ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND HOMELESSNESS

B. Presents purpose of the paper as that of examining homelessness in the context of three adult developmental stages.

II. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Middle Years

A. Describes cognitive, social, familial, vocational, spiritual changes occurring in middle years and relates these to homelessness, mental health and personality.

B. Discusses effects of homelessness generally and in relation to ethnic and gender variables.

III. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Older Years

A. Late adulthood is associated with some decline in physical, sensory and cognitive function while social changes include retirement which can be stressful if not voluntary.

B. Personality remains relatively stable but values can change.

C. The effects of homelessness are especially hard on this age group due to mental health issues and difficulties getting this group treatment; gender and ethnic variables can also play a role.

D. Spiritual inclinations can breed wisdom.

IV. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Elderly

A. The physical and intellectual declines associated with being 80 years or older are exacerbated by homelessness.

B. There are problems with research on the elderly due to many younger homeless adults looking older than their years and so being included in the elderly group.

C. Mortality is high without government services.

. . .
nducted by Plotnick, Tam and Robertson (2003), found that the McAdams Model of Personality (McAdams, 1992) showed that people with fairly good social affiliation (extroversion) were more inclined to avoid homelessness or to exit homelessness if homelessness was the result of social, financial, or familial stress. However, if they were also substance abusers, then this effect was not present. However, even if mental health issues are not present, homelessness can lead to serious mental and physical health consequences for people in their middle years. In this regard, research conducted by Hwang (2002) indicates that while there are few gender and ethnic differences in terms of the negative effects of homelessness, the situation itself is difficult and will increase mortality and morbidity in all middle aged groups. Adult Development and Homelessness in Older Mature Adults Changes associated with the older years have been discussed by Hayslip and Panek (2002) who state that while there is a great variability across individuals, there is generally some physical, sensory and cognitive decline that occurs after age 65 years. Cognitively, the degree of decline will vary depending upon several factors including health, amount of for
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1642
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)