COUC 502 BENCHMARK PAPER: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIE

COUC 502
BENCHMARK PAPER: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this paper is for you to demonstrate your ability to apply a working knowledge of
the theories, terminology, and concepts of human growth and development. You will discuss your
own development over your lifetime and how it relates to the developmental concepts discussed
throughout this course. You will analyze your life as it relates to the key aspects of human growth
and development. What are key developmental times in your life and the influencing factors that
led to who you are today?
INSTRUCTIONS
You will incorporate your empirical studies related to your chosen developmental aspect of your
life. Also, use the course readings or presentations to support what you propose about your own
development in your paper. Depending on your life and the influences, there may be more
attention placed during one period of time. You are encouraged to glean information from your
mother about her pregnancy with you to see if there were any notable issues during that time.
Remember to include your spiritual development with applicable research.
 The body of the paper must be 8–10 pages
o Excluding the title page, abstract, and reference page
 Please adhere to current APA format.
 You must include 8–10 peer-reviewed, relevant sources in your paper.
o At least 7 of the sources must be empirical articles.
 The sources must be less than 10 years old unless any of the citations are linked to an
author whose work is seminal to your topic.
In addition, obtain as much information as you can about any significant events in your early
childhood years. How did you do in those key developmental years? Did you approach all
developmental milestones with ease, or were there challenges? Since this is a comprehensive
paper, you will address your development across your lifespan.
Finally, you will conclude your paper by addressing any current lifestyle behaviors that may
influence your aging process. You will address these issues, how they will affect your aging
process, and what you plan to do about it. Your conclusion must offer suggestions for further
study.
Note: Submit your paper in the course and in Tevera/LiveText:
 If you are a School Counseling student, please submit to LiveText.
 If you are a Clinical Mental Health/Professional Counseling student, please submit to
Tevera.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
Personal Notes attached
Book: Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., & Hernandez, L. W. (2020). Counseling individuals through the lifespan. Sage Publications.