Case Study for lifespan Psychology

Learning Goal: I’m working on a nursing case study and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.

Alex is having his first session with a counselor and is recounting his life history:

I’ve just turned 20. I finished high school about two years ago, and I have been lost since then. I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when I was five, and it has been a struggle since then. My mother stayed home to take care of me full time. Through her effort, I thrived. I was in the gifted program from the first grade to high school. I started taking ADHD medications when I was 11. I quit taking them after I graduated high school. I suffered from severe depression to the point that I attempted to hurt myself three times. The only reason I’m still living is because of my mom. She loved me unconditionally, no matter what. I’ve had jobs here and there, but I always ended up getting fired. I now live independently, sort of, with my friends. Most of the time, my mom pays for the rent. I have a girlfriend who I get along with, and I think we are pretty solid. I am applying for jobs, but I hate being with people. I hate being in school; I think it is a colossal waste of money.

My sister is a nurse. She is my mom’s star kid- accomplished and successful. My only accomplishment is my car- I love working with my car, although it’s older than me and it cost a lot of money to fix. I love driving it because I feel free when I am driving. I love playing video games, too. It’s a community that never leaves you, and I feel a great sense of belongingness with them. I can be myself when I am playing with my friends. It’s an escape for me -an emotional vacation. However, I am turning 21 soon. The pressure is getting to be too high for me to be financially independent. I don’t know what to do, where to start, or even how to start. That’s the reason why I am here.

In 4-5 paragraphs, answer the following questions. Use at least two sources and cite them using APA format:

1. Why might Alex be finding it particularly difficult to find a job?
2. Alex regards himself as a lost person. What are the factors that you believe have contributed to him feeling this way?
3. Please write about the following: What parts of Alex’s story reminds you of your own experience in your adolescence or emerging adulthood years?
4. How do general theories of human growth and development relate to a young person like Alex?
5. What effect might Alex’s ADHD have on his development?
6. What concepts of human growth and development are relevant to him?

Rubric

PSYC_290_OL – Case Study

PSYC_290_OL – Case Study

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent Weight	55 to >43.45 pts Meets Expectations Submission fully addresses all elements of the assignment and provides detailed explanations and/or quality examples. It is clear that the student fully understands the relevant concepts. 43.45 to >32.45 pts Approaches Expectations Submission fails to address some components of the assignment. Detailed explanations and examples may be missing. The student does not fully understand the relevant concepts. 32.45 to >0 pts Not Meeting Expectations Submission is inaccurate or unrelated to the assignment and/or several components of the assignment are not addressed. There are no explanations or examples. It is clear that the student does not understand the relevant concepts.	55 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics Weight	15 to >11.85 pts Meets Expectations The writing demonstrates a sophisticated clarity, conciseness, and correctness; includes thorough details and information; and is extremely well organized. Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are all correct. There are minimal to no errors. 11.85 to >8.85 pts Approaches Expectations The writing lacks clarity or conciseness, contains numerous errors, and lacks organization. Errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization detract from the readability of the paper. 8.85 to >0 pts Not Meeting Expectations The writing is unfocused, rambles, or contains serious errors; lacks detail, relevant data, and information; and is poorly organized. There are many distracting errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.	15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Style Weight	15 to >11.85 pts Meets Expectations Uses APA Style accurately and consistently. Meets all formatting requirements (length and style) of the assignment. 11.85 to >8.85 pts Approaches Expectations Reflects incomplete knowledge of APA Style. Meets most formatting requirements (length and style) of the assignment. 8.85 to >0 pts Not Meeting Expectations Does not use APA Style, or there are pervasive errors throughout the paper. Does not meet formatting requirements (length and style) of the assignment. Many sources are cited and referenced incorrectly, or citations and references are missing.	15 pts
Total Points: 85