Discussion Board DUE TODAY 8/14

First: answer the following questions in essay form of at least one page. Why do we as counselors need to understand human development? How will it help us in our work with people?

Chapter 1 The Study of Human Development may be of help as you ponder this question. Also, you might find a video entitled “Chapter 1 Introduction to Human Development” by Jill Seiver who is a professor of psychology to be helpful. It is on Youtube and the link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juPEKWDSrz0 .

Second, read chapter 2 and answer the following questions or scenarios. One of my areas of school counseling work is coordinating with the nursing staff on our campus to support young women who are pregnant. They need guidance, support, and encouragement so that they will not give up. I tell them often, “Don’t give up your dreams. It may be harder, but you can do this.”

Chapter 2 Biological Foundations: Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth

-What are the advantages and disadvantages of using twin and adoption studies to assess the relative effects of genetic and environmental factors?

-If you were a genetic counselor helping a couple determine if their unborn child is healthy, what techniques could you use to screen for birth defects during pregnancy, starting with the least invasive technique?

-Your friend, Shannon, is pregnant for the first time and asks you about smoking cigarettes and drinking a glass of wine to unwind during her pregnancy. Her husband is concerned but cannot convince her that it is important to stop smoking and drinking, even though it is only a few cigarettes and one glass of wine per week. Offer your girlfriend a research-informed answer so that she can better understand why it is important not to smoke or drink during pregnancy.