Developmental Theories

Question 1

Prepare: Prior to completing this discussion question, watch the TED video titled “Martin Seligman: The New Era of Positive Psychology .” and read this excerpt . from Dr. Seligman’s book titled Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being from his website, Authentic Happiness. In addition, read the National Organization for Human Services’ Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals. 

Reflect: Building upon a client’s unique strengths and resources is a common approach in the fields of social work and human services. In this first discussion forum for the week, you will reflect upon a particular concept-positive psychology-and consider its application to a particular problem area with a client. Consider the essential aims of the Positive Psychology movement and Dr. Seligman’s evolving perspectives on happiness and well-being.

Write: Imagine that you are a human services professional working with a client facing a challenge or situation.. Choose the challenge or situation that this client might face and summarize the presenting challenge(s) and needs. Considering the challenge or situation faced by your client, explain how you would utilize the Positive Psychology approach. Analyze cultural competence elements, as identified in the National Organization for Human Services’ Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals, that direct practice professionals should integrate in the successful delivery of this technique (e.g., awareness of one’s own cultural background, recognition of multiculturalism, respecting cultural diversity, etc.).

Question 2

1.

• What are the similarities and differences between a stage and a nonstage theory?
• How do both types of developmental theories help us gain a deeper understanding of how people develop?
• Do you think, from your experiences and observations, that people tend to develop in somewhat distinct stages, or gradually over time?

Part 2

• Choose two lifespan development research designs, then compare and contrast their strengths and weaknesses.
• Provide an example of a study in lifespan development that would be appropriate for the two types of designs you selected.
• Discuss how these two types of designs help advance our knowledge about human development