Reaction to 56 Up Series
The “Up Series” provides a story of the lifespan development of different children from vastly different backgrounds. This series has entailed following the lifespan development of children from 7 years old to 56 years. The story was filmed from 1964 when 7-year old children were picked from prep schools, primary schools, state schools, and private schools. These children talked about their dreams, ambitions, and fears for the future (Damascus, 2016). The series has followed the lives of these individuals every seven years until age 56 years. Consequently, it provides significant insights on the growth and development of individuals across different stages in life. This paper examines various aspects of the individual’s growth and development at 56 years in terms of various influences. This discussion is based on various psychological concepts relating to individual growth and development.
Nature vs. Nurture
Nature and nurture is one of the overarching themes in human development since it enables psychologists to derive conclusions regarding an individual’s development and growth throughout his life. The concept of nature and nurture basically entails examining the influence of genetic material and the environment in the growth and development of an individual. At the age of 7 years, these individuals had different dreams, ambitions, and fears for the future. As they develop across the different stages in their lifespan, their growth and development has been influenced by various factors relating to their genetic material and their environment. In essence, the growth and development of the individuals in this series has been influence by nature (genetic make-up) and their environment.
Nature and nurture influences are evident in the lives of these individuals throughout their lifespan. Their current status at age 56 years is influenced by nature and nurture factors. For instance, Simon’s lifespan development was influenced by his environment. Being a child of a single parent, Simon has had several marriages...
Simon’s upbringing in a single-parent house seemingly influenced his decision to become foster parents together with his wife to a couple of homeless adolescents. The influence of nature in Simon’s growth and development is evident in his ability to overcome all challenges he has faced in life. Despite the losing his mother, being divorced at age 35 and having few of his children visit him, Simon has not suffered depression or any other mental health issues. Simon has maintained a positive outlook of life despite his hardships. Paul has developed a...…or nurture things that would outlast them. For most of these individuals, this stage is evident in their focus on raising children as a means of giving back to the society. They focus on raising children since children are likely to outlast them in the future. For others, this stage is evident as they focus on engaging in community organizations or activities. For example, Symon and Vienetta spend most of their time fostering children and teens. Even though these individuals are yet to enter late adulthood, some of them exhibit Erickson’s Ego-integrity vs. Despair as they reexamine their lives, evaluating it, and coming to terms with it (Boyd, Bee & Johnson, 2017). This is particularly evident in Neil’s situation.
In conclusion, the 56 Up Series provides significant insights regarding individuals’ development during middle adulthood. As shown in this film, lifespan development is affected by various factors throughout one’s life. Nature and nurture is the overarching theme in an individual’s lifespan development. As evident in these individuals’ lives, their values, growth and development has been shaped by their genetic material as well as environmental influences. Some of the individuals’ outcomes would not have been predicted when they were 7 years old because of the role the environment has played in their development.
References
Boyd,…
