Overview

Early childhood begins at the end of toddlerhood, at approximately age two, and continues until middle childhood begins with formal school entry at age five or six. During this period, there are greater changes in cognitive development than any other period of life. At the same time, family relationships provide children with their earliest social experiences. Attachment patterns developed in early childhood influence an individual’s ability to successfully develop and maintain peer and adult relationships throughout the lifespan. For this assignment, you will apply the concepts you’ve learned to an analysis of a case study dealing with adolescence or emerging adulthood.

Preparation

· If you haven’t done so, choose one of the following case studies from your Broderick and Blewitt text to analyze the developmental and contextual issues related to the selected case. Each case study includes a set of questions that can guide your analysis of the pertinent issues for the particular case.

· Mark Spencer, page 424.

· Angela, page 458.

· If you didn’t finish your research last week, use the 
Capella University Library
Links to an external site.
 to find peer-reviewed articles. If you’re unfamiliar with the library, the “Finding Articles” section of the 
Master’s in Psychology Research Guide
Links to an external site.
 is a great place to start your search. You must include at least five properly cited resources.

Instructions

The case study analysis should be a maximum of six pages, including the introduction and conclusion, each of which should be approximately one-half page.
The body of the paper should not exceed five pages.

Organize your paper as follows, including headings for each section:

· Title Page.

· Introduction: Include an overview of the contents, with a brief summary and background information on the case study.

· Case Study Analysis:

· Presenting Challenges: Explain the presenting challenge or challenges and primary issue or issues.

· Lifespan Theory: Analyze lifespan development theories to determine the most appropriate theory or theories to apply to the case study.

· Intervention Process: Apply the appropriate lifespan development theory to support an identified intervention process.

· Individual and Cultural Differences: Describe the potential impact of individual and cultural differences on development for the current age and context described in the case study.

· Conclusion: Summarize the case study context, challenges, and interventions.

· References: Cite in current APA format at least five peer-reviewed articles in addition to the course text as needed to support your assertions.

Additional Requirements

· Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

· APA formatting: References and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and format. See 
Evidence and APA
Links to an external site.
.

· Number of references: Your paper should include at least five properly cited peer-reviewed articles in addition to the textbook in which the case study is embedded.

· Length: 5–6 double-spaced pages of content in addition to the title page and reference page.

· Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points.

Refer to the rubric to ensure you meet the grading criteria for this assignment.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

· Competency 1: Analyze how lifespan development theories and related research explain aspects of human growth and behavior at different ages.

· Analyze lifespan development theories to determine the most appropriate theory or theories to apply to the case study.

· Competency 2: Assess the potential impact of individual and cultural differences on development across the lifespan.

· Describe the potential impact of individual and cultural differences on development for the current age and context described in the case study.

· Competency 3: Identify evidence-based interventions to address specific developmental issues.

· Apply the appropriate lifespan development theory to support an identified intervention process.

· Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.

· Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.

· Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.