Elliot Cornell

Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

Beautiful Boy Application Paper

Question 1

In Piagets Cognitive learning theory, he believes that children go through four distinct

stages in their lives based on their age and how they learn. He also states that, Thoughts and

expectations profoundly affect attitudes, beliefs, values, assumptions, and actions (Theories

Two, 2). These stages include. Sensory Motor stage, In which we learn about the world through

our senses (Theories Two, 3). Preoperational Stage, Where we start to think symbolically and

begin the use of logic (Theories Two, 3). Concrete Operational, Which we not think logically in

some concrete instances and situations (Theories Two, 4). This is usually based from

experiences in the past. Finally, Formal Operations Where children think hypothetically and can

use what if scenarios (Theories Two, 4)

For the purpose of this report, I will be putting Nic into the Sensorimotor Stage. In which

we learn about the world through our senses. An example from the book is when Nic is taken to

an aquarium and loves it. In the book it states, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, where Nic is

mesmerized by the fluorescent jellies and circling sharks (BB, 20). In this instance Nic is

learning from his environment visually, which fits the stage perfectly. The second example, that

places Nic into a Sensorimotor Stage, is when Nic plays with Legos elaborated in the book by

the quote Nic is a natural architect and builder, constructing sprawling block, Duplo, and Lego

Lilliputs (BB, 20). In this instance Nic is learning through touch, wish is yet another aspect of

learning through our senses in Pagets Sensorimotor stage.

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Elliot Cornell

Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

Question 2

Scaffolding put simply is the process in which one learns through the gradual removal of

aid by a peer. An example of this is, a teacher asking child to stack four blocks, the teacher helps

the child when struggling. As the child becomes more proficient at the tacks the teacher provides

less and less aid. Education is not the only area scaffolding is used however. We see it in

children as they learn social skills as well. My first example of this is when Karen teaches Nic

French, She teaches him French, grilling him on his vocabulary as they drive in the car. Karen

is scaffolding Nic by teaching him French and correcting him on his vocabulary until he gets it

right presumably. This fits perfectly with the teaching definition of scaffolding, where a skill is

demonstrated and when aid is administered only as needed.

The second example of scaffolding from the book pertains to Karen teaching Nic about

responsibility and rewards. Karen pays Nic to take care of the slugs in the garden, and when he

does she gives him a reward. Evidence from the book states, Hes paid ten cents a slug. Nic puts

them on a shovel and flings them over the fence into the woods (BB, 35). With Karens help

Nic becomes a more responsible person. He slowly learns that if you put in the effort you get

many rewards. We see this later in his school life when he joins the swimming team and

becomes co-captain. As well with when Nic takes a personal interest in music and teaches

himself how to play guitar.

Question 3

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

Erik Eriksons Psychosocial Theory can be applied to Nic throughout his life. Erikson

believed that we go through stages in our lives that are effected by almost every aspect of our

being. Some of these things include, Culture, Genetics, and Psychosocial forces (Theoretical

Frameworks, 4). Be believed that we move through these stages gradually as we age. To develop

ones self, we must go through crises that arise at the end of each consecutive stage before we

can move from one to the next. It was key to Eriksons theory that, Development is cumulative,

we carry the good and bad that we have learned from earlier stages (Theoretical Frameworks,

4). In total there are eight stages of development. For these purposed I will be talking about four

of them and relating them to Nic as he progresses through life.

The first stage I would like to emphasize is, Initiative vs Guilt. Important events of this

stage include, exploration and experimentation. In this stage if children are successful they will,

Feel a sense of purpose when completing actions (Handout). Yet if they have a negative

outcome they will, experience a feeling of guilt when they do not succeed (Handout). Nic

displays a healthy outcome from this stage with his elaborate wardrobe choices even after being

made fun of at school. In fact, he owns his differences as time progresses he chooses to stand out

even more. An example from the book, A typical costume is a huge out of shame cowboy hat

pulled so low that only his own eyes can be seen (BB, 24).

The second stage that Nic fits into is, Industry vs Inferiority. At this stage children,

must, learn to balance new social and academic demands (Handout). A child who is successful

in this stage will often have a higher sense of competency and self-esteem. Nic displays a

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

proficiency in this by how active he is in school, and the community even after failures. The

quote from the book that highlights this is, (during his first of many annual follies

performances, Nic is cast as a mosquito, falling asleep on stage); art; noncompetitive sports, such

as freeze tag and broom hockey; inventive spelling (BB, 24). This level of involvement

shows Nic having a healthy level of competence and self-esteem which is a defining

characteristic of Eriksons, Industry vs Inferiority stage.

The third stage that Nic fits into is Identity vs Role confusion. At this stage of

development children, make choices that suit them, and feel confident in their choices

(Handout). Nic identifies strongly with the negative outcomes of this stage stated as, The child

may have low self-esteem, and be confused about their identity (Handout). The example I chose

form the book to reiterate this is when Nic states, Im sick of not having the courage to be an

absolute nobody (BB, 56). This statement from Nic comes after he is caught drinking by his

father. He is exclaiming that everyone smokes and drinks, including his role models. This logic

displays an in security of self, and a lack of confidence in who he is. He drinks because thats

what everyone else does. This logic accurately depicts the negative outcomes of this stage.

The last of Ericksons stages that Nic displays is, Trust vs Mistrust. In this stage,

Children bond with their parents, they learn to trust a guardian that cares for them (Handout).

If a child is not successful in this stage, They are often denied care, and have been raised in an

inconsistent or untrustworthy environment. In Nics case, he was raised in a very consistent

environment with is mother and father doting over him. This is evident in the book when his

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

father says, Viki and I have spent the first three years in a tired but blissful half sleep of new

parenthood (BB, 21). At this point Nic has had a consistent and safe home environment.

Providing him with a steady development of trust towards his environment. This helps Nic when

his parents get divorces shortly after he turns three. He has already developed this trust and is not

as harshly effected by the separation. There is evidence to this as well with the acceptance of his

new step mother in the quote, Karen whom Nic calls Mama or Mamacita or KB (BB,35).

Although Nic is still in close contact with his biological mother, there is still a motherly

connotation placed on his stepmom. He seems very secure and trusting in his relationships with

both women. With that said Nic displays a sense of security in his ever changing environment

which he developed before the divorce.

Question 4

There are numerous ways we learn as children. From our family, culture, experiences,

and countless other things. Two of the most important ways we learn is through classical, and

operant conditioning. Throughout Nics life we see various examples of both. The first example

pertains to classical conditioning, which is learning through stimuli. An example of this style of

learning is from Pavlov and his dogs. Pavlov rings a bell which provides an auditory stimulus to

his dogs. This in turn signals that it is time to eat, and the dogs come running. Classical

conditioning is evident in Nic when his father assumes he is using drugs because he came home

late, which results in loss of car privileges. Nics immediately becomes angry, and has an

outburst. The second stimuli is the assumption made by Nics father. Which elicits the

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

responding stimuli of anger based on past experience. The book reiterates this with the quote,

Are you high? Tell me Jesus No Where were you? What the fuck He looks down (BB,

8).

The second form of learning we see in Nic is operant conditioning, which is a type of

learning which aims to modify the strength of behaviors by using consequences, rewards, and

punishments. This type of learning style is used quite often on children in home life, and at

school. An example of operant conditioning from the book is when, he has to write a note of

apology for interrupting Spanish class (BB, 37). Which is a logical consequence, that fits the

parameters of operant condoning perfectly. The note that he was prompted to write as an

apology, forces Nic to learn from his actions, and correct them appropriately rather than just

simply punishing him. This helps Nic curb his behavior for the next instance when he might

want to interrupt.

Question 5

Family Systems Theory is a theory which explains how and why we interact and learn the

way we do within our families. Some of these things include, roles, boundaries, subsystems,

rules, and expectations. There are many different aspects of this theory which relate to Nic and

his family. One of the most evident concepts seen in Nics family is the formation of Roles

within the family. Roles as described in our notes, Are the expectations set on each member of

the family, going past physical but also character roles, I.E clown, or responsible one (Theories

Two, 7). This is seen specifically in the book when his brother and sister label him as the big

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

brother. There are numerous examples of this, such as their excitement on his return from

college, the expectation of gifts from him, and most notably when he reads them stories before

bed. This is evident in the book with the quote, Nics performance is irresistible, and the

children, as always, are riveted by him (BB, 4). This role placed on Nic Influences how he acts

and what aspects of his drug use he shows in front of his siblings.

The second aspect of Family Systems Theory that is displayed in the Sheff family is

boundaries. This is very evident in the relationship Karen has with Nic. It is obvious that Nic

loves Karen and view her as a mother in sorts. Yet it is evident that Nic has put up some closed

boundaries in their relationship when it is stated, Karen is frequently reminded that a

stepmother is not a mother (Book, 36). A closed boundary is defined in our notes, As a

boundary system the isolates members from the environment (Theories Two, 2). This is shown

when Nic isolates the role of mother away from Karen and reserves it for his biological one.

Karen is and always will only be a stepmother.

The final aspect of Family Systems Theory that is evident in the Sheff family is rules.

Within the Sheff family there are several sets of spoken rules. Yet between Nics father and

Nics stepmother Karen. Often there are inconsistencies within the expectations of the home.

These are defined as spoken rules, Rule on how the family operates, often these rules are

unspoken (Theories Two, 8). My example of this if when, Nic is at the table eating and puts his

elbows on the table. Nics father states, Sometimes Im quiet when she gets on his case about

having his elbows on the table, I always encourage her to speak her mind, although I often rescue

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

him His manners are fine, I insist (BB, 36). When Karen yells at Nic to remove his elbows

from the table, his father saves him. This is not only hindering the formation of an unspoken rule

over time. It is also causing an unspoken rule in which Nics father has the last say and will save

him if Nic is reprimanded by Karen. Actions like theses within the family system can cause roles

and rules to become unclear.

Question 6

Resilience, is defined by Walsh as, The capacity to spring back and recover from

adversity and stress (Resiliency, 2). We all have some form of resilience, which develops over

time depending on the conditions in which we are raised. Children with high levels of resilience,

are usually raised in homes with, consistent and caring adults. From that children form resilience

skill which are often displayed in, a value for learning, problem solving skills, and the

appreciation of humor (Resiliency, 4). These skills are often at their best in times of stress. Nic

displays several characteristics of a resilient child throughout his life. The first characteristic of

resilience Nic displays, is humor. Which is listen in our notes by saying, Children

have/appreciate a sense of humor (Resiliency, 4). Nic is a very humorous person throughout the

book but it is most evident when he is a child. Specifically, after his parents divorce and his

interactions with Karen. Nic and Karen plays games when they interact and try to annoy Nics

Father. An example of this is when They play a word game in the evening, Karen says Dave.

Nic says Has. Karen A. Nic monkey. Karen butt. Dave looks up from his magazine and

says very funny (BB, 35).

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Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

The second characteristic of resilience seen in Nic, is helping others. Which is defined in

our notes as, Resilient children find ways to help others (Resiliency, 4). Nic displays this

perfectly when, One afternoon, Nic announces that he wants to make a donation to the schools

Todays for Tots Christmas program (BB, 25). This is a clear show of compassion and are for

others. Nic proceeds to go through his bedroom and pick out his least used toys. Yet another pice

of evidence towards Nics resilience as a child.

Question 7

My initial reaction to the book was negative. I found it extremely boring for the first two

chapters. It was very evident that Nic had a bumpy but smooth upbringing, with the divorce of

his parents and the introduction of a stepmother so early in life. Yet it was apparent through the

first several years of Nics life that he was happy and loved by not only his mother and father,

but by his stepmother and friends. My reaction to Nics father, was that hes soft. He allows Nic

to get away with many things without significant consequences, and always seems to come to his

aid. He was more of a permissive parent who tried to befriend his son rather than teach him. This

caused an authority gap in their relationship that they never seemed to overcome. Nics father

ended up doing drugs with Nic which only furthered that gap. After time Nics father did

however become stricter and started punishing Nic more severely for his action and even tying in

some consequences. Towards the end of the book their relationship became much stronger.

Based on a mutual respect and understanding. Which is very different than it was in Nics earlier

years. I will say, I was extremely evident throughout the book that his father would do anything

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 Elliot Cornell

Professor, Muza

HDFS 325

11/6/2016

for his son and loved him very much. With the support system Nics father provided and the

resilience of Nic himself. I am not shocked that he was able to make a recovery and beat his

addiction.

References

Sheff, David. Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey through His Son's Addiction. Boston: Houghton

Mifflin, 2008. Print.

"Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development." Handout (n.d.): 1. Print

Muza, Professor. "Cognitive Development." Class Lecture. Desire 2 Learn. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.

Muza, Professor. "Resilience." Class Lecture. Desire 2 Learn. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.

Muza, Professor. "Theories Part Two." Lecture. Desire 2 Learn. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.

Muza, Professor. " Theoretical Frameworks." Lecture. Desire 2 Learn. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.

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