As a child caseworker, you are preparing for a job interview at a human services agency. As a part of the process, you must prepare a writing sample as this role requires written documentation. Additionally, the hiring manager wants to use the writing sample to assess each candidate’s understanding of developmental theory.
Instructions
The writing sample needs to be completed in Microsoft Word and include the following:
- Summarize Piaget’s Four Stages of Cognitive Development
- Summarize Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development
- Explain how understanding these theories are relevant to the role of a caseworker
Use professional language and include attribution for sources.
Piaget’s Four Stages of Cognitive Development:
Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist known for his pioneering work in the field of child development. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is one of the most influential theories in developmental psychology. Piaget suggested that cognitive development occurs in four distinct stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
- Sensorimotor Stage: This stage occurs from birth to around 2 years old. During this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor activities. They begin to understand object permanence and cause-and-effect relationships.
- Preoperational Stage: This stage occurs from 2 to 7 years old. Children become more sophisticated in their use of language, symbols, and mental images. However, they struggle with logical thinking and understanding other perspectives.
- Concrete Operational Stage: This stage occurs from 7 to 12 years old. Children become more adept at logical thinking and understanding the perspectives of others. They begin to understand concepts of conservation and reversibility.
- Formal Operational Stage: This stage occurs from 12 years old and onwards. Adolescents and adults become capable of abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and systematic problem-solving.
Source: Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children.
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development:
Erik Erikson was a German-American developmental psychologist who proposed a psychosocial theory of human development. Erikson’s theory suggests that individuals pass through eight stages of development, each characterized by a specific conflict or crisis that must be resolved for healthy development to occur.
- Trust vs. Mistrust: This stage occurs from birth to 18 months old. Infants develop a sense of trust in their caregivers if their needs are consistently met.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt: This stage occurs from 18 months to 3 years old. Toddlers learn to assert their independence, and a balance must be struck between autonomy and appropriate limits.
- Initiative vs. Guilt: This stage occurs from 3 to 6 years old. Children develop a sense of purpose and initiative, but they may feel guilty about asserting themselves too much.
- Industry vs. Inferiority: This stage occurs from 6 to 12 years old. Children begin to develop a sense of competence in their abilities, but they may also feel inferior if they struggle to succeed.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion: This stage occurs from 12 to 18 years old. Adolescents develop a sense of identity and begin to explore their values and beliefs.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation: This stage occurs in young adulthood. Individuals develop intimate relationships with others or may feel isolated and disconnected.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation: This stage occurs in middle adulthood. Adults seek to contribute to society and feel a sense of purpose or may feel unfulfilled and stagnant.
- Integrity vs. Despair: This stage occurs in late adulthood. Older adults reflect on their lives and may feel a sense of satisfaction or regret.
Source: Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society.
How understanding these theories are relevant to the role of a caseworker:
As a caseworker, it is essential to understand the developmental stages of the children and families you work with. Knowledge of Piaget’s cognitive development theory can help caseworkers understand how children perceive and learn about their environment at different ages. For example, knowing that young children have difficulty understanding the perspectives of others can help caseworkers communicate effectively with them.
Erikson’s psychosocial theory is also relevant to the role of a caseworker. Caseworkers may encounter families or individuals who are struggling with the challenges presented in different stages of life