Adult Vocational Development

Week 5 – Journal assignment

Adult Vocational Development

Chapter 14 in the course textbook focuses on the value and meaning of work in adulthood. The social roles and meanings associated with work—what one does for a living or as a profession—are among the most complex and important identities associated with individuals in our society

For this journal assignment, reflect on the substance and theoretical foundation of what you have learned this week about social development, specifically in relation to work and work/life integration. Then write a reflective essay that addresses the following:

· Explain how this week’s readings inform, influence, or cast light on your personal educational and work journey.

· Reflect on how one’s work, and related practices fit into stages of development as theorized by Erikson or Maslow.

· Discuss how you would advise a younger colleague or client facing decisions in this realm.

Point Value: 4 Points

Resources to complete the assignment:

Introduction: Social Roles, Relationships, and Work

This week will focus on concepts of social roles and relationships, education, and issues relating to work and retirement throughout life, with a particular emphasis on adulthood and late adulthood. Subject matter includes, but is not limited to, play and peer groups; family, marriage, and parenting; motivation and the meaning of work; and retirement and empty nest transitions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this week, students will be able to:

1. Apply Erikson’s and Maslow’s theories of adult development to a reflection on social roles and meanings relating to work and profession. (Aligns with CLOs 1, 2, 3, 5)

2. Apply the theoretical perspectives related to work, education, and social relationships to the concept of work/life balance. (Aligns with CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4)

Required Text

Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

· Chapter 13: Social Roles and Relationships

· Chapter 14: Education, Work and Retirement

Recommended References

Gersick, C. J. G., & Kram, K. E. (2002). High-achieving women at midlife: An exploratory study. Journal of Management Inquiry, 11(2), 104-127.

Holland, J. L. (1958). A personality inventory employing occupational titles. Journal of Applied Psychology, 42, 336-342.

Infed. (n.d). Lifespan development and lifelong learning. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/lifecourse_development.htm (Links to an external site.)

National Institute of Health (NIS). (n.d.). NIH senior health. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics (Links to an external site.)  (Links to an external site.)

Ornstein, S., Cron, W. L., & Slocum, J. W. (1989). Life stage versus career stage: A comparative test of the theories of Levinson and Super. Journal of Organizational Behavior (1986-1998), 10(2), 117.

Shenk, J. W. (2009, June). What makes us happy? The Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/06/what-makes-us-happy/7439/ (Links to an external site.)

University of the Rockies. (2006). Cognitive buffers against stress (Links to an external site.) [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.

University of the Rockies. (2006). Developmental tasks of the elder years (Links to an external site.) [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.

University of the Rockies. (2006). Myths and realities of the aging adult (Links to an external site.) [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.

University of the Rockies. (2006). Social support and emotional correlates with health (Links to an external site.) [Video file]. Intelecom Online Resources Network.