Life Span Development and Personality of Michael Jackson
Life Span Development and Personality of Michael Jackson
Jesse Jackson
Psy/304
February 4, 2001
Dr. Marcy Satan
Life Span Development and Personality of Michael Jackson
Introduction
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958. Born the eighth of 10 children, Michael grew up in a working class family in a small three bedroom home in Gary, Indiana. As a child, Michael struggled with his fame. He never lived a normal childhood and throughout his adulthood he tried to recapture his lost youth. Although labeled as an outstanding entertainer and humanitarian in the world, Michael became dependent on pain medications. Scandals of child molestation and Michael’s obsession with his appearance further fueled his addiction. Overdosing on pain medication ultimately would take the life of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009.
Influences of Heredity and Environment According to Kowalski & Weston (2009), “The interaction of heredity and
environment occurs when the effect of having both genetic and environmental
vulnerabilities is different from that which would be predicted by simply adding up their
independent effects. For example, mounting evidence suggests that both genetic and
environmental factors predict later development of anxiety disorders but that the
presence of both multiplies the likelihood of disorders.” At the age of five Michael began
performing, by the age of eight he was a star. Because of his stardom, he did not live
the life of a normal child at his age. Whereas children were going to school, interacting
with other children, and playing in playgrounds, Michael’s time was spent rehearsing
and traveling around the country to perform. According to Michael he never had any
Christmas or birthday parties like normal children. The absence of a childhood caused
Michael to act in a way that was suspicious. Michael began friendships with younger
children. He had sleepovers with kids that further
Jesse Jackson
Psy/304
February 4, 2001
Dr. Marcy Satan
Life Span Development and Personality of Michael Jackson
Introduction
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958. Born the eighth of 10 children, Michael grew up in a working class family in a small three bedroom home in Gary, Indiana. As a child, Michael struggled with his fame. He never lived a normal childhood and throughout his adulthood he tried to recapture his lost youth. Although labeled as an outstanding entertainer and humanitarian in the world, Michael became dependent on pain medications. Scandals of child molestation and Michael’s obsession with his appearance further fueled his addiction. Overdosing on pain medication ultimately would take the life of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009.
Influences of Heredity and Environment According to Kowalski & Weston (2009), “The interaction of heredity and
environment occurs when the effect of having both genetic and environmental
vulnerabilities is different from that which would be predicted by simply adding up their
independent effects. For example, mounting evidence suggests that both genetic and
environmental factors predict later development of anxiety disorders but that the
presence of both multiplies the likelihood of disorders.” At the age of five Michael began
performing, by the age of eight he was a star. Because of his stardom, he did not live
the life of a normal child at his age. Whereas children were going to school, interacting
with other children, and playing in playgrounds, Michael’s time was spent rehearsing
and traveling around the country to perform. According to Michael he never had any
Christmas or birthday parties like normal children. The absence of a childhood caused
Michael to act in a way that was suspicious. Michael began friendships with younger
children. He had sleepovers with kids that further
References: Cherry, K. (2012). Identity Crisis - Theory and Research. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/identitycrisis.htm Drehle, D. V. (2009, July). Prodigy 1958-1977. Time, 0040781X(). Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2009). Psychology (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Sheppard, M. (2008, December). Social Support Use as a Parental Coping Strategy: Its Impact on Outcome of Child and Parenting Problems-A Six-Month Follow-Up. British Journal of Social Work, (2009).