6 Discussions due in 36 hours
1 – Discussion
Early Childhood Physical Development
The sensory system of the young child develops early in life. Watch the video clips Inside the Living Body and review Chapters 3, 4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 in the course textbook.
· Discuss the way in which the various sensory systems develop and how sensory development impacts a child’s perception of the world.
· Explain in your post how you might suggest a parent adjusts the home environment and social situations to allow for the infant and young child’s system to develop.
2 Discussion
Sexual Identity Development
Chapter 12 of the course textbook discusses the issues of identity development during adolescence. Based in part on the textbook readings and the 60 Minutes videos listed as Required References for this week, consider what you learned about the topic and your reaction to what you read.
In your initial post:
· Identify what you consider to be a sexual identity-related problem or issue that is of importance to you and to society and culture.
· Identify and evaluate the key positions and theoretical arguments relating to your issue.
· Include in your discussion comments on what you have learned about the reasons for differences in sexual orientation (e.g., from biological, cultural, or physiological causes).
· Ground all positions and conclusions in theory and evidence.
3 – Discussion
Cognitive Maltreatment and Neural Development
Chapter 5 of the course textbook discusses the brain development of the child in early life as well as the impact of accidents and maltreatment. The required article by Perry (2009) illustrates and defends an approach to child maltreatment based on neurodevelopmental analysis that seeks to understand and treat abuse victims with reference to the areas of the brain affected.
Based on these readings, account for or respond to each of the following in your initial post:
· Analyze the findings of the Perry study, addressing the strengths and shortcomings of the neurodevelopmental approach. Are there limits to this sort of approach, and if so, what alternative approach might add something to a neurobiological analysis?
· Offer a real life experience, alternative study, or recent news report that in some way illustrates or casts light upon Perry’s findings.
4 – Discussion
Emerging Adulthood
Chapter 11 of the course textbook covers cultural, cognitive, personality, and identity issues of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, as does this week’s required article by Smith-Osborne (2007), which presents a historical perspective on two developmental theories, with a focus on resiliency theory.
In your initial post to this discussion, address each of the following items:
· Identify and cite two peer-reviewed articles that analyze similar issues or cases relating to emerging adulthood from the perspectives of lifespan theory and resiliency theory, respectively.
· Briefly summarize the theses, methods, and results of each study, identifying the similarities and difference between the two approaches.
· Assess the relative strength and shortcomings of the resiliency theory approach vis a vis a lifespan theory approach with reference to specific cases or examples.
· Reflect on what the two studies reveal about the cognitive and personality issues of emerging adulthood discussed in your articles.
5 – Discussion
Vocational Development and Work/Life Balance
Chapters 13 and 14 in the course textbook examine the impact of social roles and professional life on adult development. In our complex world that requires us to manage multiple roles, learning how to effectively balance social roles has become increasingly challenging.
For you initial post:
· Identify and summarize what you see as two or three critically important theoretical insights drawn from the textbook readings that explain and inform work/life balance in adult emotional and social development.
· Describe and explain one best practice in your life with respect to work/life balance.
· Explain how the best practice you have identified is grounded in, or conceptually related to, one or more of the insights you identified from the readings.
6 – Discussion
Death, Dying, and Grief
The required references for this week discuss death, dying, grief, and bereavement.
In your initial post to this discussion:
· Identify an issue associated with grief at one developmental stage: childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood, or later adulthood.
· Describe a scenario in which an individual is dealing with the issue you identified.
· Explain how you would counsel the individual in the scenario you have described.
· Provide one Internet resource to help an individual or family deal with death.
Required Text
You can find more helpful items for Constellation at the following site:
Constellation: Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
Required References
American Psychological Association. (2011). Practice guidelines for LGB clients: Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.) (Skim and familiarize yourself with the 21 Guidelines for LGBT Clients.)
Colorado Community Media. (2007). Bully prevention part of District 28 teachings. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 1 [Video file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from60 Minutes 8/27/06 – Gay or Straight – Part 1 of 3 (Links to an external site.)
Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 2 [Video file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from60 Minutes 8/27/06 – Gay or Straight – Part 2 of 3 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011a, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 1 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 1 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011b, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 2 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 2 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011c, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 3 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 3 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011d, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 4 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 4 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011e, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 5 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 5 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011f, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 6 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 6 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011g, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 7 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 7 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011h, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 8 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 8 9 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011i, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 9 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 9 9 (Links to an external site.)
Perry, B. D. (2009). Examining child maltreatment through a neurodevelopmental lens: Clinical applications of the neurosequential mode of therapeutics. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 14(4), 240-255. doi: 10.1080/15325020903004350 (PsychINFO: 2009-10040-002). Full text article available at (Links to an external site.)
Smith-Osborne, A. (2007). Life span and resiliency theory: A critical review. Advances in Social Work, 8(1), 152-168. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Recommended References
American Psychological Association. (2011). Practice guidelines for LGB clients: Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.) (Skim and familiarize yourself with the 21 Guidelines for LGBT Clients.)
Arnett, J.J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480. doi: 10.1037//0003-066X.55.5.469
AssistGuide Information Services. (n.d.). Types of grief and loss. Retrieved from, (Links to an external site.)
Blogspot. (2011). The grief cycle and loss of control. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.).
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Mortality tables. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Changing Minds. (n.d.). Kubler-Ross grief cycle. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2013, Oct 31). InBrief: The science of neglect [Video file]. Retrieved fromInBrief: The Science of Neglect (Links to an external site.)
Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 3 [Video file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from60 Minutes 8/27/06 – Gay or Straight – Part 3 of 3 (Links to an external site.)
Gersick, C. J. G., & Kram, K. E. (2002). High-achieving women at midlife: An exploratory study. Journal of Management Inquiry, 11(2), 104-127.
Holland, J. L. (1958). A personality inventory employing occupational titles. Journal of Applied Psychology, 42, 336-342.
Infed. (n.d). Lifespan development and lifelong learning. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Complicated grief. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Mercer, J. (2011). Attachment theory and its vicissitudes: Toward an updated theory. Theory Psychology, 21(25), 25-45. doi: 10.1177/0959354309356136 (Available through SAGE Journals).
Meridian Education Corporation. (2006). Taking a stand: The bullying prevention series. [Pdf file]. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Moules, N. J., Simonson, K., Fleiszer, A. R., Prins, M., & Glasgow, B. (2007). The soul of sorrow work. Journal of Family Nursing, 13(1), 117-141.
National Institute of Health (NIS). (n.d.). NIH senior health. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Ornstein, S., Cron, W. L., & Slocum, J. W. (1989). Life stage versus career stage: A comparative test of the theories of Levinson and Super. Journal of Organizational Behavior (1986-1998), 10(2), 117.
Shenk, J. W. (2009, June). What makes us happy? The Atlantic. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)
Siegel, D. J. (2004). Attachment and self-understanding: Parenting with the brain in mind. Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology and Health, 18(4), 273-285.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Cognitive buffers against stress [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Developmental tasks of the elder years [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Myths and realities of the aging adult [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Observational learning: The research of Albert Bandura. [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Social support and emotional correlates with health [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
University of the Rockies. (2006). Use of reinforcements and punishment in shaping a child’s behavior. [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.
