SLO: Analyze biological, cognitive, and socioemotional developmental processes for infancy, apply
developmental psychological content to real-life situations to include individual differences, beliefs,
values, and interpersonal relationships, and develop critical thinking skills.
Read the following case study. Write a 1-2-page document outlining the problems you predict in
Ruby’s future socioemotional development and interventions for each focusing on Ruby’s
- temperament, 2. goodness of fit, 3. trust, 4. sense of self, 5. social orientation, 6.
attachment, 7. parental influence, 8. now, you are the parent-what changes would you
personally make to provide the best life for Ruby? Use your textbook only as your resource.
Ruby
Ruby is a cute 20-month-old toddler – with blond hair and the most beautiful blue eyes. She has a
slow-to-warm up temperament. She weighs 29 pounds and is 33 inches tall. She loves the color
red and always has her red blanket with her. She has a red teddy bear and her dolly, in a red dress
that she plays with while at home. Her mother describes her as stubborn and anxious.
Her mother, Lori Ann, sleeps most of the day. She is on a number of different anti-depressants and
anti-anxiety medications. Lori Ann has had problems with depression for most of her adult life.
Her depression seems to have gotten worse since Ruby was born. Ruby learned to sit on her own
at 9 months and started to walk just in the last month. Ruby loves to see herself in a mirror. Lori
Ann finds it hard to keep up with Ruby and often leaves her in her at daycare from it’s opening to
closing. Many times, Ruby is brought to daycare dirty, her hair unkept and in the same closes as
the day before and with no shoes.
Lori Ann sometimes wonders if her daughter is deaf. Ruby does not respond to her own name
when she yells – except to cry. Ruby does not seem to notice her mother’s moodiness. She spends
hours watching the dust sparkle in the sunlight and in talking to and playing with her teddy bear
and dolly.
Ruby likes going to the day care center. She is more upset that she is not allowed to bring her dolly
or teddy bear – than she is when her mother leaves. She is not happy when Lori Ann comes back
to pick her up and takes her home. Ruby is excited to see the other children at the day care center.
She spends her time watching other children play and interact, watching Sesames Street on the
television, playing with the toys, and her favorite is lining blocks in a straight line along a crack in
the tile floor.
Ruby’s father spends little to no time with her – he is a truck driver and is home every weekend,
which he sleeps. Lori Ann hasfew friends and those friends do not have children. If she makes
friends, she will try to drop off-dump Ruby on them. Grandma lives 2 hours from the family
PSY 121: Developmental Psychology Learning Unit 4: Assignment
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otherwise, there are no relatives close by. Lori Ann only leavesthe house to drop off Ruby and
pick her up, to doctor appointments, or the grocery store.
Full Answer Section
Goodness of Fit
The mismatch between Ruby's temperament and her environment can lead to significant difficulties. Her need for a calm, predictable environment is not being met, which can contribute to increased anxiety and behavioral problems.
Intervention: Creating a stable and nurturing home environment is crucial. This includes establishing regular routines, providing plenty of opportunities for sensory exploration, and limiting exposure to stress.
Trust
Ruby's inconsistent caregiving experiences may lead to difficulties in forming trusting relationships. She may become wary of others and have trouble building secure attachments.
Intervention: Building trust requires consistency, reliability, and responsiveness. Lori Ann should strive to be present and engaged with Ruby, providing consistent care and affection.
Sense of Self
Lack of consistent positive attention and emotional support can negatively impact Ruby's developing sense of self. She may struggle with self-esteem and self-worth.
Intervention: Encouraging self-expression, providing positive reinforcement, and setting appropriate limits can help Ruby develop a positive self-image.
Social Orientation
Ruby's limited social interactions and lack of consistent caregiving can hinder her social development. She may struggle with social skills and peer relationships.
Intervention: Enrolling Ruby in high-quality daycare or playgroups can provide opportunities for social interaction and learning.
Attachment
Insecure attachment can have long-lasting consequences for emotional and social development. Ruby's inconsistent caregiving may lead to an insecure attachment style.
Intervention: Consistent, responsive caregiving is essential for building secure attachment. Lori Ann should prioritize spending quality time with Ruby, engaging in activities that she enjoys, and responding to her needs in a timely and sensitive manner.
Parental Influence
Lori Ann's mental health struggles and inconsistent caregiving can significantly impact Ruby's development.
Intervention: Lori Ann should seek professional help to manage her mental health and improve her parenting skills. She may benefit from therapy, medication, and support groups.
As a Parent: Prioritizing Ruby's Needs
If I were Ruby's parent, I would:
- Prioritize Mental Health: Seek professional help to address my own mental health issues.
- Establish a Consistent Routine: Create a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meal times, nap times, and playtime.
- Spend Quality Time: Engage in activities that Ruby enjoys, such as reading, playing, and going for walks.
- Provide Responsive Caregiving: Pay attention to Ruby's cues and respond to her needs promptly and sensitively.
- Seek Support: Join a parent support group or seek advice from a trusted friend or family member.
- Enroll Ruby in High-Quality Childcare: A good daycare can provide much-needed stimulation, social interaction, and consistent care.
By implementing these strategies, I can provide Ruby with the love, support, and guidance she needs to thrive.
Sample Answer
Potential Problems and Interventions for Ruby
Temperament
Ruby's slow-to-warm-up temperament, while not inherently problematic, can be challenging in a less-than-ideal environment. Her mother's inconsistent caregiving and lack of emotional responsiveness can exacerbate her tendency to withdraw and become anxious.
Intervention: Consistent, patient, and sensitive caregiving can help Ruby feel more secure and confident. A consistent daily routine, gentle encouragement, and positive reinforcement can help her gradually adapt to new situations.