What are some of the characteristics of this life stage and how does Rosy conform to your understanding of this life stage? Using Erik Erikson's one of the eight stages of psychosocial theory
Rosy is entering the puberty stage of her life. In her case, puberty began early at age 9, which is normal for many other girls. During this stage, girls start experiencing developments in their bodies; this can be difficult for them hence the need for support and guidance from their parents. These changes cause girls to be self-conscious about their changing bodies; this often causes them to avoid circumstances that call for social interactions such as co-curricular activities and sports. For instance, before the changes, Rosy was active in sports and regularly attended parties and sleepovers. After the changes started, she began wearing oversized clothing to conceal it and opted to spend more time alone. She also refused to talk to her mother about the situation. Her refusal to communicate the experience to her mother shows mistrust. This idea is explained in the first of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial theory. According to the theory, a child’s ability to trust which is developed during the infancy years depends on the quality of care given by the caregiver. The ability to trust developed by the infant is unconsciously carried throughout her life. In this case, sharing of custody and her mother’s demanding job that required her to spend much time away from home caused Rosy to develop mistrust.
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Discuss any aspects of the micro, mezzo, exo, and macro systems that may help you to contextualize Rosy's presenting problem.
On the micro-level, communicating with Rosy will help contextualize the problem and come up with a solution. A one on one interaction with her will help the social worker understand her fears; the interaction will also provide a chance for the social worker to explain to Rosy that the development she is undergoing is normal. On a mezzo level, communication with all girls, starting or approaching puberty in her school is crucial; this will help reduce the embarrassment and anxiety that they often experience individually. The interaction on a mezzo level can also extend to Rosy’s family members. The exo level interaction relevant in Rosy’s case is that between her and her mother’s work and the sharing custody; these two factors which Rosy has no control over cause her to mistrust her mother. On a macro level, understanding the roles that teachers play in educating students about such situations and actively involving parents in their children’s school life is crucial in contextualizing Rosy's presenting problem.
How do issues of gender, social and school engagement factor into this scenario?
The issue of gender plays a significant role in puberty because the children entering the adolescent stage begin to develop their gender identity. In Rosy’s case, it is crucial for her to understand that it is normal for her to start developing the changes she is experiencing. Guidance from school teachers and her mother is crucial in her case, and also for all young girls approaching the life stage. It is crucial for Rosy to continue indulging in her social and sports activities as before; with proper guidance and education, she will discover that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The creation of awareness by social workers and teachers is necessary to ensure girls entering the life stage continue to develop socially just as they were before the changes occurred. School engagement is also crucial in ensuring a smooth transition from childhood to teenhood. In Rosy’s case, the involvement of the teachers was helpful in discovering the problems she was facing. The teacher’s involvement as well as reaching out to her parents helped to diagnose the problem and create a solution.
