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Applying Theory

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Applying Theory
Running head: APPLYING THEORY

Applying Theory
Dinah M. Creamer
University of Washington-Tacoma
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
TSOCW402-Theodora A. Drescher
November 24, 2008

OUTLINE This paper will focus on problems commonly linked to adolescents and their formation of relationships by applying attachment theory. INTRODUCTION PART ONE: Development milestones and tasks in adolescents (ages 13 to 18 years) • Attachment experiences • Trust • Parental influences PART TWO: Adolescent Problems Regarding Attachment • Attachment disorders PART THREE: Application of Attachment Theory • Attachment theory explanation of issue occurrence at adolescent stage CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION Adolescence is a phase that human beings go through before reaching adulthood. At this point of your life, you go through exciting and dramatic physical and mental changes. I remember this period vividly. Adolescents often ask themselves questions about whether or not other kids will like them in school, will they be accepted for what they are, what is happening to their bodies and why do they feel the way they do. This research paper will apply attachment theory specifically to adolescents from ages 13 to 18 years of age. I will discuss developmental milestones and tasks, problems that arise in adolescence regarding attachment and explain how attachment impacts the development of the adolescents.

Part One: Developmental milestones and tasks in adolescents (ages 13 to 18 years)
Milestones and Tasks Developmental milestones are important tasks that most children learn or acquire that are essential for adult functioning. These milestones are critical as they attribute to their social, mental, physical and cognitive characteristics and help them for their identities. Adolescent milestones include significant physical changes. Males and females both experience a



References: Lesser, J. G., & Pope, D. S. (2007). Adolescence. In Human Behavior and the Social Environment (pp. 281-289, 448). Boston: Pearson Education. Linda Zimmerman (2000). Understanding and Treating Attachment Disorder. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives/2000/6/oe03.html McNair, J. (n.d.). The developmental tasks of adolescence. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from http://faculty.mdc.edu/jmcnair/edf314/topic/outline/RobertHavighurst.htm Meeus, W., Oosterwegel, A., & Vollebergh, W. (2002). Relations and Identity in Adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 25, 93-106. Retrieved November 1, 2008. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/science New York Attachment Center (n.d.). What is attachment disorder?. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from www.newyorkattachmentcenter.com Saisan, J., Kemp, G., Jaffe, J., Segal, J., & Hutman, S. (n.d.). Parenting and Reactive Attachment Disorder. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from www.helpguide.org/mental/parenting_bonding_reactive_attachment_disorder.htm Werner-Wilson, R. J. (2001). Attachment in Adolescence: An Agenda for Research and intervention. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from http://www.public.iastate.edu/-hd_fs.511/ Win your adolescents trust. (January 29, 2007). Retrieved November 1, 2008, from Wikihow: http://www.wikihow.com/Win-Your-Adolescent%27s-Trust

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