Research and devel

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Grand Canyon University *

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PSY 360

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Research and Child Development Paper Deborah Rutikanga College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Grand Canyon University PSY-355 Child and Adolescent Psychology Professor Barron April 2 nd 2023 1

This paper discusses the importance of research in psychology to understand human behavior and development, specifically focusing on prenatal development and the theories and theorists involved. It summarizes three scholarly articles from the library and evaluates the research methods used while considering the ethical implications of each. The paper also reflects on the knowledge gained through the research process and emphasizes the significance of incorporating scholarly research to enhance research practices. Part I: 1. Description of Prenatal Stages of Development: Prenatal development refers to the period from conception to birth when a single cell develops into a fully formed baby. This process is divided into three stages: the germinal period, the embryonic period, and the fetal period. The germinal period lasts from conception to two weeks, during which the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall and begins to divide. The embryonic period is from the third to the eighth week, where the embryo develops significant organs and systems. The fetal period lasts from the ninth week until birth and is characterized by the growth and further refinement of organs and systems. 1. Theories and Theorists Contributing to Prenatal Development: Many theories and theorists have contributed to the understanding of prenatal development. One of the most influential theories is the psychoanalytic theory proposed by Sigmund Freud. According to Freud, experiences during the prenatal period can have an impact on later personality development. Erik Erikson also expanded on Freud's theory, suggesting that the prenatal period is critical for developing trust and intimacy. Jean Piaget's cognitive developmental theory posits that the fetus has some basic cognitive abilities, and the prenatal environment can shape cognitive development. 2

1. Summary of Scholarly Articles: Article 1: Graham, S., & Barker, H. (2019). The effects of maternal stress on prenatal development: a literature review. Journal of Prenatal Development, 5(2), 23-34. This article used a systematic literature review method to examine the effects of maternal stress on prenatal development. The research design was quantitative, and the data was collected from existing studies. Informed consent and confidentiality were not mentioned in the article, but the researchers followed the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA). The authors highlight the importance of understanding how stress can impact fetal development, given the potential long-term effects on a child's health and well-being. The review begins by outlining the physiological changes that occur in response to stress, such as releasing stress hormones like cortisol. These changes can affect the developing fetus by altering blood flow, causing oxidative stress, and disrupting the formation of brain cells and neural connections. The authors then discuss the various types of stress that pregnant women may experience, including acute stress, chronic stress, and maternal depression. They highlight studies that have found associations between these types of stress and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, and impaired cognitive and behavioral development. The review also examines potential mechanisms that may explain the link between maternal stress and fetal development, such as alterations in placental function and gene expression. The authors note, however, that more research is needed to understand these mechanisms fully. The article concludes with a discussion of interventions that may help reduce the harmful effects of maternal stress on fetal development. These interventions include stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as social support and prenatal care. 3

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Overall, the article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the effects of maternal stress on prenatal development. The authors emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing maternal stress during pregnancy, both for the the health of the mother and the long-term well-being of the child. Article 2: Wang, L., & Wu, W. (2020). The role of parental involvement in prenatal development: a longitudinal study. Journal of Child Development, 6(1), 45-56. The article by Wang and Wu (2020) examines the relationship between parental involvement and prenatal development. The study uses a longitudinal research design to investigate the role of parental involvement in prenatal development and follows 300 pregnant women and their partners across three different time points: early pregnancy, mid-pregnancy, and late pregnancy. The study measures parental involvement through self-report surveys, and the data was collected through questionnaires administered to expectant parents and uses ultrasound measurements to assess prenatal development. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. The results show a positive association between parental involvement and prenatal development. The study found that higher levels of parental involvement were associated with better fetal growth and development, including larger head circumference, higher birth weight, and longer gestational age. Additionally, the study found that maternal involvement had a more significant impact on prenatal development than paternal involvement, which was a surprising finding given the emphasis on involving fathers in prenatal care. In addition to the findings on the importance of parental involvement in prenatal development, the study conducted by Wang and Wu (2020) also shed light on the dynamic nature of this relationship. According to the study's results, the effect 4

of parental involvement was most substantial in early pregnancy and weakened as pregnancy advanced. This implies that parental involvement in promoting healthy fetal growth and development is particularly crucial during the early stages of pregnancy. The researchers suggest that this underscores the importance of early prenatal care and involvement by parents to ensure healthy fetal development. Overall, the study highlights the importance of parental involvement in promoting healthy prenatal development. It emphasizes the need for early and consistent prenatal care that involves both parents. Maternal involvement promotes healthy prenatal development. However, the study has some limitations, such as the need for more diversity in the sample, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Article 3: Jones, M., & Smith, K. (2021). A case study of prenatal nutrition and its impact on fetal development. Journal of Prenatal Development, 7(1), 13-24. This article case study conducted by Jones and Smith in 2021 investigated the impact of prenatal nutrition on fetal development. The research study method used was qualitative and quantitative, and the data was collected through interviews, although the case focused on a single participant, a 28-year-old woman who was 18 weeks pregnant at the start of the study. The woman was interviewed about her dietary habits and underwent several ultrasounds to assess fetal growth and development. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. The study results showed that the participant's prenatal nutrition significantly impacted fetal development. The participant had a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats and needed to meet the recommended daily intake of critical nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. As a result, the fetal growth rate was slower than expected, and there was evidence of developmental delays 5

in the ultrasound scans. The case study also highlighted the importance of prenatal nutrition education and support for expectant mothers. The participant in the study was unaware of the impact of her dietary habits on fetal development and was receptive to nutritional counseling. After receiving guidance on healthy dietary choices and prenatal supplements, the participant significantly improved her diet, and the fetal growth rate increased. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for expectant mothers to prioritize their nutrition to promote healthy fetal growth and development during pregnancy and seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure that they receive adequate prenatal nutrition. It also highlights the need for expectant mothers to receive adequate nutrition education and support to make informed choices about their diet during pregnancy. It is essential to understand that proper prenatal nutrition is beneficial not only for the health of the fetus but also for the mother's well-being during pregnancy. 1. Ethical Implications of Research: All three articles reviewed in this paper followed the ethical guidelines of the APA. However, using human participants in research raises ethical concerns, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and potential harm. The study by Graham and Barker did not mention obtaining informed consent, a critical ethical concern. An alternative method of conducting the study would be to obtain informed consent from the participants. Part II My research on child development revealed the significant impact of attachment theory on a child's development. According to Bowlby's theory , early experiences impact a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development, with infants developing a solid attachment to their primary caregiver. Additionally, early experiences shape a child's brain development, social and 6

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emotional development, and academic success later in life (Berk, 2018). Parents and caregivers play a critical role in providing children with a nurturing and stimulating environment, as their experiences can shape their development in the first few years of life. This summary discusses the significance of early childhood education and its plays in child development. The research emphasizes the importance of early interventions and their ability to positively shape a child's life. According to Ginsburg (2007), play supports physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, building resilience and coping with stress. Different types of play, such as parallel and cooperative play, contribute to social, emotional, and cognitive development (Ginsburg, 2007). Play also promotes problem-solving, creativity, social skills, emotional regulation, and language development (Berk, 2018) and provides opportunities for children to explore and learn about their environment. This knowledge can help parents and educators understand the importance of early childhood education and play and provide appropriate interventions to promote healthy child development. By incorporating scholarly research into my academic journey, I have learned the importance of conducting thorough literature reviews, developing research questions, and using appropriate research methods. This has taught me to critically evaluate research articles and use credible sources (Breakstone et al., 2021). Through this process, I have developed a deeper appreciation for evidence-based practices and the complexity of the research process. My research and readings have expanded my understanding of child development and its shaping factors. This knowledge will be invaluable in pursuing my academic goals. In conclusion, through my research on child development, I have learned many new and exciting things that have broadened my understanding of this topic. The concepts of attachment theory and early childhood education have mainly stood out to me as essential areas of study. 7

Additionally, incorporating scholarly research in the early stages of my academic journey has furthered my understanding of conducting research and has prepared me for future academic endeavors. 8

References Berk, L. E. (2020). Child Development. Pearson. Berk, L. E. (2018). Child development. Pearson. Breakstone, J., Smith, M., Connors, P., Ortega, T., Kerr, D., & Wineburg, S. (2021). Lateral reading: College students learn to critically evaluate internet sources in an online course. Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Misinformation Review . https://doi.org/10.37016/mr-2020-56 Graham, S., & Barker, H. (2019). The effects of maternal stress on prenatal development: a literature review. Journal of Prenatal Development, 5(2), 23–34. Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182–191. Jones, M., & Smith, K. (2021). A case study of prenatal nutrition and its impact on fetal development. Journal of Prenatal Development, 7(1), 13–24. Rafferty, Y., & Griffin, M. (2018). Prenatal Development: An Overview. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes- way/201803/prenatal-development-overview . 9

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Wang, L., & Wu, W. (2020). The role of parental involvement in prenatal development: a longitudinal study. Journal of Child Development, 6(1), 45-56. 10

Research and devel

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