Directions

Through reviewing course materials, we learned that child development occurs through a variety of social, psychological, and physical interactions. If any one interaction is negative or lacking, it can have significant long-term impact on a child well into adulthood. At the same time, developmental issues can sometimes be reversed or corrected with positive and proper interactions.

For this essay we will choose one of the noteworthy cases listed below regarding child neglect in care:

1. Genie Wiley ("The Wild Child"): Genie is an infamous case of childhood neglect in the United States. While living with her parents, her father strapped her to a chair as a toddler, and kept her in an isolated room until the age of 13 when her mother took her to child services. The child was not allowed to cry or talk and had extremely limited social interactions. After she made national headlines, she became the interest of many psychological researchers.

You can learn more about Genie's case through the following documentary:

Genie Wiley - TLC Documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZolHCrC8E

1. Danielle ("The Girl in the Window"): The story of Danielle was publicized in Florida through the St. Petersburg Times in 2008. A neighbor of a woman and her boyfriend saw a young girl peak out a window, who had never been seen previously. Upon police investigation, they removed the girl from the home due to severe neglect. The girl was seven years old, yet weighed only 48 pounds. She had never been to the doctor or participated in school and was said to likely be disabled for the rest of her life. The mother stated she was "doing the best she could".

You can learn more about Danielle's case through the following sources:

The Effects of Child Neglect

https://www.oprah.com/relationships/extreme-cases-of-child-neglect-danielles-story/all

The Girl in the Window

https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/girl-in-the-window/danielle/

Once we choose either Genie or Danielle's case, you will essay discussing the following:

• Discussion of the girl's behavior in relation to physical development, psychological development, and the sociocultural setting:
  • Discuss at least one noticeable abnormal behavior due to physical development issues
  • Discuss at least one noticeable abnormal behavior related to psychological development issues
  • Discuss at least one abnormal behavior related to sociocultural setting issues.
• Next, you will consider and discuss what type of positive guardian (parental) behavior could potentially assist in correcting each abnormal behavior based on what you have learned throughout the course:
  • A positive guardian behavior that could correct the abnormally developed physical behavior
  • A positive guardian behavior that could correct the abnormally developed psychological behavior
  • A positive guardian behavior that could correct the abnormally developed sociocultural behavior

To organize the essay, use the template on the following page.

PSYC111 ESSAY TEMPLATE

I. Introduction

Introduce and summarize your chosen case and highlight what will be discussed within your essay.

II. Body

1. Discuss at least one abnormal behavior due to physicaldevelopmental issues and one guardian behavior that could correct the abnormal behavior.

a. Provide supporting evidence (examples, facts, theories, details, reasons, etc.)

2. Discuss at least one abnormal behavior due to psychologicaldevelopmental issues and one guardian behavior that could correct the abnormal behavior.

a. Provide supporting evidence (examples, facts, theories, details, reasons, etc.)

3. Discuss at least one abnormal behavior due to socioculturaldevelopmental issues and one guardian behavior that could correct the abnormal behavior.

a. Provide supporting evidence (examples, facts, theories, details, reasons, etc.)

III. Conclusion

Summarize the key points you discussed throughout your essay and what was learned from your chosen case.