Posted: October 31st, 2023

Case Study #1: John, a 45-year-old manager

The purpose of this assignment is to use what you’ve learned about lifespan theories and resilience and wellness to assess how well two individuals are functioning.

For each of two individuals you choose to review, evaluate the factors that affect their overall development and behavior and apply developmental theory to conceptualize each case. In addition, provide your assessment of how well each is functioning from a wellness and resilience perspective. in relation to your choice of a model of wellness.

Preparation
Select two separate Counseling Case Studies to focus on for this assignment. Be sure to choose individuals in different developmental stages.
Choose two developmental theories to use to conceptualize your cases.
Review the articles you read regarding wellness and resilience.
Instructions
Complete the following for both of the individuals you selected using the Psychosocial Development Case Studies Template [DOCX].

Identify the life stage the individual is in along with the psychological crisis they are experiencing.
Identify social, cultural, occupational factors that may have influenced the individual’s behavior and development.
Using one or both of the developmental theories you selected, explain the impact the environmental factors have had on the individual’s development.
Support your conclusions with the text and other academic resources.
Using one or both of the developmental theories you selected, explain how these factors may impact the individual’s development as they transition into the next developmental stage.
Support your conclusions with the text and other academic resources.
Evaluate the well-being of the individual using a wellness model.
Describe wellness or resilience strategies that the individual is or should be using to increase their wellbeing.
Support your conclusions with the text and other academic resources.
For this assignment, you will need to cite and reference at least four academic resources that were used as the basis of your ideas as they relate to developmental theory, and wellness and resilience. One of these should be your text and the others should be academic resources from this course or the Capella Library. Refer to the Counseling: Masters Research GuideLinks to an external site. for help using the Capella Library.

Requirements
Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Use current APA style and formatting for student papers, paying particular attention to citations and references. Refer to Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for citing and referencing tips.
Length: 6–8 pages, not including the reference page.
References: Cite and reference at least four academic resources.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

Case Study #1: John, a 45-year-old manager, is experiencing a midlife crisis. He feels unfulfilled in his career and marriage.
Life Stage and Psychological Crisis: John is in early adulthood, a stage involving generativity versus stagnation (Erikson, 1950). He questions his impact and legacy, experiencing an identity crisis.
Influencing Factors: John grew up in a low-income household, motivating career success. He worked hard and achieved management status but feels unchallenged (Super, 1957). Marrying young, he focused on providing for his family, neglecting personal growth (Levinson, 1978).
Developmental Impact: Lacking exploration in adolescence and early adulthood, John struggles to find purpose (Erikson, 1950). Seeing peers pursue passions fuels doubts about sacrificing happiness for security (Vaillant, 2002). Without community or hobbies, he feels unaccomplished (Ryff, 1989).
Future Development: Questioning major decisions could motivate career changes or further education, reengaging John’s generativity (Erikson, 1950). Rediscovering interests may alleviate stagnation threats (Jung, 1933).
Well-Being Assessment: John scores low in environmental mastery and purpose as his life no longer aligns with his values (Ryff, 1989).
Strategies: John could join professional groups, pursue advanced degrees, or volunteer to expand his network and find fulfillment (Seligman, 2011). Therapy may help process regret and plan positive changes (Snyder, 2002). Exercise and hobbies could relieve stress (Ratey & Manning, 2014).
Case Study #2: Maria, a 27-year-old graduate student, struggles with perfectionism and anxiety.
Life Stage and Psychological Crisis: Maria is entering young adulthood transitioning from intimacy versus isolation to generativity versus stagnation (Erikson, 1950; Levinson, 1978). She fears failure and relationships.
Influencing Factors: Maria’s immigrant parents emphasized education as their contribution to society (Super, 1957). Her giftedness led to high expectations (Dweck, 2006). Lacking role models, Maria tied her worth to achievements (Bandura, 1977).
Developmental Impact: Always succeeding, Maria never learned resilience, instead developing unhealthy coping like isolation (Masten, 2001). Perfectionism prevents intimacy, an important task of this stage (Erikson, 1950).
Future Development: Without addressing anxiety, Maria may struggle forming committed relationships and careers, remaining stagnant (Erikson, 1950; Levinson, 1978).
Well-Being Assessment: Maria scores high in personal growth but low in purpose, self-acceptance and positive relations, prioritizing achievements over well-rounded life (Ryff, 1989).
Strategies: Maria could join support groups for perfectionism and anxiety (Yalom, 1995). Therapy and mindfulness may help her accept imperfection and value relationships (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Self-compassion training could reduce harsh self-criticism (Neff, 2003).