Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Taking a Look into Intellectual Development


In class, the three stages of intellectual development have been discussed.  These three stages include: the dependence stage, the independence stage, as well as the interdependence stage.  The dependence stage is where an individual’s intellect is developed through the influence of their parents, church leaders, school teachers, television, peers, as well as through various other factors.  The independence stage is when an individual begins to take ownership of his or her own intellect.  They may begin to ask questions to learn and even take responsibility for their beliefs as well as actions.  The last stage of intellectual development is known as the interdependence stage.  In this stage, individuals share their thoughts with others and even learn about the ideas of others. 
            It is important to understand and implement the three stages of intellectual development in counseling.   An enlightening article by Haensly and Arsons emphasizes the importance of guiding individuals as they develop in these intellectual phases.  As a counselor, it is important to understand the various phases of intellectual development so that the client may be effectively guided and led into a healthy direction of intellectual growth.  In Haensly and Arsons’ article the importance of mentoring as one grows in intellect is also addresses.  This article can be found here: http://ejournals.ebsco.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/direct.asp?ArticleID=457E9F5C4E672176A815
            After taking a glimpse into the three stages of intellectual development, it became evident that they provide the individual with various insights.  These stages allow parents as well as counselors to better understand the thought processes of developing individuals.  As a result, these mentors will potentially be more equipped to help direct those seeking guidance and intellect.  Additionally, the stages of intellectual development provide a foundation for understanding the way an individuals functions.  It is beneficial to have this foundation so that individuals may be more accurately understood and thus helped in times of crisis or difficulty.

2 comments:

  1. I believe that this way of understanding an individual is very helpful when we think about our call to make disciples. As Paul mentored Timothy so are we commanded to find our Timothy and speak into lives and help grow them in the faith. Growing them in faith could be understood as helping them take responsibility for their faith and then telling others about it, becoming a Paul themselves. Great post.

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  2. It is indeed important to guide individuals as they develop and go through these stages of intellectual development. This is why I find it necessary and important to have older experienced friends or having accountability partners, for as we grow, we need others to encourage us and show us where to go. We need guidance as sometimes we feel lost. It is also our responsibility to mentor people who are younger than us as they go through these stages, and are in need of a positive example in their lives.

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