Individually Speaking 2

The readings from the week were thought provoking and helped me gain insight to some of my current behaviors. The two selected readings of the week together form a more complete picture of development. As the Corey’s focus is more cognitive and socio-emotional; The Steinberg article brings to mind the individual maturation and brain development per each child as well. Together they provide a balanced view that considers the whole child.

An understanding of the social and emotional development of children provides an important framework to assess commonality and individual differences. By understanding norms, we can find exceptions- or that which makes us a heterogeneous population.  I deeply appreciate the Corey’s questions about influences from childhood and their impact on responses as an adult. There are times I begin this process of deep introspection, but I remain at surface level in an attempt to protect any old wounds. Through the guidance of their questions I am learning to reflect on the experiences and stay in the moment. I employ all my senses to understand my visceral reactions to my memories. I have found a common thread physical component in these socio-emotional responses. I am confident they can be made conscious through practice and awareness.

Discovery of the neurological differences which accompany risk taking provides another level of understanding why our children behave as they do. As adults, we sometimes assume that adolescents have more control over their behavior than they may have neurologically developed. Steinberg’s research supports individual differences as well as an optimistic growth trajectory. The research focuses on adolescents who tend toward risky behaviors rather than those who find more beneficial ways to express the need for reward. I would be interested to look into this topic from a Positive Psychology stance. From here one could answer Steinberg’s call for more research that “simultaneously examines brain structure function and its relation to risky behavior” (2008, pp.98).  For this, I have may questions. How is reward salience being achieved in this group?  Is there a difference in the neurological maturation of this group or are the differences in risk salience a conscious effort? Can adolescent brain maturation be enhanced through early exposure to meditation and mindfulness practice? I also find the evolutionary role of these risk/reward seeking responses very interesting. How can this survival mechanism be developed as a strength in today‘s society? It is interesting that the modern family and community at times see certain behaviors in children and adolescents as unacceptable, yet as adults  these same characteristics such as risk taking may be sought after in a professional venture.

So many characteristics and tendencies stem from occurrences in the past. As I reflect on my own life and choices, I can’t help but examine the experiences I provide for my family and the tools we teach them to cope with life’s challenges and triumphs. Of course we will never be able to control every influence in their lives, so exercising resiliency and understanding personal values are important for every child. As parents and professionals, we need to consider the entire child, including their socio-emotional maturation, history, biological maturation, and temperament to name a few.


Corey,G.,& Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.

Steinberg, L. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on adolescent risk-taking. Developmental Review, 78-106.