Adam Reed, a 12-year-old male teenager attending Franklin Middle School, is being raised by a single mother after his father’s untimely death in a vehicle accident. Adam is somewhat diminutive compared to his contemporaries and has periodic episodes of asthma, which are alleviated by the use of an inhaler. Due to his low height, he is often subjected to physical abuse and mockery. Adam is characterized by his intelligence, curiosity, quick wit, adventurous nature, and a well-developed sense of humor. His cognitive growth seems to be advanced compared to his contemporaries, as he has exceptional academic abilities and a keen interest in science and technology. Adam hails from an affluent household, where his mother pursued a profession, and his deceased father held esteemed positions as a scientist and a university professor.
Physical Development
The physical development that occurs throughout adolescence is notable, as the onset of puberty stimulates increased hormone production, resulting in alterations in skeletal growth and more pronounced development of sexual reproductive organs, ultimately leading to sexual maturity. Adam exhibits typical physical maturation with heightened curiosity about sexual behavior and attraction toward individuals of the opposite gender. Nevertheless, he encounters some setbacks in his physical growth as a result of his smaller size in comparison to his contemporaries. This delay impacts his whole sense of self-esteem and perspective on the world.
Cognitive development
Adam has made substantial cognitive progress throughout adolescence, as seen by his consistently high levels of cognitive performance portrayed in the film. He demonstrates self-assuredness in his intellectual capacity, the capacity to develop a theory on the individual who manipulated the timeline before his future self’s arrival, and the capacity to sustain and develop his hypothesis while comprehending the unfamiliar surroundings he encountered. His decreased dependence on others’ counsel is his improved meta-cognitive abilities, indicating that his growing capacity to introspect may facilitate autonomous decision-making.
Social Development
Adam has both strengths and deficits in his social development. His capacity to develop and articulate his hypotheses and comprehension of the unfamiliar situation he encountered shows a significant level of cognitive aptitude. Nevertheless, his social development exhibits both strengths and setbacks. Adam Reed’s character assessment effectively underscores teenagers’ difficulties in this developmental phase. Although he has robust cognitive development, he faces challenges in social interactions and experiences emotional distress. The video offers a helpful understanding of the intricate interaction of physical, cognitive, and social development throughout adolescence.
Adolescence is a pivotal phase in the development of adolescents, as they start to establish significant connections with their peers and gain insight into the feelings of others. This stage is characterized by the acquisition of coping mechanisms, the ability to recognize and express complicated emotions, forming intimate connections, and developing independence. The character Adam in the film exhibits significant emotional maturation; however, he grapples with effectively regulating his own emotions as a result of his father’s death. Social connections play a vital role during this time, as teenagers associate with others who exhibit comparable behaviors, attitudes, and inclinations.
Identity Development
Identity formation is crucial to optimal adolescent development since it establishes self-perception as they transition into adulthood. Branje et al. (2021) found that identity formation throughout adolescence and young adulthood involves both systematic growth and significant stability. At the film’s start, Adam appears to be grappling with his perception of himself, as seen by his curiosity and relentless questioning of his older self over his future. As the voyage progresses, Adam’s awareness of himself, trust in his skills, and sense of self grow.
Implications for practice
A counselor might use several strategies to assist clients in coping with everyday tensions or challenging situations. During Adam’s early childhood, the counselor must advise parents on enhancing their child’s executive functions. This involves equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills and demonstrating effective techniques during counseling sessions. During Adam’s later period of childhood development, the abrupt loss of his father makes it imperative for him to engage in discussions about his emotions. It is vital to affirm and clarify the significance of expressing his feelings during therapy sessions and in his interactions with his mother.
Integrating Family-Focused Therapy for Juvenile Depression is crucial as it seeks to help the kid and their family see the connections between depression, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics. This approach strives to decrease negative interactions and foster more supportive relationships. Enhancing communication and equipping Adam’s mother with the necessary skills and information would be advantageous for both Adam as well as his mother, enabling her to effectively support Adam in coping with his loss and trauma.
During Adam’s adolescence, it is crucial to prioritize fostering his autonomy and social contacts while addressing his unfavorable perception of his physical growth. During a session, one might elucidate the process of adolescence and its variable experiences among individuals influenced by diverse elements. Establishing a more robust form of communication involving Adam with his maternal grandparents is crucial, as it motivates Adam to openly express his positive and negative emotions, prompting him to disclose his sentiments.
Personal Reflection
I found this task to be both demanding and captivating. I found it intriguing to examine a film originally intended for fun and evaluate it for profound psychological significance. Doing a character analysis in a movie enhances the film’s depth. Exploring the character’s strengths and faults throughout their evolution contributes to a more pleasurable watching experience. From this task, I discovered that I derived pleasure from engaging in psychoanalysis of the people in the film. I focused on gaining a deeper comprehension of their motivations and objectives rather than only absorbing the superficial information conveyed via conversation. Through this project, I gained insight into the significance of data processing throughout teenage lifespan development.
In Conclusion, scrutinizing a film for profound psychological significance might enhance the pleasure of watching it by exploring the character’s cognitive and emotional strengths and flaws. Additionally, it underscores the significance of processing information and meta-cognition throughout adolescence.
References
Blakemore, S.-J. (2008). The social brain in adolescence. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(4), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2353
Branje, S., de Moor, E. L., Spitzer, J., & Becht, A. I. (2021). Dynamics of Identity Development in Adolescence: A Decade in Review. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 31(4), 908–927. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.12678
Moses‐Payne, M. E., Habicht, J., Bowler, A., Steinbeis, N., & Hauser, T. U. (2021). I know better! Emerging meta-cognition allows adolescents to ignore false advice. Developmental Science, 24(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.13101
Nishina, A., Ammon, N. Y., Bellmore, A. D., & Graham, S. (2006). Body Dissatisfaction and Physical Development Among Ethnic Minority Adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(2), 179–191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-9012-7
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