Ethics legality policies

Prior to completing this discussion, please read the American Psychological Association (2010), Peters et. al. (2013) and Weed and McKeown (2003) required articles for the week.

For your initial post, evaluate the impact of public policy in regulating behaviors that are deemed detrimental to health and, therefore, affect development across the lifespan. 

Using the Ashford University Library, research at least two peer-reviewed articles that explore trends with regard to a debated behavior, either the effects of parental smoking on children/adolescents or childhood/adolescent obesity/diet and exercise (You may use articles from the recommended resources list). Evaluate the unique scholarly perspectives found in your research. In addition, appraise some of the public policies that have been enacted to counter the issues arising from second-hand smoke or poor nutrition/exercise habits on your selected developmental period. Suggest and describe additional or alternate policies that might be enacted to counter the negative aspects of such circumstances.

Using the APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct, analyze ethical considerations in developmental psychology related to the creation and/or implementation of public policy regarding smoking bans or diet/exercise for children or adolescents.

• Is the creation of public policy necessary in this area? 
• Based on the professional standards, is the creation of such policies ethical? 

Describe how these types of policies are effective.

• In what ways do these policies enhance and/or hinder physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial development for the affected person?
• Are there equally effective self-imposed restrictions that might be used instead?
• How would you implement your suggested policy, and how would you plan to test the efficacy of the policy versus self-imposed restrictions?

Use evidence from the resources to support your statements.

Guided Response: Review several of your colleagues’ posts and respond to at least two of your peers by 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 of the week. You are encouraged to post your required replies earlier in the week to promote more meaningful and interactive discourse in this discussion.  

Critically evaluate the elements of your post and compare them to those in your classmate’s. In what ways do your suggestions differ? Based on the evidence provided, create a respectful counterargument for your classmate’s suggested policies providing a unique point-of-view and asking him or her to address these considerations. Did your classmate provide a convincing plan for implementation and testing of the suggested policy? What suggestion(s) might you offer to support the policy as described? Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7 of the week and respond to anyone who replies to your initial post.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.