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?

Prior to completing this discussion, read the Berzonsky (2004) article and the American Psychological Association’s (2014) Tips for Acting Boldly to Change Diet and Exercise for Kids online resource, the Kersh, et. al. (2011), Moolgavkar, et. al. (2012), Peters, et. al. (2013), and Weed and McKeown (2003) peer-reviewed articles, and the Smoke Zone (2014) popular news article required for this week. Review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013), Cohen-Mansfield (2012), Ogden, et. al., (2012), Mathur, et. al. (2014), and Taber, et. al. (2012) articles to get a sense of the trends and outlooks within the areas covered in this discussion.

Public policy is often used to positively regulate behaviors that are deemed detrimental to our health and, therefore, affect our development across the lifespan. However, it is sometimes debated that public policy intrudes on an aspect of our development known as autonomy as outlined in Erikson’s Developmental Stages.

In your initial post, evaluate the unique perspectives regarding autonomy (or personal responsibility) and public policy presented in the required resources. Compare the peer-reviewed findings to the popular article findings and address the main advantages and disadvantages of each perspective as presented. Review trends related to smoking and nutrition from the past decade(s) as presented in the Cohen-Mansfield (2012), Ogden, et. al., (2012), Mathur, et. al. (2014), and Taber, et. al. (2012) articles, paying special attention to those related to children and adolescents. Describe some of the policies that have been enacted to counter the issues arising from second-hand smoke on children and adolescents. Suggest and describe public policies that might be enacted to counter the negative aspects of poor nutrition in these same groups.

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 nutrition for children and 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.