Discussion 1: Developmental Challenges in Middle Adulthood
All we know about the future is that it will be different.
—The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Adulthood has a way of spurring a false sense of stability and predictability. For example, adults who have settled into a successful career and family routine often start each morning with a clear vision of what the day will bring. However, what happens when the unexpected happens? How do unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster, medical complication, car accident, layoff, an unfaithful partner, or addiction alter one’s life path and overall happiness? These are events that may lead someone to see a counselor. As such, counselors must equip themselves with a wide range of strategies and approaches that will support their adult clients as they create counseling goals and interventions.
Post by Day 3 a conceptualization of the client that you were assigned. Then, describe two developmental challenges associated with that client. Finally, describe two potential counseling goals and two interventions you could use for the client using a wellness perspective. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.
Readings
· Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
o Chapter 13, “Middle Adulthood: Cognitive, Personality, and Social Development” (review pp. 478-525)
o Chapter 14, “Living Well: Stress, Coping, and Life Satisfaction in Adulthood” (pp. 526-555)
Diehl, M., & Hay, E. L. (2010). Risk and resilience factors in coping with daily stress in adulthood: The role of age, self-concept incoherence, and personal control. Developmental Psychology, 46(5),1132–1146.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Henning, P. B. (2011). Disequilibrium, development, and resilience through adult life. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 28(5),443–454.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Ong, A. D., Bergeman, C. S., & Boker, S. M. (2009). Resilience comes of age: Defining features in later adulthood. Journal of Personality, 77(6),1777–1804.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Pufall-Jones, E., & Mistry, J. (2010). Navigating across cultures: Narrative constructions of lived experience. Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, 4(3), 151–167.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Specht, J., Egloff, B., & Schmukle, S. C. (2011). Stability and change of personality across the life course: The impact of age and major life events on mean-level and rank-order stability of the Big Five. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(4), 862–882.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Sutin, A. R., Costa, P. T., Jr., Wethington, E., & Eaton, W. (2010). Turning points and lessons learned: Stressful life events and personality trait development across middle adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 25(3), 524–533.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Buchanan, T. (n.d.). Five factor personality test. Retrieved March 10, 2013 from http://www.personalitytest.org.uk/
Media
· Laureate Education (Producer). (2013e). Middle adulthood [Video file]. Retrieved from CDN Files Database. (COUN 6215/COUN 8215/HUMN 8215)
In this week’s media, you will examine the family member aged 30–65.
Note: Please click on the following link for the transcript: Transcript (PDF).
· Laureate Education (Producer). (2013h). Perspectives: Middle adulthood [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.
This week’s presenter discusses the impacts of family, career, and sexual orientation in middle adulthood.
Accessible player –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript
