Risk and Resilience
Students will select a real or fictional child or adolescent and describe how they see their risk and resilience factors interacting to influence their developmental outcome. A character from a book, movie, or television show, or a child in your personal or professional life are equally valid choices. If necessary, please adopt fictional names and remove identifying data to protect confidentiality. Use any of the theories discussed throughout the semester to describe mechanisms of growth or disruption. Highlight what you know about this individual and raise questions about missing information about the family or the social contexts. Papers should be 4-6 pages in length, double-spaced, include a cover page and appropriate citations, and be submitted in APA format. Guidelines for Risk & Resilience Paper Introduction (3 points) Briefly describe the individual, their family constellation, and their physical and mental health. What are the individual and systemic protective factors? (6 points) Describe current adaptive functioning in any domain(s) of functioning, and the adaptive resources in the multiple system(s) that may be available as assets or protective factors. What are the individual and systemic risk factors? (6 points) Describe the vulnerabilities or stressful events that pose a challenge for development in this case. What do you see as any difficulties in reaching age-appropriate milestones or psychosocial developmental tasks? (6 points) How do you see the individual’s current functioning and overall trajectory? (6 points) Where possible, link your description of the resources or difficulties to a specific theory discussed in the course (e.g., self-efficacy; attachment & loss, identity diffusion; role transition, etc.). Pick one theory to highlight a central developmental issue as you see fit for your case. Include your reflections on the overall trajectory based on the risk & resilience factors described above. Clarity of writing and APA style (for citation) 3 points
