ego-integrity vs despair.”
 Psychosocial development observations
Development milestone met

● Cares about what friends think

● Confused about body
● Relies on friends and peers opinions

Development milestone not met

● Body has not developed into mature body

 Psychosocial development recommendation

According to Erikson, this is important to the process of forming an identity and

developing a sense of direction in life” (Verywell Mind, 2021). There are many ways to
help children. You can help them form a strong identity by finding some direction in their
life. Some recommendations include; identifying your child's values, giving them alone
time, have them practice self-compassion, let them become skilled in things they enjoy,
have them brainstorm ideas, and so much more. “Core values are those things that are
important and meaningful to you and that motivate you and guide your decisions”
(Verywell Mind, 2021). Spending time getting to know your child better can help to
improve both your and theirs priorities and sense of self.
 Typical Moral Behaviors of a 12 year old

Morality is a key behavior trait across the globe. It does not have to do with culture,
because across diverse cultures moral judgment is evident. Kohlberg became one of the
most frequently cited psychologists in the social and behavioral sciences. According to
Kohlberg a 12 year old falls into between stages 4 and 5. Stage 4 also known as the Law
and order stage is where the child discovers serious consequences. As a 12 year old you
understand the punishment matches the crime. 12 year old also fit into stage 5 because
they understand social contact. They learn why more socially from their peers rather than
from the adults they rebel against. This has a lot to do with self discovery during this time.
“These two stages represent a ‘prior-to-society’ social perspective that differentiates the
self from the rules and expectations of others and defines moral values in terms of
self-chosen principles” (Oxford University Scholarship, 2019).
 Kohlberg’s moral development stages
Kohlberg describes 6 stages of moral development. These stages include:

Stage 1: Avoiding punishment- In this stage the child learns right from wrong because they don't want to receive
punishment.

Stage 2: Self- interest- In this stage the child learns right from wrong because it is in their self interest to fo so.

Stage3: good boy attitude- In this stage the child does right from wrong because they enjoy being praised for doing
so.

Stage 4: Law and order- In this stage the child discovers serious consequences happen if they don't choose to do the
right thing.

Stage 5: social contact- This stage has a lot to do with learning right from wrong by watching others they look up to.

Stage 6: Principle- This stage is just the overwhelming knowledge of knowing right from wrong without any
guidance or motivation.

(Oxford university scholarship, 2019)

 Moral development observations

Development milestone met

● Understands right from wrong.

● Knows there are consequences to your actions.
● Looks to peers to know what not o do.

Development milestone not met

● Does sometimes get upset and tests limits.

● Still however listens to moms ideas on certain matters instead of making her own
judgments.
 Moral development recommendations

My biggest recommendation for the mother of my observation child is just to have

confidence that you have taught her right from wrong. After getting to know the child i can
see that she is a smart and caring child with good judgment. Some parents are so worried
that their child could fall down a unmoral path. However, this child has all the skills she
needs. And sometimes if the choose the wrong path a parents job is to explain why it was
the wrong choice but also allow they to discover consequences for themselves.
 References
Child Development Institute (2015). The ages and stages of child development. https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/ages-stages/#.WR3Id_QrLrc

Gale Virtual Reference Library (2016) :Cognitive development.. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), The Gale encyclopedia of psychology (3rd ed.). Gale. Credo Reference:
http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galegp/cognitive_development/0?institutionId=2120

Journal of Adult Development (2017). Dunkel, C. S., & Harbke, C. A review of measures of Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development: Evidence for a general
factor. 24(1), 58-76. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.library.csn.edu/10.1007/s10804-016-9247-4

Oxford scholarship online (May 2019). Gibbs, John. Moral Development and Reality: Beyond the Theories of Kohlberg, Hoffman, and Haidt. online. Kohlberg's
Theory 1-11. https://oxford-universitypressscholarship-com.ezproxy.library.csn.edu/view/10.1093/oso/9780190878214.001.0001/oso-9780190878214-chapter-4

University of Washington. (1993). Snowman, J. & McCown, R. (2015). Psychology applied to teaching, 14th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. Child
development: Using the child development guide. http://depts.washington.edu/allcwe2/fosterparents/training/chidev/cd06.htm

U.S. National Library of Medicine (2021). Adolescent Development:MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” MedlinePlus,
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002003.htm

Verywell Mind (2021). Cherry, Kendra. “How People Develop an Identity or Cope With Role Confusion.,”
www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion-2795735.