SOCW 6210 Week 10 Discussions

SOCW 6210 Week 10 Discussions

Discussion: Theories of Life-Span Development

Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016) stated, “We need theories to guide our thinking and our work so that we may undertake research-informed practice” (p. 127-128). At the same time, the authors asserted, “No theory will be perfectly applicable. Perhaps you will decide that only one or two concepts make any sense to you in terms of working with clients” (p. 128). Though you may be able to apply only a few concepts in a particular theory to your work with clients, as a social worker, you should be applying evidence-based research to your work. Empirically-based developmental theories may guide you as you assess clients and their presenting problems. You may also apply developmental theories to your treatment decisions.

For this Assignment, you discuss theories of life-span development by evaluating a theory that seems especially relevant to you and your role as a social worker. Select a theory of life-span development to address in this Discussion. This may be a theory described in the resources of this course, or you may select a theory based on personal research. Locate at least one scholarly resource (not included in the course resources) that addresses the theory you selected.

By Day 3

Post a Discussion in which you analyze the theory of life-span development that you selected. Summarize the theory; then, identify the strengths and weaknesses of this theory, especially as it relates to social work practice. Explain one way you might apply the theory to your social work practice.

Assignment: Life Span Interview

Throughout the HSBE I and II courses, you have explored the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of different phases of the human life span. You have explored life-span development theories that help to explain human behavior. You also have considered how the social environment influences individuals and their behavior. Gathering facts about a client’s life span through the interview process is an important social work skill. This week, you practice this skill by interviewing an older adult using the questions in the Life Span Interview document available in this week’s resources. For this week’s Assignment you transform your interview notes into a narrative—that is, a life story—of the older adult ¬you interviewed. You interweave within this narrative an analysis of the life story by applying person and the environment concepts to your understanding and interpretation of that story. By Day 7 Submit a 3- to 5-page paper in which you provide a narrative analysis of the Life Span Interview you completed. The paper should: • Provide a chronological history of the individual’s major life experiences. o Identify specific biological, psychological and sociological influences that shaped the individual’s experience. • Analyze the individual’s experiences by applying theory and concepts learned throughout both HBSE courses. • Provide your reflection of the experience, both in interviewing the individual and analyzing their narrative. • Explain what you learned and how you will apply this to future social work practice. Support your Assignment with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Theories of Life-Span Development

Introduction

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, aging, and the entire lifespan. Theories of lifespan development are numerous and varied. In this blog post, we will explore five such theories: Psychoanalytic theory, Cognitive-developmental theory, Erikson’s psychosocial theory, Social learning theory, and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.

Developmental Theories

The life-span development theories are those that focus on the way in which individuals develop and change over the course of their lives. These theories take a number of different approaches, but all share a common focus on the individual’s experience of development.

One of the most influential life-span development theories is Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This theory argues that individuals go through a series of eight stages of development, each characterized by a different conflict or challenge that must be resolved. According to Erikson, these challenges must be successfully navigated in order for an individual to develop properly.

Another prominent life-span development theory is Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. This theory focuses on the way in which individuals acquire and use knowledge throughout their lives. Piaget believed that children think differently than adults and proposed a series of four distinct stages of cognitive development that people go through as they age.

Finally, Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of human development is also worth mentioning. This theory emphasizes the role that culture and society play in shaping an individual’s development. Vygotsky believed that children learn best through social interaction and that they internalize the norms and values of their culture as they grow older.

Stages of Life-Span Development

Theories of lifespan development attempt to explain how and why people change as they age. These theories focus on different aspects of development, such as physical, cognitive, or social changes.

Stage theories are one type of lifespan development theory. These theories divide the lifespan into distinct stages, with each stage characterized by different tasks or challenges that must be met. For example, Erik Erikson’s theory identifies eight stages of development, each associated with a different crisis that must be resolved.

Another type of theory is continuous growth theory, which views development as a gradual and incremental process. This type of theory is represented by James Marcia’s model of identity development, which describes four stages of identity formation: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement.

Finally, there are also biological theories of lifespan development that focus on the role of genetics and physiological changes in aging. Examples include Telomere Theory and Disuse atrophy Theory.

Factors Affecting Life-Span Development

Theories of life-span development suggest that there are a number of factors that can affect how long an individual lives. These include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

Some experts believe that genetics play the biggest role in determining lifespan. Studies of twins have shown that genetics may account for as much as 80 percent of the variation in lifespan between individuals. This means that things like family history and ethnicity can play a role in how long someone lives.

Lifestyle choices can also have a significant impact on lifespan. People who smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or don’t exercise regularly are more likely to die prematurely than those who live healthier lifestyles. diet and obesity are also thought to be major contributing factors to early death.

Finally, environmental factors can also play a role in lifespan. Exposure to toxins and pollutants has been linked to shorter lifespans, as has living in areas with high levels of crime or poverty.

Conclusion

Theories of life-span development are important for understanding how humans change and grow over the course of their lives. These theories can help us to better understand the aging process and how to optimize our health as we age. While there is still much to learn about human development, these theories provide a framework for further study.