Sw Human Behavior Paper

Running head: HUMAN BEHAVIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THEORY PAPER

Human Behavior Knowledge and Theory Paper Appalachian State University

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Running head: HUMAN BEHAVIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THEORY PAPER

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Introduction This case study focuses upon the subject, who will be referred to as K, a 19 year old, white, middle class male. K attends Appalachian State University and is pursuing a degree in sustainable technology. K currently does not have a job, but is a member within a Greek life organization on campus. This particular study will encompass in extensive detail, the biological, psychological, environmental, and family factors that have impacted the subject’s life. The subject’s case will then be examined through the integration of the ecological perspective theory to better understand the biopsychosocial aspects of K’s identity and the long-term impacts they have created. The end of this study will include reflections from the author providing overall ideas which lead to a deeper understanding and connection to social work. Biopsychosocial Analysis of Case Example Biological Factors At the young age of 8, K was diagnosed with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections, also known as PANDAS. This disorder caused him to experience anxiety and motor ticks as a child. K was diagnosed with psoriasis in November of 2017, thus this diagnosis is fairly new to the subject. Psoriasis, an auto immune disorder, is directly linked to insomnia and various forms of arthritic pain in addition to the already painful and itchy flare-ups it causes. Since receiving the diagnosis, K has experienced episodes of insomnia which has affected his day to day lifestyle as well as his life as a student. This diagnosis has proven very time consuming and financially burdening due to the constant doctor visits and expensive and tedious treatments. Treatments aren’t always effective and can take months to display any significant changes in flare-up prevalence. This is frustrating, and

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disheartening to patients which causes a sense of hopelessness (Rasmussen, Kragballe, Maindal, & Lomborg, 2018). Psychological: Prior to being diagnosed with psoriasis, K was diagnosed with anxiety at the young age of 10 years old. It is common for children with anxiety to be perceived as having mere behavioral difficulties rather than symptoms of an anxiety disorder being that, “two-thirds of children with anxiety disorders do not access any professional help” (Reardon, T., Harvey, K., Young, O'Brien, & Creswell, 2018). K reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety almost two years before receiving professional help from a psychiatrist and an official diagnosis which caused stressful situations at both home and school. As K grew into adulthood, he experienced symptoms of anxiety on and off again sporadically, until a constant state of anxiety with the diagnosis of psoriasis. “A study comparing children with and without psoriasis found an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in adolescent psoriasis patients” (Rasmussen, Kragballe, Maindal, & Lomborg, 2018). This diagnosis affected his ability to engage in social situations with comfortability and confidence. K stated that he felt as though everyone he encountered could see nothing but his intensely red flare-up, which for almost two months was consistently covering his face. K reported that people would constantly say, “What’s wrong with your face?” After time and time again repeatedly explaining his condition to others, K found himself somewhat secluding from social situations which could present the possibility of being “judged.” Environmental: K was born and raised in Wake Forest, North Carolina and grew up within a typical middle class, predominantly white, neighborhood until his parents separation. Once K’s parents

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split up he began rotating back and forth between parents on a bi-weekly basis up until moving to Boone for college. K stated that the constant back and forth never provided him with a constant feeling of stability, being that during this time he lived out of a suitcase. K attended Wake Forest High school, which had a relatively large student body population, and more diversity than other surrounding schools. K worked all throughout high school waiting tables and gained a valuable work ethic, although it sometimes was difficult balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities. The transition to college was good for K, providing him with a steady location and a better sense of place. Family: K’s parents split up when he was 13 years old, he recounts that the news of the separation was both surprising and heartbreaking for himself and his older sister. However, K’s sister was headed to college that upcoming fall, thus she was able to avoid much of the baggage from the divorce that K was caught in the middle of. K recounts that for much of his adolescent years, he was the mediator between his parent’s disputes. Research has found that effective communication in relationships, was highlighted as a particularly valuable coping method when dealing with divorce (Plooy & Van Rensburg 2015). Interacting with his parents in this manner caused him to grow up much faster than his peers. K’s father later remarried, to K’s now step mother who had three children of her own, who became K’s stepsiblings. K said that being the youngest caused his older siblings to sometimes taunt him, however looking back he realizes that because of this he was able to learn to laugh at things more easily. K states that his stepfamily has had a tremendous impact upon who he is today. Application of Theory to Case Example

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This case study was examined through the Ecological Perspective Theory, which focuses primarily upon smaller systems and their ability to cope with problems within their environment. Coping is defined within this theory as the type of adaption which implies that a system is struggling to overcome problems (Zastrow, & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). K’s case study applies to this based upon the various struggles that K experienced at different points within his lifetime that made it difficult for him to easily overcome. However, K was able to eventually integrate coping skills within his lifestyle which allowed him to process such difficulties to the best of his ability at the time. K was able to obtain needed information about his diagnosis of psoriasis which allowed him to move forward and manage his symptoms through acceptance. It was found that managing psoriasis was most effective when the individuals acquired personal knowledge of how psoriasis affected their body and the treatment possibilities, in addition to gaining practical experience of how to manage various social situations (Rasmussen, Kragballe, Maindal, & Lomborg, 2018). Relevance to Professional Development This case study was extremely beneficial to my professional development by providing an opportunity to research the resiliency and adaptability even one individual can possess. After this study, I have been exposed to the value of recognizing that every system, no matter how small, is significantly important and deserves the opportunity for a happy and healthy lifestyle. This particular subject faced various forms of obstacles such as psoriasis, anxiety, and divorce, however was able to develop effective coping skill and overcome many challenges. Through the Ecological Perspective Theory, I was able to conclude that the subject was able to develop coping skills which allowed him to face many challenges presented to him. No system will be

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perfect, and it is our responsibility within the field of social work to recognize the power and pliable nature individuals possess. References Rasmussen, G. S., Kragballe, K., Maindal, H. T., & Lomborg, K. (2018). Experience of Being Young With Psoriasis: Self-Management Support Needs. Qualitative Health Research, 28(1), 73-86. doi:10.1177/1049732317737311 Reardon, T., Harvey, K., Young, B., O'Brien, D., & Creswell, C. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to parents seeking and accessing professional support for anxiety disorders in children: Qualitative interview study. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, doi:10.1007/s00787-018-1107-2 Plooy, K. D., & Van Rensburg, E. (2015). Young adults' perception of coping with parental divorce: A retrospective study. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 56(6), 490. Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment. (10th ed.) Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thomson