In Modules/Weeks 3, 4, and 5, you will read the provided essay topic, noting carefully all the pertinent issues to address. You will then write an essay of at least 600 words, drawing information from this course, outside readings, and presentations for that module/week. The essay must be strongly supported with proper citations of 2–3 current, scholarly sources in current APA format; include a reference page at the end. These sources must be less than 10 years old. DO NOT write opinions, but support your answers to the questions with your readings.
You will first post your essay to the applicable Discussion Board Forum for the current module/week. Upon considering feedback received, you will then make any necessary revisions and submit the final essay to your instructor.
Essay 1 – Family Systems
Explain in detail (using course readings/presentations from this and the last module/week) the relationship between family systems and healthy development. How can one discern a healthy family system? What are the determining factors that distinguish healthy family systems? Discuss the effects of an unhealthy family system on development. Give details on family systems and how they affect physical (neural), emotional, spiritual, and social development. Are differing viewpoints considered, analyzed, and treated?
Essay 2 – Trauma, Development, and Spirituality
Explain in detail (using course readings/presentations from this module/week) how trauma can affect development, more specifically neural development. Discuss how spiritual development can counter the effects of trauma. What are the determining factors that lead to developmental delays when a child is exposed to trauma? Give details on the prevalence of different types of trauma and if they differ among different cultures. Are differing viewpoints considered, analyzed, and treated?
Essay 3 – Addiction in Adolescence
Explain in detail (using course readings/presentations from this module/week) the relationship between abuse and addiction in adolescence. How does abuse or addiction affect the developing brain of an adolescent? How does a healthy spiritual development affect the likelihood of use/abuse/addiction in the adolescent years? Discuss local news coverage of alcohol or drug-related stories to adolescent use in your area. Give details on the prevalence of addiction based on your readings and the news stories. Are differing viewpoints considered, analyzed, and treated?
For each essay, ensure that the conclusion contains a good summary of the issues treated and offer suggestions for further study.
