Overview
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescents face cultural and social developmental factors in addition to physical and cognitive development. As adolescents develop their identity and work toward the skills needed for adulthood, conflict can arise and mental health can be challenged. Adolescence is a time in life marked by increasing independence, reliance on peer relationships, engagement in risk-taking behavior, and growth in many skills. The many unique environments and people around the adolescent significantly influence their path forward. Parents, peers, teachers, school, community, and culture set the backdrop for this time of active growth and development. Such contexts influence an adolescent's beliefs, identities, and values as they prepare to embark upon adulthood. In Assessment 2, you'll use the case studies on three adolescents to explore how individual factors can influence development and relationships.
PREPARATION:
Before you begin writing your paper, please complete the following:
- Read the Case Studies [DOCX] for Kevin, Paula, and Luis. Use the scenario provided to serve as the foundation for your paper.
- In your reading list, read Dunn et al.'s (2022) article, "Early adolescents' social goals in peer conflict situations: A mixed methods study."
- Located in the Assessment Resources reading list.
- Use the Capella Library to find one additional scholarly article.
- Review the Case Studies Paper Template [DOCX]. You will use this template to write your paper.
INSTRUCTIONS:
In your paper, include the following.
- Describe development for each adolescent in the case studies, using psychological terminology and concepts.
- Describe research from one provided article, and one additional scholarly article found on your own.
- Theory.
- Hypothesis.
- Variables.
- Independent variable (for Dunn et al.'s (2022) article only).
- Dependent variable (for Dunn et al.'s (2022) article only).
- Findings.
- Describe for each case study the following topics, as they influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others.
- Individual Differences.
- Social Identity.
- Worldview.
Note: It's recommended that you use the Case Studies Paper Template [DOCX] for this assessment. It will make writing the paper much easier.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Communication: Apply critical thinking and communication skills concerning adolescent psychology in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful.
- Font: Times New Roman, no larger than 12-point font.
- Organization: Your paper should be well organized and written in clear, succinct language.
- Grammar: Your paper should be free of grammar and punctuation errors that would distract the reader's understanding of the content.
- Length: 3–5 pages, in addition to a reference page.
- Resources: Include at least two peer-reviewed journal articles (including the one provided for you) and your textbook. Cite these sources in your paper and list on your reference page.
- APA: Follow APA style rules for citing sources. Refer to Evidence and APA Citationfor more information on how to cite your sources.
Review the scoring rubric before submitting your assessment to ensure that you meet all criteria.
SOURCES:
The following chapters describe theories and concepts related to adolescent development. The adolescent years encompass approximately ages 12–18 with emerging adulthood lasting up through about age 25. These are years of significant growth and development, sandwiched between childhood and adulthood. Review the chapters below to learn more about these formative years of life.
- Arnett, J. J., & Jensen, L. A. (2025). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: A cultural approach (7th ed.). Pearson. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
- Chapter 2, "Biological Foundations."
- Chapter 3, "Cognitive Foundations."
- Chapter 4, "Cultural Beliefs."
- Chapter 5, "Gender."
- Chapter 6, "The Self."
- Chapter 7, "Family Relationships."
- Chapter 8, "Friends and Peers."
- Chapter 9, "Love and Sexuality."
- Chapter 11, “Work.”
- Chapter 13, "Problems and Resilience."
- In your Assessment Resources reading list, read Dunn et al.'s (2022) article, "Early adolescents' social goals in peer conflict situations: A mixed methods study."
GRADING COMPETENCIES:
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Apply key concepts, principles, and themes in adolescent development.
- Describe development of each adolescent using psychological terminology and concepts.
- Competency 2: Describe basic psychological research.
- Describe research methods used in a scholarly article.
- Competency 3: Describe how individual differences, social identity, and worldview may influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others.
- Describe individual differences, social identity, and worldview as they influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others.
- Competency 4: Use project management skills.
- Demonstrate project management skills by following assessment directions.
- Competency 5: Write using a clear purpose, organization, tone, and sentence structure.
- Use APA style citations and references while attempting a reference list.
- Create a text in the third person, adhering to conventions of academic tone.