MP510 Psychology of the Lifespan – Written Assignment – Case of Kristopher
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Paper Requirements
• Minimum four (4) pages in length, not including a title page, reference page, and the chart of
developmental factors and linkages.
• Formatted in APA style.
• A minimum of 8 in-text citations from the textbook are required + 1 additional scholarly source
• Use the textbook chapters and the Module 2 CDC links to complete the assignment.
Assignment Instructions
This purpose of this assignment is three-fold: 1) to identify risk factors and ACES, 2) to track the possible
influence of these over time by identifying associated developmental outcomes occurring in the short
and long term, and 3) to identify protective factors and signs of resilience.
The assignment has two parts. First, review the Kristopher case study and create a chart of a) risk factors,
ACES, and other concerns, b) immediate and longer developmental outcomes related to the risk factors
and ACES, and c) protective factors and evidence of resilience. Then, compose a 4-page paper identifying
additional, realistic, protective factors or supports that could positively influence Kristopher’s future
development and level of resilience.
Part 1 – Chart of Factors and Related Outcomes: When reading the following case study about 14-yearold Kristopher, keep in mind Berk (2018) chapters 1-6 and the unit discussion about childhood abuse,
neglect, and other ACEs. Starting at the beginning of Kristopher’s life, develop a table or chart identifying:
1. Risk factors and/or ACES Kristopher experienced, and other concerns you have about Kristopher’s
development.
2. More immediate and longer-term developmental outcomes (e.g., developmental delays, difficulty
progressing through Erikson’s stages, attachment difficulties) displayed by Kristopher that are
associated with the risk factors, ACES, and concerns.
3. Protective factors or signs of resilience.
Notes: A sample chart is included in the assignment. Also, be sure to link the risk factors and ACES to
more immediate and longer-term developmental outcomes. For example, consider a person who
abuses alcohol and other substances; was s/he
1. Born to parents who abuse substances;
2. Living in a home where substances are accessible;
3. Around other adults or youth modeling that usage;
4. Then, did s/he become part of a peer group that uses.
Part 2 – Paper: After constructing this chart, identify and discuss realistic protective factors that could
positively influence Kristopher’s level of resilience and future development. For example, you may want
to recommend involvement in a range of prosocial extra-curricular activities. This makes sense, but can
Kristopher’s family afford the ones you’re recommending? Will the adults be required to participate or
transport him to/from the activity? Give it some thought!
MP510 Psychology of the Lifespan – Written Assignment – Case of Kristopher
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Case of Kristopher
Kristopher is the only child born as a result of the relationship between his elderly Mexican American
father and his much younger African American mother. Kristopher’s parents were never married. His
mother began using crack cocaine shortly after her relationship with Mr. Ramirez began, and she
continued to use crack cocaine throughout her pregnancy with Kristopher. Kristopher was born drug
exposed and approximately two months premature, yet there were no major complications noted at his
birth.
Approximately three months following Kristopher’s birth, his mother began to leave the infant with Mr.
Ramirez while on drug binges for days at a time. According to Mr. Ramirez, the relationship ended when
Kristopher was six months old. “She left and she didn’t come back,” Kristopher stated. He also stated
“She left me for drugs. She liked that better than me.” Kristopher indicated that he presently sees his
mother about once a year and stated that she no longer abuses drugs. He asserted that the “past is the
past,” and that he gives little thought to their relationship history or current relationship. Mr. Ramirez
has little to no contact with Kristopher’s mother.
About three months following the termination of his relationship with Kristopher’s mother, Mr. Ramirez
described feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for the infant on his own. He also was
evicted from his apartment and subsequently sought assistance through a local Catholic Church where
he met Ms. Johanna Lopez. Ms. Lopez agreed to take Kristopher and his father into her home to assist
with the rearing of the child. The two remained in Ms. Lopez’s home for several years. Eventually, Mr.
Ramirez moved out, yet permitted Ms. Lopez to continue caring full-time for his son. Despite the new
arrangement, Mr. Ramirez was clear that he wanted to continue to be involved with the rearing of his
son.
Mr. Ramirez had frequent weekend visits with Kristopher. During those visits, however, Ms. Lopez was
concerned about Kristopher’s well-being. For example, when arriving to retrieve Kristopher she
frequently found “him outside in the street playing at 9 o’clock at night,” while Mr. Ramirez played cards
with friends. She indicated that Kristopher “always gave us problems because he was restless. I think he
[Mr. Ramirez] would get tired of him and just let him go.”
Ms. Lopez described Kristopher as a “normal” infant. However, by the age of three, Mr. Ramirez and Ms.
Lopez began to notice significant changes in his behavior. He was more temperamental and increasingly
“restless and hyperactive…his behavior was so bizarre.” Mr. Ramirez corroborated Ms. Lopez’s
observations, asserting, “There was something in his mind that wasn’t right…I would punish him, and he
would just get so mad.” He indicated that his son’s anger was typically beyond an appropriate response
for the circumstances. Commenting on the observations of his family, Kristopher asserted, “Yes. It’s
always been like that. I get mad… I scream. I yell. Maybe I throw something. But much more when I was
a little kid. I had ADHD but that’s the past. I don’t have it anymore.” Ms. Lopez gave additional examples,
such as Kristopher throwing sand at her adult neighbors, hitting children with sticks, and urinating on
children.
According to Mr. Ramirez, at four years old, Kristopher was hospitalized for two weeks to undergo
MP510 Psychology of the Lifespan – Written Assignment – Case of Kristopher
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observation due to his behavioral outbursts. Mr. Ramirez reported that Kristopher was diagnosed with
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He attributes his son’s behavioral problems to the
effects of his mother’s substance abuse. Ms. Lopez stated that Kristopher was prescribed Ritalin and the
medication was helpful in calming his behavior. However, she and Mr. Ramirez noticed that Kristopher
seemed overly sedated and, as a result, they no longer administered the medication. Although he
seemed more alert and energized, his behavioral problems reappeared.
Kristopher was hospitalized a second time at eight years of age due to “aggression.” Mr. Ramirez
acknowledged that his son was prescribed medication again; however, due to side effects of the
medication (e.g., sleeping in class) similar to those he previously experienced, the medications were no
longer administered. In comparison to his behavior while taking the medication, Mr. Ramirez stated that
Kristopher “was a little quieter…I guess I would give it to him if the doctor thinks it will help him…he’s
out of control now. But we don’t have a doctor or current prescription.”
Commenting on his prior hospitalizations, Kristopher simply stated, “The past is the past. I was sick
then.” He indicated that he did not benefit from the medication, asserting that it made him “sleepy.”
During the 2nd hospitalization, Kristopher was diagnosed with encopresis. Ms. Lopez stated that
Kristopher tended to urinate on himself in the bed and in public places. She added that there were a few
instances in which Kristopher defecated, yet she maintained that these instances were rare. Mr. Ramirez
indicated that his son had problems with bedwetting for “about 10 years…it would be once a week or
once every two weeks, but not poo poo,” despite hospital records and Ms. Lopez’s report that indicated
otherwise. Kristopher maintained that he has not had an incident of any kind since he was in the 5th
grade.
Mr. Ramirez reported that Kristopher first began counseling and therapy following his first
hospitalization as recommended. He stated, however that these services were ineffective in assisting
with Kristopher’s behavior. As a result, he and Ms. Lopez stopped bringing Kristopher to his
appointments. Kristopher also stated that the counseling sessions were not beneficial, asserting, “I need
to talk to someone who’s been in my shoes.” He acknowledged, however, that he has always had a “bad
temper…I have a split personality…Sometimes I do what I’m supposed to and then I fall off.” Kristopher
stated that he becomes particularly angry by the imposition of “rules…I don’t want to do it when you tell
me. It’s when I want to…teachers, whoever…I’m wrong sometimes but that’s the way it is.”
According to Ms. Lopez, throughout the approximately 10 years that Kristopher lived with her,
Kristopher became increasingly disobedient, destructive, and aggressive, both verbally and physically,
though she noted that the physical aggression was less frequent. She recalled an incident that occurred
in 2003 in which Kristopher threw a fish tank at her when he was 11 or 12 after she demanded that he
complete his homework. In addition to his erratic temper and propensity to act aggressively, Ms. Lopez
reported that Kristopher began to steal from her when he was about eight years old. Laughing,
Kristopher asserted, “I steal a lot. If you won’t buy me something, then I go get it myself.” Ms. Lopez
spoke of a specific incident in which then 10-year-old Kristopher stole approximately $1000 in cash.
When she confronted him, “He acted like it was nothing. Just said he wouldn’t do it again.” According to
Ms. Lopez, the first time Kristopher took her car without permission was about 3 years ago while she
slept.
MP510 Psychology of the Lifespan – Written Assignment – Case of Kristopher
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Discussing his relationship with Ms. Lopez and behavior in her home, Kristopher stated, “I don’t be
listening to her sometimes.” He indicated that they have had numerous arguments yet maintained that
he has only acted violently towards her on one occasion. “I threw the VCR and a fishbowl at her…she had
to call the police but that was a long time ago. I was in the 5th grade. I was ADHD…I’m not like that
anymore.” He acknowledged that as a child, and when angry, he frequently threw objects. Kristopher,
however maintained that he no longer engages in such behavior.
Ms. Lopez reported that about two years ago, Kristopher moved in with his father due to her changing
work schedule, though she often visits on the weekend. Mr. Ramirez acknowledged that Kristopher has
more structure while in the care of Ms. Lopez, indicating that she does not allow him to go outside to
associate with delinquent peers. He indicated, however, that he is unsure of how she was able to
accomplish this when he has significant difficulty keeping Kristopher at home. Kristopher reported that
he and his father live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, where the two share a bedroom. “He sleeps in
the bed on one side and I’m on the other.” Ms. Lopez reported that Kristopher and his father often sleep
the entire day because of Mr. Ramirez’s medical illnesses (diabetes and “heart problems”) and
Kristopher having been out all night. According to Ms. Lopez, she notified the Family and Protective
Services Department in 2004 due to the unsanitary state of the home and Mr. Ramirez’s inability to
provide for his educational needs (e.g., ensure that he attends school, assist with or ensure that
homework was completed). She stated, however, that no report was taken. Kristopher indicated that his
home is often disorderly but “It’s okay. We clean up…he [Mr. Ramirez] takes out the garbage. I do the
dishes, clean the bathroom.”
Kristopher reported that he and his father argue perhaps twice a week. He stated, “Sometimes I feel like
fighting…I would never [physically] fight with him…It’s words.” Mr. Ramirez acknowledged instances in
which he feared his son and notified the police despite Kristopher never having physically assaulted him.
Kristopher reported that they argue consistently about his failure to come home at an appropriate hour.
Mr. Ramirez stated he would like Kristopher to be in the house by 8 or 9 p.m., however, “Sometimes, I
fall asleep and then he goes out. Then I put a [pad]lock on the door so he can’t go out but the police say
it could be a fire hazard so don’t do it…but I struggle a lot with my child…I continue doing it so he won’t
leave because I fall asleep and then he just leaves.”
In terms of his education, Kristopher reported that he was never in special education nor held back,
despite his current special education status. Ms. Lopez stated that Kristopher often makes “Fs, Cs, Ds…he
would do his homework but not follow up. He couldn’t finish the work. It was hard to get him to focus.”
Unaware of his son’s classification, Mr. Ramirez reported that his son should be in special education,
though he was unable to articulate specifically why he believes this to be so. Mainly, however, Mr.
Ramirez conveyed that his child’s academic performance is poor because of his numerous suspensions
for misbehavior.
Mr. Ramirez acknowledged that his child has always had difficulty following rules and respecting adult
authority figures. When Kristopher was younger, Ms. Lopez indicated that he was often expelled from
nursery and preschool because of his misbehavior. She conveyed, however, that 5th grade marked the
most dramatic change in his school behavior despite his behavior at home. It was at that point that
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Kristopher started accumulating multiple suspensions for fighting. Kristopher maintained that, in most
instances of physical aggression, he has been provoked into fighting. Despite consistent physical
aggression in school, Kristopher stated he is primarily disciplined and/or suspended for “talking back,
goofing off in class…Saying something really dumb to make people laugh.” He acknowledged that most
of the time, “it’d be me but sometimes the staff come at me the wrong way…disrespect.” In these
situations, Kristopher stated that he is occasionally able to stop himself from becoming verbally
aggressive to prevent suspension. Nevertheless, he indicated that he has little concern for how he is
perceived and maintained that he is not going to allow “anybody, no adult, no kid to disrespect me.” He
also acknowledged that he often fails to think “at the moment” and reacts without anticipation of
consequences.
When asked to comment on his relationships with peers, Kristopher stated that he gets along with
“everybody…I’m popular.” He indicated that he views himself as “both Mexican and Black” though he
associates himself most with Latino students. Kristopher stated that he has a girlfriend of three months
who is 15 years of age. He maintained that he does not have any problems with attracting the opposite
sex. He admitted to touching his female classmates inappropriately “sometimes,” asserting that there
was one incident in which he was suspended for “smacking this girl on the ass. I heard she liked me and
when I did it, she smiled.” Kristopher stated, however, that the girl or someone who observed the
incident informed the principal and he was subsequently suspended.
Kristopher stated that he first began to use marijuana and alcohol in 2004. He reported that he smokes
marijuana and drinks alcohol “for the hell of it…I don’t need it, but I just do it.” He acknowledged that on
a few occasions, he has arrived at school intoxicated. He went on to say that, preceding his use, he is
typically thinking “about stuff I don’t like to think about…Without it, I feel distressed about life…fighting
with my dad, keep getting suspended. Making dumb choices.” He stated when thinking about these
circumstances, he feels “nervous. Like I’m tired of all this (e.g., school suspensions, fighting with father,
arrests).” He indicated that he smokes marijuana daily and predominately alone. He stated that he
typically walks around his neighborhood smoking about three “blunts” one after the other, breaks for
two or three hours, “then boom,” he begins this pattern again. With regard to alcohol, he stated that he
drinks alcohol “maybe 2 times a month…really just when there’s a party.” At one sitting, he indicated
that he will typically drink about a “fifth, really a pint. Usually a fifth if it’s me and my girlfriend.” When
he drinks, he drinks to become intoxicated yet prefers to smoke marijuana, indicating that he is not fond
of the taste of alcohol. He reported that he does not drink or smoke marijuana in his home, maintaining
that to do so would be disrespectful to his father. Mr. Ramirez is aware of his son’s marijuana and
alcohol consumption and stated that he now only gives his son enough money for “a soda or something”
due to fear that he will purchase these substances on his own.
With regard to his gang affiliation, Kristopher reported that he joined a local gang a couple of years ago
because he thought it would be “cool” and knew some of the members. According to Ms. Lopez, she
believes that Kristopher joined the gang when he was 11 years old. At that time, Kristopher would rarely
come home after school, stating that he was with Mr. Ramirez; however, Ms. Lopez stated “but I’m
almost sure he wasn’t going there.” Mr. Ramirez stated that on several occasions, the police have
brought Kristopher home after engaging in various activities with gang members.
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With regard to Kristopher’s legal involvement, he stated that he has been arrested three times for
trespassing; he is typically arrested at school for returning to campus following suspensions. He also
reported that he has been arrested 4 times for battery due to fighting with adults and students during
school and twice for taking his godmother’s (Ms. Lopez) car without permission. Lastly, Kristopher
reported that both remaining arrests were for violations of probation. He stated that he has been in
detention four times and indicated that all arrests occurred within the last year. Kristopher reported that
once he became a gang member, his behavior deteriorated further. He was unwilling to comment on his
activities with other gang members.
