Research proposal essay
Design a research intervention for a particular age group (young adults, midlifers or older adults) that
relates to one or more of the lecture topics. The intervention will be a set of activities to help individuals to
develop in a positive way.
The intervention must be aimed at a community sample, not a clinical sample. The intervention proposed will
need to be empirically and theoretically grounded in adult development research, and will need to link different
topics from the course together.
Intervention Title: "Life Lab: Cultivating Purpose and Resilience in Midlife"
Target Age Group: Midlifers (aged 40-65)
Theoretical Grounding:
This intervention draws on multiple theories of adult development:
- Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (Carstensen, 1992): In midlife, people tend to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and relationships, focusing on what truly matters. This intervention encourages participants to identify and pursue their purpose.
- Generativity Theory (Erikson, 1980): Midlife is a time for establishing a sense of generativity, contributing something meaningful to the world beyond oneself. This intervention fosters purpose-driven volunteer opportunities.
- Resilience Theory (Bonanno, 2004): People develop resilience through positive coping mechanisms and social support. This intervention incorporates mindfulness exercises and group discussions to build resilience.
- Activity 1: Icebreaker: "Defining Midlife Moments" - Participants share defining moments from their lives, fostering connection.
- Activity 2: "Life Timeline" - Participants create a timeline, reflecting on accomplishments and challenges across different life domains.
- Goal: Encourage self-reflection and identify potential areas for growth.
- Activity 1: Values Clarification Exercise - Participants identify core values using a values card sorting activity.
- Activity 2: "Purposeful Passion Project" Brainstorming - Participants brainstorm personal projects that align with their values, igniting a sense of purpose.
- Goal: Help participants understand their core values and explore purpose-driven pursuits.
- Activity 1: Guided Meditation for Stress Reduction - Participants learn basic mindfulness techniques to manage stress and enhance self-awareness.
- Activity 2: "Gratitude Jar" Creation - Participants create a jar to write down things they are grateful for, fostering a positive outlook.
- Goal: Teach practical coping mechanisms that enhance resilience and well-being.
- Activity 1: "Strengths Sharing" Discussion - Participants discuss their strengths and how they can contribute to a group.
- Activity 2: Volunteer Opportunity Exploration - Participants research and discuss local volunteer opportunities that align with their interests.
- Goal: Encourage participants to build social connections and find meaning through volunteer work.
- Activity 1: SMART Goal Setting - Participants learn to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals related to their purpose projects.
- Activity 2: "Action Partner" Matching - Participants find an accountability partner within the group for their goals.
- Goal: Equip participants with goal-setting skills and build in peer support.
- Activity 1: "Life Lab Journey" Recap - Participants share their experiences, challenges, and successes throughout the program.
- Activity 2: "Maintaining Momentum" Strategies - Brainstorm strategies for maintaining positive lifestyle changes and pursuing purpose beyond the program.
- Goal: Facilitate reflection on progress, celebrate achievements, and develop a plan for sustainable growth.
- Helping participants identify their purpose and core values.
- Equipping them with coping mechanisms for stress management.
- Encouraging social connection and volunteerism.
- Building resilience and fostering a positive outlook on life.