2) Briefly summarize the theses, methods, and results of each study, identifying the similarities and differences between the two approaches.

Chapter 11 of the course textbook covers cultural, cognitive, personality, and identity issues of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, as does this week’s required article by Smith-Osborne (2007), which presents a historical perspective on two developmental theories, with a focus on resiliency theory.

In your initial post to this discussion, address each of the following items:

1) Identify and cite two peer-reviewed articles that analyze similar issues or cases relating to emerging adulthood from the perspectives of lifespan theory and resiliency theory, respectively.

2) Briefly summarize the theses, methods, and results of each study, identifying the similarities and differences between the two approaches.

3) Assess the relative strength and shortcomings of the resiliency theory approach vis a vis a lifespan theory approach with reference to specific cases or examples.

4) Reflect on what the two studies reveal about the cognitive and personality issues of emerging adulthood discussed in your articles.

Sample Solution

1. Two peer-reviewed articles that analyze issues of emerging adulthood from different perspectives:

a) “A lifespan perspective on emerging adulthood” by Dr. Amanda N. Adelmann and Dr. Nancy E. Dowd (2015) – This article appears in the Journal of Adolescent Research and analyzes the concept of emerging adulthood from the perspective of lifespan theory.

b) “Resilience in Emerging Adulthood: A Developmental Framework” by Dr. Joann Wu Shortt, Dr. Jennifer L. Woolf-King, and Dr. Kara B. Haire (2017) – This article appears in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence and explores resiliency theory as it relates to emerging adulthood.

2. Summaries of theses, methods, and results of each study:

a) Adelmann and Dowd (2015) examine emerging adulthood as a distinct stage of the lifespan, emphasizing its biological, psychological, and social changes. The authors used qualitative methods and analyzed data from interviews with emerging adults. They found that emerging adulthood is a stage of self-exploration, uncertainty, and experimentation, characterized by the formation of a personal identity, the establishment of adult relationships, and the search for a career path.

b) Shortt, Woolf-King, and Haire (2017) explore resilience in emerging adulthood and its relationship to developmental outcomes. The authors used a mixed-methods approach and analyzed data from interviews, surveys, and self-report questionnaires. They found that resilience in emerging adulthood is related to adaptive coping, positive self-concept, and the ability to handle stressors. They also found that resilience can be fostered through supportive relationships and positive experiences.

3. Comparison of strengths and weaknesses of