Discussion: Theories of Human Development Across the Life Span

Discussion: Theories of Human Development Across the Life Span

As a social worker, you will never have the privilege of seeing a client grow and evolve over the entire length of their life. Even if you do work with a client for a long time, you won’t witness their evolution firsthand; rather, the client will convey to you what they are experiencing. For the purposes of the HBSE I and II courses, though, you have gotten this front-row seat into someone else’s life. You have seen Ray navigate hardship in childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and now later adulthood. You have seen him find a sense of joy and meaning.

Through Ray’s case, you can refine your application of human development theories in the context of an aging client who has lived a full life. For this Discussion, you do just that, selecting a theory and examining how it illuminates Ray’s life.

To Prepare:

• Review the case of Ray, as presented in animated videos      throughout this course and HBSE I. Consider the trajectory of Ray’s life,      key life events, and his biological, psychological, social, and spiritual      development. Select one area of his life on which to focus your post.
• Select a theory of human development throughout the      life span to apply to Ray’s experience. This may be a theory described in      this or other weeks’ Learning Resources, or you may select a theory based      on personal research.

By 02/02/2021
 

Post your application of a theory of human development to Ray’s life. How does the theory deepen your understanding of Ray’s experience? How might this application of theory assist you as a social worker engaging with Ray? Finally, what does Ray’s example tell you about the human spirit, resiliency, and the capacity to evolve?

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Required Readings

Hutchison, E. D. (2019). An update on the relevance of the life course perspective for social work. Families in Society, 100(4), 351–366. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044389419873240

Smith-Osborne, A. (2007). Life span and resiliency theory: A critical review. Advances in Social Work, 8(1), 152–168. https://doi.org/10.18060/138

Zacher, H., & Froidevaux, A. (2021). Life stage, lifespan, and life course perspectives on vocational behavior and development: A theoretical framework, review, and research agenda. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103476

Document: Life Span Interview (PDF)

Required Media

Meet Ray: Age 69 to 87

Time Estimate: 2 minutes

Transcript – Meet Ray: Age 69 to 87 [PDF]

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Theories of human development [Interactive media]. https://class.waldenu.edu

Follow Rubric

Initial Posting: Content

14.85 (49.5%) – 16.5 (55%)

Initial posting thoroughly responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt. Posting demonstrates excellent understanding of the material presented in the Learning Resources, as well as ability to apply the material. Posting demonstrates exemplary critical thinking and reflection, as well as analysis of the weekly Learning Resources. Specific and relevant examples and evidence from at least two of the Learning Resources and other scholarly sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint.

Follow-Up Response Postings: Content

6.75 (22.5%) – 7.5 (25%)

Student thoroughly addresses all parts of the response prompt. Student responds to at least two colleagues in a meaningful, respectful manner that promotes further inquiry and extends the conversation. Response presents original ideas not already discussed, asks stimulating questions, and further supports with evidence from assigned readings. Post is substantive in both length (75–100 words) and depth of ideas presented.

Readability of Postings

5.4 (18%) – 6 (20%)

Initial and response posts are clear and coherent. Few if any (less than 2) writing errors are made. Student writes with exemplary grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation to convey their message.