1.

Introduction
Describe the character. Include general review of physical, cognitive, socioemotional and
multicultural information.

Endura – Small town “where nothing happens, and nothing will ever happen.”

Family Description.

2. Physical Development
Consider the ways in which the character demonstrates “normal” physical development through
the use of at least 1 peer-reviewed empirical journal article (and your text). Note any ways in
which the character does not fit the expected physical developmental milestones. (Cite these
ideas)

Gilbert -

Ernie – Down Syndrome; lucky to live until 10, still alive;

3. Cognitive Development
Consider the ways in which the character demonstrates “normal” cognitive development through
the use of at least 1 peer-reviewed empirical journal article (and your text). Note any ways in
which the character does not fit the expected cognitive developmental milestones. (Cite these
ideas)

Gilbert – no life of own, brother’s caretaker (showers, putting to bed, etc.); Avoids to talk about
dead father repeatedly (instead of brother acting out);

Ernie – “You’re shrinking…instead of getting older”; Does not measure risk (Climbs water tower
putting own life in danger, repeatedly). (Why desire to climb? Seek attention?). (Match in the
tank gas. Boom, boom?).; Dependent, though 18.; Trauma death of father; Triggers mother, huge
family problem. (Saw or knows about dad hanging himself).

4. Social Development
Based on theory and research, consider the ways in which the character demonstrates “normal”
social development with the use of at least 1 peer-reviewed empirical journal article (and your
text). Note any ways in which the character does not fit the expected social developmental
milestones. (Cite these ideas)

Gilbert – Caring for young brother; Brother could go anytime; “Sometimes want him to go, some
don’t”; Plays with him (hide and seek); Takes brother to work (grocery store); Reminds others
about his father; makes brother count to spend time with older married woman (they have
relationship); Lack of responsibility leads to brother’s life in danger. Distant to mother?; helps
kids see and make fun of mother (shame, “she’s a whale); calls mother a whale; Relationship with
older guy (role model, lackthereof?); can’t read social cues (“I can go anytime” to girl. Being
honest about not wanting to invite someone to party; not sorry when making mistakes); Wait for
mother to fall asleep

Family time movie -

 Ernie – Look up to old brother; likes girl; Attachment style? (He seems to love mother); Mother
can’t take care of him.; wants to give things to friends.;

Third sister, youngest. Oldest brother gone.

Mother used to be beautiful, now overweight. Hasn’t left home in 7 years. Authoritarian (yell at
tantrum caused by trauma); won’t allow children to choose tv shows; smokes.;

Father? Dead.

5. Identity Development
Based on theory and research, consider the ways in which the character demonstrates “normal”
identity development with the use of at least 1 peer-reviewed empirical journal article (and your
text). Note any ways in which the character does not fit the expected identity developmental
milestones. (Cite these ideas)

Ernie – Sister/mother hit him, only brother protects.

Gilbert – Unmotivated (doesn’t talk about/have own goals; when asked, no anser.); no self-
efficacy. Having to act as a father. (confort, advises, protects, teaches brother); When trauma
event, conforted brother.; 3rd out of 5 (1st gone, 2nd acts like mother). cares about external beauty;
sense of wonder?; no life of own; good listener, caring, helper;

Wants to move, but mom attached to house; Pressure to do better;

Conflict-avoidant. Emotionally withdrawn.

When finally gets to talk about desires: none for him, all for others; (except good person).

Highly reliable.

Identity based on others, therefore when made one mistake, he felt ashamed/existential crisis.
(he taught ernie that he would always defend him, ended up “hurting him”)

Existential crisis  Nowhere to go.

As he begins to heal, closer to mother. (physically, emotionally). (“you’re not a joke”)

(introduces mother to girlfriend) (“not gonna hurt you anymore, I promise”).

Learned to pursue dream while not letting go of responsibility.

Other’s think he’ll never leave.

Mother highly hurt by others leaving, proyected on Gilbert.

6. Possible Counseling Issues
Provide examples of potential counseling issues in all 6 stages of development:
a) Prenatal Development/Infancy/Early Childhood
b) Middle/Late Childhood
c) Adolescence
d) Early Adulthood
e) Middle Adulthood
f) Later Adulthood/Death, Dying, and Bereavement

* If only one of these stages are illustrated in the movie, make an educated hypothesis
about what might occur in the other stages based on your character’s presenting issues.
7. Implications for Practice
Considering the factors identified in the above sections, how would a professional counselor
incorporate the developmental theory and research in their work with this client (character)? Be
specific here. What might application of this theory and research look like in the counseling
room?
8. Personal Reflection on Development
Briefly summarize the paper. Then discuss your overall reaction to the assignment. What did you
learn about yourself and lifespan development through this assignment?