Focusing on a specific adolescent problem behaviour (e.g., alcohol/drug use, bullying, fighting/violence, shoplifting) provide a DLC perspective of this problem. Your paper should describe the problem and its relationship to the unique conditions and developmental challenges of adolescence. You should also detail key variations in how the problem unfolds across groups (e.g., gender, early v. late starters). In addition, your paper should detail the childhood correlates (associated risk and protective factors) and the adult outcomes associated with the adolescent problem behaviour. Conclude your paper with one suggestion for an intervention that could reduce the problem in adolescence or its long-term consequences.
Your paper should be anchored in DLC theory and research. Students should apply DLC theory covered in this course (i.e., Moffitt’s dual taxonomy or Sampson & Laub’s Age-graded theory of informal social control. Agnew’s Integrated Theory of the Adolescent Peak in Offending can also be used to describe the unique conditions and developmental challenges of adolescence, if desired). You should cite at least 10 peer-reviewed articles. Criteria & Marking:
1. Is the paper clearly written? The paper should be easy to read and follow. It should have an introduction that outlines the paper topic, a conclusion that summarises the key points, follow a clear structure, stick to the topic, and should use appropriate citations and references to support claims. (5 points)
2. Does the paper cover all key elements of the assignment? It should describe the problem, its relation to the conditons of adolescence, its variation across groups, its childhood correlates and its adult consequences, and one option for intervention. I encourage the use of headings to ensure you have covered all key elements. (15 points)
3. Does the paper build on Developmental Life Course literature (i.e., theory and research)? All components of the essay should be anchored in DLC theory and research. It should use DLC theory and research to frame the problem, and use DLC theory and research to describe how the problem unfolds over time and its related correlates. It should also use DLC theory and research to inform the suggested intervention strategy. (15 points)
4. Is the paper well-written? Appropriate use of language, spelling, grammar and punctuation, keeps to word limit, uses appropriate referencing format. (5 points)