Improving Behavior and Relationships

For this assessment, the topic is that of Paul and Sarah’s children, their behavior and Sarah and Paul’s lack of parenting. In this scenario, this writer is a physiologist who has studied Erickson, Piaget and Kohlberg theories. A recommendation as to how to correct Paul and Sarah’s parenting technique using classical or operant conditioning. And what are the potential repercussions if this is on changed.

In the beginning of the discussion, it would be noted that Sarah and Paul are not parenting on the same level. Sarah berates the children while Paul is dismissive and often forgetful about important rules or disciplinary actions taken. These are not effective tools for getting the children to respect themselves or others and this could lead to a hazardous life choices. It is recommended for both Sarah and Paul to parent as a unified force.

Under the use of Erickson’s theory and operant conditioning, Sarah and Paul need to learn how to become authoritative parents. Erickson’s theory explores the impact of the family dynamic, which can provide success to children as they emerge into adults. In his theory, as a person ages they go through eight developmental stages (Marsiglia, Walczyk, Buboltz, Griffith-Ross, 2007). His theory also involves with in these stages, both the negative and positive outcomes or successful resolution or unsuccessful resolution, respectively, for each stage of development (Marsiglia et al, 2007).

A successful resolution deliberates psychosocial strengths, like a sense of independence, a sense of ambition and a sense of character (Marsiglia et al, 2007). This will serve useful to a person later in life, when meeting social and societal expectations (Marsiglia et al, 2007). When a stage is not resolved with success, this failure to gain the psychosocial strengths, it may impair development in the future (Marsiglia et al, 2007). So, according to Erickson, emerging adults need to achieve a sense of identity in a successful resolution at the fifth