Coun 6215 Week 6 discussion

Coun 6215 Week 6 discussion

Factors Influencing Adolescent Development

Throughout this course, you have considered how factors such as biology, culture, environment, gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation influence the development of infants and young children. As this course is focused on lifespan development, you will now consider how these factors influence the development of adolescents. In addition, you will consider how adolescence introduces a new realm of developmental factors including but not limited to the following: peer relationships, social media, physical appearance, personal interests and abilities, hobbies and extracurricular activities, and socioeconomic status.

Post a description of what you believe is the most significant factor influencing adolescent development. Explain why you believe this is the most significant factor. Then, explain whether you perceive this influence to be positive or negative, and describe how it might impact the decisions of adolescents. Be sure to include cultural considerations in your response. Finally, describe how a counselor might apply this knowledge when supporting adolescents and their families. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.

Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

• Chapter 8, “Gender and Peer Relationships: Middle Childhood Through Early Adolescence” (review pp. 282-323)
• Chapter 9, “Physical, Cognitive, and Identity Development in Adolescence” (review pp. 324-367)

• McLean, K. C., & Breen, A. V. (2009). Processes and content of narrative identity development in adolescence: Gender and well-being. Developmental Psychology, 45(3),702–710.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.