Intersecting Dimensions of Diversity and Psychosocial Adjustment in Older Adults

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Oct 1, 2025

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MSW 531 MODULE 4

Readings

McInnis-Dittrich, K. (2020). Social work with older adults: A biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention (5th ed.). Pearson.

· Chapter 1: The Context of Social Work Practice with Older Adults, pp 19-22

Ferraro, K., & Wilmoth, J. (Eds.) (2013). Gerontology: Perspectives and Issues (4th ed.). Springer.

· Chapter 10: Cross-Cultural and Global Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course, pp 227-242

Video From WITN Channel 22 (YouTube)

MUST WATCH AT LEAST ONE. Take notes as THIS Week’s assignment includes your review of the selected Video.

· Voices of the Elders: Stories of African Americans in Delaware – The Reverend Canon Lloyd S. Casson (40 mins) Links to an external site.

· Voices of the Elders – Stell Parker Selby (33 mins) Links to an external site.

· Voices of the Elders – James Gilliam, Sr. – August 2015 (36 mins) Links to an external site.

· Voices of the Elders – Lozelle DeLuz – December 2015 (36 mins)Links to an external site.

Guidelines : 3 pages and no greater than 4 pages, excluding title page and reference pages.

Take Two Dimensions of Diversity that Apply to Older Adults and Analyze the ways they may Intersect. How Might the Intersection of these Two Dimensions with each other and with aging affect the identity and psychosocial adjustment of older adults ?

Include at Least Two References from Peer-Reviewed journals and Two References, With Quotes, from the Video you selected to Watch from Voices of the Elders (listed in the Readings section of this module). Be sure to Identify any unsupported assertions you make as your own conclusions based on Logical Analysis and Broad Theoretical Principles. References will be from peer-reviewed journals as well as your textbooks.

Grading Criteria

Check the Complexity and Empathy with which you approach the Intersecting Dimensions of Diversity in Older Adults, your Understanding of how these Dimensions can impact Psychosocial Adjustment, the use of evidence and logical persuasion,

Criteria		Description
Intersecting Identities		Describes the intersection of two dimensions of diversity with each other and with aging, with an emphasis on the past and present treatment by society of people who live at this intersection.
Effects of Intersecting Identities		Thoroughly Analyzes how relationships among these dimensions may affect the identity and psychosocial adjustment of older adults, in both constructive and destructive ways.
Persuasiveness		Supports each assertion with evidence from the literature review and/or logical reasoning, and links assertions clearly.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for structuring and writing your MSW 531 Module 4 assignment:

1. Title Page

Include the assignment title, your name, course, module, instructor, and date.
APA formatting: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.

2. Introduction (1 paragraph)

Introduce the topic of diversity in older adults.
Briefly explain the purpose: analyzing two dimensions of diversity and how their intersection affects identity and psychosocial adjustment.
Provide a sentence framing the importance of considering both societal treatment and personal experience.

3. Select Two Dimensions of Diversity (1 paragraph)

Clearly identify the two dimensions you will focus on (e.g., race and gender, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation, cultural background and disability).
Explain why these two dimensions are particularly relevant in the context of older adults.
Include references from McInnis-Dittrich (2020) and Ferraro & Wilmoth (2013) to support your selection.

4. Intersecting Identities (1–2 paragraphs)

Analyze how the two dimensions intersect with each other and with aging.
Discuss how historical and current societal treatment impacts older adults at this intersection.
Include quotes from the selected “Voices of the Elders” video to illustrate lived experiences.
Ensure that each claim is either supported by peer-reviewed literature or is logically framed as your own analysis.

5. Effects on Identity and Psychosocial Adjustment (1–2 paragraphs)

Analyze how the intersection of these identities influences self-concept, social interactions, and mental health.
Explore both constructive effects (resilience, community support, cultural pride) and destructive effects (discrimination, marginalization, reduced access to resources).
Reference at least two peer-reviewed journal articles to support your analysis.
Use quotes from the video to reinforce real-world implications.

6. Discussion and Reflection (1 paragraph)

Reflect on your understanding of the complexity and empathy required to address intersecting identities in older adults.
Emphasize the importance of social work interventions that are culturally sensitive and holistic.

7. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Summarize the main points: intersection of dimensions, effects on identity, psychosocial adjustment, and societal influences.
Highlight the importance of theoretical knowledge combined with practical application in social work with older adults.

8. References

Include:
- Two peer-reviewed journal articles on diversity and aging
- Two quotes from the Voices of the Elders video
- McInnis-Dittrich (2020) and Ferraro & Wilmoth (2013)
Format according to APA guidelines.

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