Peter is 6 years old - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2021 - Paper 2

Peter's developmental challenges may be linked to several factors:

Potential Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a developmental disorder that occurs more in boys than girls. Given Peter's difficulties with communication and interaction, he may be exhibiting signs related to autism. This condition often impairs a child's ability to understand social cues, which could lead to his problems in engaging with peers during imaginative play.

Impact of Quality Care

Research, such as the EPPE study (2004), highlights the importance of high-quality childcare in a child’s social development. Peter's mother provided full-time care, but her challenges—such as finding it hard to manage him at times—might have impacted the sensitivity and responsiveness he received. A responsive caregiver helps in forming secure attachments, which is crucial for emotional and social development.

Effects of Deprivation

Peter experienced temporary deprivation of his mother's presence when he went to the hospital. Even though she tried to visit, the absence of an attachment figure like a mother can lead to negative effects on a child's developmental outcome. This separation may have affected Peter's emotional regulation and social interactions, possibly making him more withdrawn or anxious around his peers.

In summary, Peter’s behaviour can be attributed to a combination of factors including potential autism, the quality of his caregiving environment, and the psychological impact of his early hospital stay, which likely influenced his ability to communicate and connect with other children.