no plagiarize, spell check, and check your grammar. Please only use the attached below. Only 250 words.
compare and contrast your respective choices of literature, issues/cases, and theoretical approaches. Offer constructive criticism and argument regarding your respective conclusions. Additionally, identify any insights you have gained as a result of reading the responses of others.
In a study conducted by Clingempeel & Henggeeler (2003), juvenile offenders transitioning into emerging adulthood were assessed. Of the group that was studied, they were classified into two groups: persistors or desistors. The goal of the study was to assess aggressive and substance-abusing juvenile offenders and determine possible risk and protective factors. In addition, they sought to assess who would persist or desist behaviors of aggression and violence five years later and to assess the differences between groups as they transition and adjust to emerging adulthood stages. The original sample included 118 middle adolescents and were screened to assure they met the diagnostic criteria for the study. The design of the study required adolescents and their families to participate in a randomized clinical trial that assessed the efficacy of community organizations for aggressive individuals. Various measures assessed included peer relationships, substance use, mother-adolescent relationships, and psychopathology. The results indicated that desistors showed greater resilience than desistors as they entered emerging adulthood and also exhibited more adaptive functioning.
Alternatively, a study conducted by Finan, Ohannessian, & Gordon (2018) sought to explore the implications of depressive symptoms from adolescence into emerging adulthood stages. They specifically hypothesized if symptoms could be eradicated according to external factors such as parental communication and sibling relationships in both female and male participants. The study was required individuals to fill out self-report surveys administered by research staff in a variety of schools. The study began in 2007 and occurred again in 2008 and 2009 using the same study protocols. An additional collection of data occurred in 2014 when participants moved into the emerging adult phase. Results of the study indicated that depressive symptoms in this targeted age group have different implications for males and females. Female identifying individuals relate depressive symptoms to familial and other interpersonal relationships. Females noted a decrease in symptoms when mother-daughter relations were stable whereas for men it was related to father-son relationships. In addition, sibling hostility was a more notable factor for boys and not for girls.
Of the aforementioned studies, each approach has validity for the study approached. Both works to assess characteristics and symptoms of juveniles moving into emerging adulthood and both address external factors that have influence on symptoms listed. Another commonality is that both assess the influence of family and peers in support of whatever the individual is struggling with. A significant difference I see between the two studies is that the latter used self-survey methods whereas the first study conducted interviews in person. I am curious if there would be differences in outcomes had the group with depressive symptoms been given interviews in person and if different or more expanded data might have been collected.
Lifespan theory has historically been criticized as not having enough empirical evidence to back it up, whereas resiliency theory has more notable empirical findings. The strength of lifespan theory is its ability to be utilized in relationship to developmental theories. Smith-Osborne notes a study conducted on adult development show relevant empirical support for various lifespan concepts (2007). Resiliency theory has shown to have significant implications for usage in the field of social work (Smith-Osborne, 2007). In addition, resiliency theory has a stronger basis for empirical findings. However, Smith-Osborne further notes the limitation of resiliency theory in that it is relatable primarily to groups that are working to overcome adversity such as trauma, stress, or minority stress.
In the two articles discussed, there are significant implications for cognitive and personality development that should be addressed. Juveniles who are on probation for aggressive behavior as well as those experiencing depressive symptoms exhibit symptoms relevant to transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Transition stress exists in both of these study populations and further relates to personality development as well as cognitive development.
References
Smith-Osborne, A. (2007). Life span and resiliency theory: A critical review. Advances in Social Work, 8(1), 152-168. Retrieved from http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsoci… (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
Finan, L. J., Ohannessian, C. M., & Gordon, M. S. (2018). Trajectories of depressive symptoms from adolescence to emerging adulthood: The influence of parents, peers, and siblings. Developmental Psychology, 54(8), 1555-1567. doi:http://dx.doi.org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1…
