SOCW-6200-1 Human Behavior -Soc Env I-Summer 2025
Influences on Identity Development
Identity development is said to be a defining process of adolescence, a time when a teen is grappling with the multiple roles they play in terms of culture, ethnicity, gender, peer group, and family structure. However, it does have roots earlier. In infancy and childhood, children first recognize that they are individuals, distinct from caregivers and others. They learn that they have their own desires, likes, and dislikes and gain a self-concept. This self-concept, then, is tested against the social bonds they have formed with family and the emerging relationships with playmates and friends.
In this Discussion, you examine the interplay among identity, family, and peer groups in middle childhood.
To Prepare:
• Review the Learning Resources on social development and identity.
• Watch the Big Mama documentary in the Learning Resources.
• Consider the influences of both peers and family on a child’s identity development.
By Day 3 (Please write out the sub headings before providing answers)
Post your initial response to the following:
• Explain the role peer group acceptance plays in identity development among children in middle childhood. Also discuss whether peer acceptance is a predictor of successful adjustment in middle childhood.
• Then, imagine that you are working with a child being raised by older relatives, as in the Big Mama video. How would you expect the family situation to affect the child’s identity development?
Support your post with examples from the course text and any other resources used to respond to this Discussion. Demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. Include a full reference of resources at the bottom of the post.
Course book
Empowerment Series: Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment 11TH 19
Author: Zastrow, Charles
ISBN-13: 978-1-337-55647-7
ISBN-10: 1-337-55647-5
Edition/Copyright: 11TH 19
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Resources
Required Readings
• Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
o Chapter 4, “Social Development in Infancy and Childhood” (pp. 159–232)
• McKegney, C. C. (2021). Understanding child development in the assessment of stress in children amidst the COVID-19 pandemicLinks to an external site.. Pediatric Nursing, 47(1), 48–51.
• McLean, K. C., & Syed, M. (2018). Identity developmentLinks to an external site.. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), The Sage encyclopedia of lifespan human development. Sage.
Required Media
• Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studiesLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://waldenu.instructure.com
o Navigate to Brandon
• Seretean, T. (Producer, Director). (2000). Big mamaLinks to an external site. [Film; documentary]. California Newsreel.