Case Studies

Social Work

Name

School

Date

Case Study 6.1: David’s Coming-Out Process

What are the developmental challenges for sexual minority youth, as articulated in David’s story?

Sexual minority teenagers include the bisexuals, lesbian and gay and come from various socioeconomic status and races. From the case study, David is gay and seems to struggle with the fact that he may face stigma, social rejection, and family disapproval when his family and the society discover about his status. Davis has defensive compartmentalization and tries to his sexual identity, something that impacts his normal development.

How do you think David will negotiate Erikson’s stage of identity development?

Erickson’s stages of life, identity versus role confusion stage entail a stage happening during teenage and if negotiated positively, the person will establish an identity connected to sexual identity, career choice, religion, political views, and beliefs. From the case study, I believe that David can negotiate the stage by recognizing and accepting his sexual identity with the aim of negotiating the stage successfully.

What are the important considerations for successful negotiation of these adolescent developmental tasks for sexual minority youth?

Some of the critical considerations include the defenses utilized to cope with the external and internal stressors such as stigma, compartmentalization to hide their identity and rejection. It remains important to identify the youth at risk of mental health issues and offer treatment and support.

Case Study 6.2: Carl’s Struggle for Identity

Where does Carl’s label “underachiever” come from? How has it developed over time and in context?

Carl's beliefs he is a fat boy and compares himself with other boys his age and height and observes that they weigh fifty pounds less. He thinks that he is not a sex symbol due to his weight and seems not to appreciate himself. He does not want to talk about his dad who left his mother when she got pregnant. His pizza work does not impress him, and he has turned to smoke cigarettes and weed to cope with the situation. Therefore, his underachievement attitude has developed from his childhood experiences and his teenage life.

How do peers define group labels? What are the social consequences?

It include a method of differentiating and determining individuals depending on their gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, and identity among others. It defines the procedure of giving a group or individual a title with their consent or willingness. The social consequences of group labels include discrimination, prejudice, stigma and social rejection.

Change one demographic characteristic of this case. How do you think peer group norms and subsequent labeling might change? Why?

The demographic attributes that can transform include the income level of the family. If Carle's mother can have a higher income level, his son would not supply pizzas and he would be in a position to exercise and eat well with the aim of reducing weight. His peers would view him from a different perspective.

Case Study 6.3: Monica’s Quest for Mastery

Describe Monica’s achievements. How does she feel about them? How do others feel about them?

She possess various attainments including being in leadership positions such as peer counselor, treasurers, vice president, Sunday school teacher and starter on the track team. She also comes from a wealthy family. Monica feels happy and satisfied with her achievement and aims for more achievement in the future. However, other individuals view her as extroverted, demanding, ambitious and overachiever.

What are the driving influences on Monica’s achievements and her activity choices?

She gets driven by her love for children, aims at becoming a pediatrician and wants to attend Howard University, where she desires to interact with black scholars and role models.

In what ways might Monica utilize her community of peers to improve her achievement opportunities?

She can use her friends and colleagues to get the needed support and develop a sense of accountability. She can interact with her peers to obtain more knowledge and skills which can assist her in making more decisions and can enhance her leadership roles.