The student’s ability to:unpack and demonstrate their understanding of a case, and to apply a theoretical approach and literature to better understand and make sense of a case will be assessed. Furthermore, the student’s ability to demonstrate their engagement in critical thinking, in following a logical decision-making process, in reflecting and evaluating potential solutions to the given dilemmas, and in applying their knowledge to propose potential solutions will be assessed.
Examine the following Case Study of Sascha
Sascha is a 40-year-old woman who was initially referred to therapy to work through her anxiety and depression. In the first consultation, she indicates that she believes her instability in mood is triggered by her difficulty in sustaining relationships. She reports that she no longer feels fulfilled in her current relationship and that she would like to be with someone who is less emotionally distant. She also reports that she doesn’t seem to have a strong sense of who she is and she is struggling with her self-identity.
She reports during your session with her that she is the youngest of three children, with her older brother being the golden child in the family, and successful in business, whilst her older sister is very hard working. She further reports that her father was an alcoholic who was mostly absent from home and rather engaged in hobbies and activities that centred around his drinking. When he was at home he was verbally and physically abusive and the entire family had to eggshell around him. Her mother was completely emotionally absent as she was focused on her father’s needs.
Sascha further notes that she has engaged in many risky behaviours during her teenage years and early adulthood, particularly in her use of drugs and alcohol. She also reports that she has consistently made bad relationship decisions, that tend to be short-lived and unstable. She reports being in immense emotional pain and hopes that you will be able to help her develop a better sense of who she is.
Instructions: Provide a theoretical analysis of Sascha’s personality
The assessment provides an opportunity to explore Sascha’s personality from a theoretical standpoint.
Select two of the theoretical perspectives from the options provided below:
Freud’s Psychoanalytic;
Horney’s Social and Cultural Psychoanalysis;
Adler’s Individual Psychology; and/or
Bandura’s Modelling Theory.
Once you have selected the two theoretical perspectives, you need to apply the key aspects of the theory to Sascha’s personality. This should be justified by examples drawn from the case study. Remember to discuss the core components of the theory, define the concepts, and draw on relevant literature.
How might Sascha’s past experiences and family dynamics have influenced her personality development?
Are there any other theoretical perspectives that could be applied to Sascha’s personality, and how might they differ from those already discussed?
Note:
Make use of at least 10 academic references;
Adhere to APA referencing.
Length: Maximum of 2800 Words
