Throughout this course, you have considered how factors such as biology, culture, environment, gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation influence the development of infants and young children. As this course is focused on lifespan development, you will now consider how these factors influence the development of adolescents. In addition, you will consider how adolescence introduces a new realm of developmental factors including but not limited to the following: peer relationships, social media, physical appearance, personal interests and abilities, hobbies and extracurricular activities, and socioeconomic status.

Post by Day 4 a description of what you believe is the most significant factor influencing adolescent development. Explain why you believe this is the most significant factor. Then, explain whether you perceive this influence to be positive or negative, and describe how it might impact the decisions of adolescents. Be sure to include cultural considerations in your response. Finally, describe how a counselor might apply this knowledge when supporting adolescents and their families. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.

PLEASE USE BRODERICK AND BLEWITT AS A SOURCE WITH TWO OTHER SOURCES. *Each source should be referenced*

References:

Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. Chapter 8, “Gender and Peer Relationships: Middle Childhood Through Early Adolescence” (review pp. 282-323) Chapter 9, “Physical, Cognitive, and Identity Development in Adolescence” (review pp. 324-367)
Crocetti, E., Rubini, M., Luyckx, K., & Meeus, W, (2008). Identity formation in early and middle adolescents from various ethnic groups: From three dimensions to five statuses. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37(8), 983–996.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Klimstra, T. A., Hale, W. W., III, Raaijmakers, Q. A. W., Branje, S. J. T., & Meeus, W. H. J. (2010). Identity formation in adolescence: Change or stability? Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(2), 150–162.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
McBride Murry, V., Berkel, C., Gaylord‐Harden, N. K., Copeland‐Linder, N., & Nation, M. (2011). Neighborhood poverty and adolescent development. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21(1), 114–128.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
McLean, K. C., & Breen, A. V. (2009). Processes and content of narrative identity development in adolescence: Gender and well-being. Developmental Psychology, 45(3),702–710.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Milevsky, A., Schlechter, M., Netter, S., & Keehn, D. (2007). Maternal and paternal parenting styles in adolescents: Associations with self-esteem, depression and life satisfaction. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 16(1), 39–47.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.