Milestone 1 | psy 211 | Southern New Hampshire University

You will refer to the case provided below to complete a case study analysis where you will identify whether the developmental concepts are guided by nature or nurture.

Jan and Judi are identical twins who, tragically, were separated at birth after an administrative mishap in the hospital where they were born. After an ironic series of events that led to their reunion later in life, the twins’ story raises questions about the power of nature and nurture on human development.

Jan was raised in a warm, loving environment where her identity was allowed to flourish in authentic ways. Jan describes her parents as very emotionally supportive, constantly providing her with positive reinforcement, which she believes has significantly contributed to her high level of self-confidence. After three years as the president of the debate team and after graduating from high school with high honors, Jan eventually went on to a successful law career. Jan has always maintained productive, healthy relationships with those in her personal and professional circles—social bonds that she has cultivated over the course of many decades. As a pillar of her community, Jan strives to help others in need through volunteering and advocacy. Jan married her childhood sweetheart and raised two very successful children (both lawyers). Now in her early 50s, Jan feels blessed for her good fortune in life.

Sadly, Judi has not been as fortunate as her twin sister. She was raised in an emotionally chaotic environment; her father was an angry, abusive alcoholic, while her mother was anxious, depressed, and emotionally codependent. Since narrowly meeting the requirements to graduate from high school, Judi has been unsuccessful in her efforts to obtain and sustain gainful employment. Beginning in her teens, Judi found herself in psychologically abusive situations with significant others that resulted in severe emotional distress. Judi also states that she has very few friends. Throughout her life, Judi claims to have experienced paranoia, hallucinations, and severe depression and anxiety that have led her to abuse alcohol and drugs. Like her sister, Judi had two children with past partners; tragically, one teenage child died from addiction, while the other, nine-year old Jamie, is prone to angry outbursts and struggles with severe ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Now in her early 50s, Judi feels hopeless, helpless, and full of despair.

Prompt

The following resource supports your work on the milestone:

After reviewing the scenario, use the Module One Milestone Template to complete a case study analysis. Answer each question with a minimum of 3 to 5 sentences. Support your answers with credible sources when appropriate. You must address the rubric criteria listed below:

• Compare the psychological factors that have influenced both Jan’s and Judi’s development.
  • Consider their cognitive and affective factors in your response.
• Compare the social factors that have influenced both Jan’s and Judi’s development.
  • Consider their relational and environmental factors in your response.
• Explain whether nature or nurture had a more significant role in Jan’s and Judi’s development. Support your answers with examples from the scenario.
  • Consider using biological, psychological, and social factors in your response.
• Explain why it is important to consider nature and nurture in combination throughout the life span when evaluating an individual’s well-being.

Guidelines for Submission

Submit your completed Module One Milestone Template. Sources should be cited according to APA style.