Assignment Objective: In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to gain insights into the experiences and perspectives of a middle-aged adult regarding their current lfie. You will conduct an interview with a middle-aged individual (typically aged 40-65) and then write a 5–7-page (double spaced) paper using Microsoft Word that applies your knowledge of lifespan development concepts and theories to analyze and understand their experiences during this life stage.
Assignment Instructions:
- Find a willing middle-aged adult (between the ages of 45-65) to participate in the interview. Ensure that you maintain confidentiality and obtain their informed consent.
- Ask the following questions during the interview and take notes on their answers:
- What is your name?
- How old are you?
- What are the main priorities in your life right now?
- What is the best part about your current stage of life?
- What has been your biggest struggle in the last few years?
- What would you say is the same about life for you now in middle adulthood as it was in young adulthood?
- What would you say is different about your life now in middle adulthood? What has this adjustment been like?
- Can you describe your current work or career situation, including your responsibilities? Have you experienced any career changes, promotions, or challenges in recent years? How did you adapt to them?
- How have your relationships evolved in recent years? Have there been any changes in your significant relationships?
- How do you prioritize and maintain your physical and emotional health and well-being?
- How do you envision your retirement years and the transition to the next phase of life? Are there any specific goals or dreams you have for this upcoming phase?
- Write a 5-7 page, double-spaced paper using Microsoft Word that includes the following sections, in order:
- Cover Page (1 page) This page should include a title for your paper, your name, institution (e.g., Moorpark College), class (e.g., M07, Lifespan Development), and semester (e.g., Fall 2024).
- Introduction (1 paragraph). This paragraph should introduce the individual that you interviewed to the reader. It should also introduce three course concepts and/or theories that were covered in our course textbook as they relate to what you learned from interviewing your middle-aged adult participant.
- Record of Individual Responses (1.5- 2.5 pages) –Write the answers to the interview questions that you asked your participant. The answers can be paraphrased but they do need to be written in complete sentences.
- Analysis of Lifespan Development Concept and Theories (3 paragraphs): Provide an in-depth analysis of THREE lifespan development concepts or theories covered in class or in our textbook and clearly explain how they relate to the individual’s responses to the interview questions. Expand on concepts and include sub-concepts, if appropriate. Clearly indicate which concepts / theories you are using by boldfacing Please use a different paragraph to comprehensively explain each concept/ theory and how the observed behaviors alight with each one. For example, you might start one paragraph by saying: “During my interview with Susan, I learned that she has developed expertise in a particular niche of her career as a nurse, known as nursing oncology.” You would then finish this paragraph by explaining what expertise is, and how Susan has developed it.
- Reflection and Conclusion (1 paragraph): Reflect on the value of applying developmental theories to real-life situations. Discuss how this exercise deepened your understanding of the concepts and theories and their practical implications. Summarize your key findings and conclusions regarding the insights into middle adulthood that you learned through the interview. Conclude by emphasizing the significance of studying lifespan development theories in understanding human behavior across different stages of life, particularly middle adulthood.