Required Readings

Blume, L. B., & Zembar, M. J. (2007). Middle childhood to middle adolescence. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson [Vital Source e-reader].
Chapter 10, “Affective Development in Middle Adolescence”In this chapter, the author describes how personality, self-understanding, and emotional competence develop during middle adolescence. Focus on the different ways in which identity develops during middle adolescence.
Chapter 11, “Social Development in Middle Adolescence”This chapter provides an overview of how adolescents’ relationships with friends, romantic partners, and family members typically develop. Focus on the role that attachment plays in the way adolescents interact with others, as well as factors that influence gender and sexual identity formation.
Chapter 12, “Beyond Middle Adolescence: Emerging Adulthood”In this chapter, the author defines and describes emerging adulthood. Focus on how the definition of adulthood has changed throughout history, and the developmental milestones and theoretical perspectives that characterize emerging adulthood.

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Understanding the Adolescent Brain, Part 2 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.

In this video, Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang discusses the relationship between the brain and the emotional development of adolescents. Focus on possible links between brain activity and emotional reactions and regulation.

Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload Audio

This week, you considered the affective and social changes that take place during middle adolescence, as well as the transition that occurs between adolescence and adulthood. As the author of your textbook points out, emerging adulthood is a relatively new term for the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood. In this Discussion, you will consider what emerging adulthood encompasses, and whether or not it is truly a distinct phase of development. Reflect on the following:

• What, in your opinion, constitutes emerging adulthood?
• Are there specific physical, cognitive, affective, and/or social changes that you feel can be accurately classified as milestones of emerging adulthood? Why or why not?
• Do you think that emerging adulthood is a distinct phase, or is it merely an extension of adolescence or early adulthood? Why?

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

By Day 3

Post a description of your thoughts on whether or not emerging adulthood is a distinct phase, and explain why. Be sure to consider physical, cognitive, affective, and social developmental milestones in your response.