Developmental Paper

The developmental paper is a case study of individual developmental processes using you as the subject. This case study should be approached from a systems perspective, Looking at significant milestones in each facet of your biological, psychological, social, cultural and if significant spiritual/religious developmental history. The emphasis of this assignment is to demonstrate the ability to understand your own story of development through the application of developmental frameworks, and not on self-disclosure. This paper need not become a confessional and you should not self-disclose any information about which you are uncomfortable. 

This assignment has a direct bearing on the ethical practice of social work. Social Workers are obligated to take responsibility for their own ethical conduct, and to seek opportunities for continuous growth and self-awareness; to include clarification of personal values, and knowledge of personal development are essential to these activities. 

This assignment is not simply a narrative of your life. This is an analytical paper with a clear conceptual framework. You may discuss yourself in the third person if you wish. You will need to decide on a structure for this presentation and may draw on various developmental frameworks we have read and discussed. For example, you might use a family systems perspective to frame your discussion of your development or any of the theories we have covered throughout the semester. Comment on how risks or vulnerability and resiliency and protective factors may have influenced your development. In addition, to including Erickson’s life span development theory and attachment theory, you will select an additional theory to apply in examining your development. You can use the book and journal articles to support your points. 

Conclude the paper by addressing your decision to enter the social work profession. How does this decision relate to any of the significant features of your development within your environmental context and from a diverse perspective including race, ethnicity, culture, language, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.  What were the significant events both positive or negative that impacted you today and your decision to be a social worker. What do the aforementioned theories say about your past and present development and what can you do to continue to evolve in the person you want to become? Please utilize the following outline as you develop your paper and follow APA guidelines. 

• Cover page
• Abstract – Narrative 
• Table of contents 
• Introduction (your present self) 
o Gender, age
o Residence
o Race/Ethnicity
o Social class, economic class
o Sexual orientation
o Religious affiliation 
o Relationship status 
o Employment 
o Educational history 
o Any other pertinent information 
• Background information of you growing up (your past self) 
o Explain the historical context of the population group in the U.S. (optional) 
o Family history 
 Family composition 
 Children
 Relationships
 SES growing up
o Educational experience 
o Employment
o Relationships
o Culture 
o Any major developments (divorce, accident, trauma, achievement, milestones) 
o Special interests 
• Biopsychosocial (Erickson’s theory) 
o Developmental milestones (past & present) – do you feel you’ve reached these milestones accordingly 
 Biological 
 Psychological 
 Social
 Gender/Sex
 Racial/Cultural 
 Spiritual/Religious  
o Health behavior (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, drugs – past and present) 
 Nutrition 
 Fitness
 Recreation 
 Hobbies
o Physical health (i.e. disabilities)
• Theoretical Framework
o Utilize the 3 theories by the Professor 
 Summarize the theories 
 Applicability to your development
 How do the theories address issues of race, class, gender, sex, religion, urban cultre, etc. in your development
• Critical Analysis 
o Patterns/Milestones in your life
o Risk & Resiliency (focus on strengths perspective) 
o Role of diversity in your life
o Has the urban environment impacted your perspective 
• Conclusion 
o Assessment of what you learned 
o How have the developmental milestones impacted your decision to enter the profession 
o What do you “need” to become a better social worker 
o How do your own ethics and values impact you working with individuals from a particular background 
• References