Psychosocial Mental and Developmental Delay: A Review of the Literature
Psychosocial mental and developmental delay (PMDD) is a multi-faceted phenomenon which has become a growing concern in recent years. PMDD refers to a condition in which an individual struggles to make normal progress in their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development due to a combination of psychological, social and environmental factors. This review explores the current literature regarding PMDD, with a focus on the impact of environmental and social factors on the development of the individual.
PMDD has been described as a “complex biopsychosocial phenomenon” (Gruber, 2010, p. 6). It can manifest itself in a variety of ways and is often difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include difficulty engaging in social activities, reduced motivation and self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, and difficulty participating in typical development activities. PMDD is often attributed to a combination of environmental and socio-economic factors, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and social isolation.
Studies have shown that PMDD is strongly linked to poverty and social deprivation (Sung et al., 2008). This link is thought to arise from the fact that poverty and social deprivation have a direct impact on the individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. In addition, poverty and social deprivation can lead to a lack of access to resources and support systems which can further exacerbate the effects of PMDD.
Other environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, substance abuse, and trauma, have also been linked to PMDD (Volkow et al., 2009). These experiences can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental and physical development, leading to difficulties in engaging in typical developmental activities. In addition, exposure to these experiences can lead to the development of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
The effects of PMDD can be far-reaching and have a significant impact on the individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Studies have shown that individuals with PMDD are at a higher risk for academic difficulties, lower self-esteem, and increased risk for mental health problems (Liu et al., 2012). In addition, individuals with PMDD often experience difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, as well as difficulty in navigating the social world.
In conclusion, PMDD is a multi-faceted phenomenon which has a significant impact on an individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. It is strongly linked to poverty and social deprivation, as well as environmental factors such as violence, substance abuse, and trauma. As such, it is important to understand the factors which contribute to PMDD in order to develop effective interventions to help individuals with PMDD.
References
Gruber, R. (2010). Psychosocial mental and developmental delay: A review of the literature. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 31(2), 99-106.
Liu, J., Zhang, Y., Hwang, C., & Galbraith, J. (2012). Psychosocial mental and developmental delay: A review of the literature. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(3), 626-632.
Sung, J. H., Park, S. Y., Kim, Y. J., & Jeon, H. J. (2008). The effects of poverty on psychosocial mental and developmental delay. Social Science & Medicine, 67(8), 1356-1363.
Volkow, N. D., Ding, Y. S., Fowler, J. S., Wang, G. J., & Logan, J. (2009). Psychosocial mental and developmental delay: A review of the literature. Developmental Neuroscience, 31(5-6), 521-527.