Question

A newborn baby boy is left on the doorstep of an orphanage. Because the orphanage is overcrowded, the baby is held by a caretaker only when he is fed. He spends his entire childhood in the orphanage. The staff is kind and physical punishment is never used, but they also are forbidden to touch the children except as necessary for feeding, medical care, etc. When the boy turns eighteen years of age, he leaves the orphanage. Describe a scenario of what might become of this young man and explain why. Be sure to include the following in your description and explanation:

a. Critical Periods
b. Behavioral Activation System (BAS)
c. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)

Answer 1

A man who grew up in an orphanage with limited physical contact and socialization may struggle with relationship formation and social norms due to missed critical periods. His BAS and BIS may be impacted, affecting his motivation and social adaptability. Despite these challenges, with the right support, he could still develop the necessary life skills.

Step-by-step explanation:

A young man who has spent his entire childhood in an orphanage with minimal physical contact and socialization may face a variety of challenges upon leaving the institution. Critical periods in child development are windows of time when a child is especially responsive to certain environmental stimuli. Missing out on these, such as the critical period for attachment and social interaction, may lead to difficulties in forming relationships and comprehending social norms.

The Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) are two brain systems that regulate behavior. The former is associated with approach behavior, guiding us toward rewards, and is related to emotions like hope and happiness. Without sufficient nurturing and positive reinforcement during childhood, the man's BAS may not be as well developed, possibly affecting his motivation and ability to pursue goals. Conversely, the BIS is related to sensitivity to punishment and avoidance behavior, influenced by emotions like fear and anxiety. Overactive BIS can lead to excessive caution or fear in new situations, potentially hindering the man's adaptability and social integration.

Lacking a socialization and support system, the man might struggle with independence and societal integration. For instance, he might have difficulty knowing how to interact in social settings, establishing trust with others, or processing his emotions effectively. With proper support and therapy, however, he could learn to cope with these challenges and develop the necessary social and emotional skills for adulthood.