Learning about adolescent development can be quite challenging. Even though we have all survived this stage of life, understanding the various developmental components can be difficult. However, using media to learn can be a fun way to visualize complex ideas. That is why McCall Family Wellness has created a series of blogs to demonstrate and educate on developmental milestones. We hope you find these blogs helpful and informative. Please feel free to share your feedback with us.
Exploring Developmental Milestones: The Sandlot
In the classic film "The Sandlot," a group of young boys navigates the joys and challenges of growing up during a memorable summer of baseball and friendship. Through the lens of developmental psychology, we can dissect the characters' experiences to understand the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and moral milestones they encounter. Let's explore how the film mirrors real-life developmental concepts.
Physical Development:
The first developmental concept showcased in "The Sandlot" is physical development. As the boys transition into adolescence, they experience significant changes in their bodies. Both sexes undergo growth spurts, with girls often maturing faster than boys. Hormonal changes lead to the development of pubic hair, body odor, and oily skin. For females, this period includes breast development and menstruation, while males experience growth in their genitalia and may encounter nocturnal emissions. In the film, characters like Benny and Smalls exemplify these physical transformations, with Benny towering over his peers and Smalls navigating the awkwardness of early adolescence.
A few things to look out for in Physical development:
Social and Emotional Development:
The second concept, social and emotional development, is evident as the boys navigate friendships and peer dynamics. According to Havighurst's theory, individuals progress through developmental tasks influenced by societal norms and peer approval. Smalls' struggle to catch a baseball reflects this, as he seeks acceptance from his peers and eventually finds support from Benny. As the boys prioritize friendships over parental relationships, they grapple with identity formation and moodiness, typical of early adolescence.
Cognitive Development:
Cognitive development, as per Piaget's formal operational stage, emerges as the boys devise elaborate plans to retrieve a lost baseball from a neighbor's yard. Their abstract thinking and problem-solving skills evolve throughout the film, showcasing their ability to strategize and work collaboratively. This stage of development is characterized by creative problem-solving and higher-order reasoning, exemplified by the boys' inventive schemes.
Moral Development:
Christian developmental psychology emphasizes the interplay between cognitive growth and moral formation, recognizing the inseparable link between knowledge and virtue. As young minds expand their capacity for abstract thinking and reasoning, they are also called to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and moral integrity (Proverbs 3:13-18). Through engagement with Scripture, reflection on ethical principles, and participation in Christian community, early adolescents develop a robust moral compass that guides their cognitive exploration and decision-making.
Kohlberg's theory of moral development provides insight into the boys' evolving sense of right and wrong. The boys in Sandlot navigate peer interactions and group dynamics, they internalize societal norms and strive for approval from authority figures. The film illustrates stages of conventional morality, where the boys prioritize interpersonal relationships and uphold social order within their group. Through their experiences, they learn valuable lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and integrity.
"The Sandlot" offers a rich tapestry of developmental themes, providing a glimpse into the complexities of adolescence. From physical transformations to moral dilemmas, the film captures the essence of growing up and the universal challenges faced by young individuals. By examining these developmental concepts through the lens of psychology, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters' journeys and the broader human experience. As viewers, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship in navigating life's transitions.
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