Create and analyze a 1-2 page simulated case study of an adult with developmental challenges. Then, create a 5-7 page intervention plan based on evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in similar cases and make projections of possible long-term impacts that current challenges may produce across the individual’s remaining lifespan.
Introduction
Note: The assessments in this course follow the successive stages of lifespan development, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
Theorists and researchers focus on these phases to understand the developmental trajectories of adults:
Early adulthood, often referred to as young adulthood or emerging adulthood, is a period from 18 to 25 years, where the focus on relationships and career choice and success can become primary. Young adulthood is often understood by applying lifespan development theories that help in understanding social-emotional and career development issues that emerge in young adulthood. Examples are adult attachment theory, Holland’s personality type theory linked to career development, Super’s vocational self-concept stages, as well as Erikson’s stage of identity development.
Middle adulthood or midlife is a period where, according to developmental theory, there is evidence of growth, maintenance, and regulation of loss in various contexts such as family and work. Middle adulthood is often understood by applying lifespan development theories that help in understanding the cognitive and social development issues that emerge in midlife. Concepts of maintenance and loss as well and coping strategies linked to stress such as Hobfoll’s theory of conservation of resources (COR) are often useful. Cognitive changes are often understood in terms of fluid and crystallized intelligence. Social development is often understood in terms of Erikson’s concept of generativity.
Adulthood or late adulthood is a period when people move into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, with various challenges and losses that can define developmental trajectories. Late adulthood is often understood by applying lifespan development theories that help in understanding the gains and losses that are hallmarks of this stage of adulthood, such as the lifespan theory developed by Baltes and colleagues.
Note: The assessments in this course follow the human developmental sequence, so you are encouraged to complete them in order.
Part 1: Create the Case
Create a simulated case study, relevant to your area of specialization, of a person in early, middle, or late adulthood who presents developmental challenges that could be predicted by developmental theory and/or research.
Your case should be 1–2 pages in length and it should describe:
The person and his or her strengths and challenges.
The person’s medical, family, and social context.
The developmental challenges evident in the person’s behavior.
Individual and cultural factors that theory and/or research indicate could impact the person’s development.
Any other factors you deem appropriate based on your understanding of the theory and related research.
To develop this case, you should:
Explore through theory and research stages of adulthood development.
Develop your case by creating a challenge for the adult who is navigating through one of the three phases of adulthood. Describe what the selected adult struggles with in this phase of his or her lifespan.
Develop your case study further by creating an environmental context for the adult. Include any specific issues that you want to explore through research, such as influences of a specific culture or ethnicity, specific socioeconomic status, family structure, attachment issues, and neighborhood context.
Maintain a resource list of the materials you consulted to build your case.
Follow current APA Style and Format for style and formatting, as well as for citing your resources. Include a reference list of the scholarly resources you use.
Part 2: Adult Case Intervention Analysis
Research
Complete the following:
Research evidence-based interventions that have been effective in meeting the challenges of the adult you described in your case study, from the perspective of your own professional specialization (as far as possible).
Explain how the deficits in developmental domains or environmental contexts impact functioning.
State the recommended interventions that align with your specialization.
Include evidence for those outcomes from the professional literature.
Explore briefly the literature on earlier theories or research in the domain in which the adult has challenges, considering that early influences can impact development across the lifespan.
Explain, from the perspective of your specialization, how the earlier issues that are manifested in adulthood could be relevant.
Explain how the developmental history might help in understanding and determining an approach to working with an adult with the identified challenges.
