Dave Pelzer Research Paper

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The Psychological Development of Dave Pelzer PSY/300 July 22, 2011 Ashley Dolecki The Psychological Development of Dave Pelzer Whenever a discussion of psychology occurs, the topic of nature versus nurture eventually arises. Psychologists, philosophers, and scientists have debated the nature versus nurture viewpoints for many decades. Research, studies, and interviews have raised many questions and brought about a multitude of theories concerning this topic. Developmental psychology strives to answer why an individual develops the personality and behaviors he or she eventually manifests as an adult. Developmental psychology examines the influences and theories of personality development. Author Dave Pelzer, and his story of survival,…show more content…
He did not learn social skills and did not developed attachments. His behavior during his first 12 years varied. His teachers viewed him as unruly and difficult. His peers scorned him and teased him about his unkempt appearance and smell. At home, he lived in fear of his mother and resented his father for not helping him. His siblings, at the insistence of his mother, often joined in abusing him. Dave Pelzer had every reason to develop into a product of nurture. After entering the foster care program, Dave Pelzer did not know how to behave in society. He defied his foster parents rules and go in trouble at school. He had brushes with the law. For a short period, he developed into a product of his early environment. Teisl and Cicchetti (2008) state, “Physically abused children, in particular, were noted to be at unique risk for the development of aggression and disruptive behavior problems through the impact of abuse on maladaptive functioning in both cognitive and affective areas” (p. 19). Dave lacked direction and…show more content…
Every clinician must decide which theory best aligns with his or her own views and apply as necessary. In many cases, a combination of several theories offers the best explanation. Whether one believes that nature has more influence on personality and behavior or believes nurture offers the best explanation, the debate will continue. Dave Pelzer offers one example of an individual who possessed the inner strength to overcome his early, horrific, and violent exposure to life. By studying experiences such as his, and applying theory, clinicians answer many questions, yet in doing so raises more. As new theories arise to explain personality and behavior, studies and research into personal stories will continue to further psychology. References Hansen, J. T. (2000). Psychoanalysis and Humanism: A Review and Critical Examination of Integrationist Efforts With Some Proposed Resolutions. Journal of Counseling & Development, 78(1), 21. Retrieved from EBSCOhost http://davepelzer.com/about.html Kowalski, R., and Westen, D. (2005). Psychology (4th ed.). (Chpt. 13). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from: University of Phoenix
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