Autobiographical Crisis Outline

Autobiographical Crisis Outline and Paper

 Outline = 20 points; Final Paper = 80 points; Total = 100 points total

 On or by the designated due date, submit an outline of the paper. See the outline example in the folder on the D2L homepage and evaluation/formatting instructions below.

 Identify an individual or family crisis experience in your life. You may be able to identify one immediately or you may have to give this some thought. Remember, a crisis experience is individual and unique for each person and family. If you don’t identify an experience immediately, reflect on your life’s experiences to this point. Think of times when you were impacted by a crisis, a major stressful event (negative or positive), or a significant change or transition.

 Once you’ve identified your topic, it’s time to “dissect” your experience into eight parts (A, B, C, X, AA, BB, CC, XX factors). Apply both Hill’s ABC-X and McCubbin’s Double ABC-X Models to examine and analyze your own individual and/or your family crisis experience. You will need to be knowledgeable about both models. Carefully read and re-read the corresponding chapter and Power Point on the models.

 Individual and family crisis experiences are often complex. Allow yourself enough time to develop the outline and, later, write a draft, set it aside for thought, and then resume work on a final draft. If you are finding it difficult to organize a step-by-step examination and analysis of the crisis, remind yourself – what is the major issue? – and stay focused on that as the central point as you develop the paper. There will likely be multiple issues in the complex layers of the experience - you are encouraged to include those in the writing, as well. Remember, the major issue should be central to best keep your paper well-focused and on track. In addition, most (if not all of you) will include discussion of other people (e.g., family, friends) in your paper. That’s perfectly fine and welcome. As you discuss the involvement of others in the crisis experience, keep in mind that you and your experience are the main points of focus (that’s what makes this an autobiography – you’re telling your own story).

 If help is needed with the assignment, please communicate with the professor. A serious and sincere approach to the paper is critical. Writing a paper about our own personal crisis experience helps us to become more skilled and sensitive as we prepare to work with individuals and families in crisis. When we better understand our crisis experiences, we work in a healthier and more effective manner with others in crisis.

 Writing about a personal crisis/trauma can be triggering in the form of painful memories or flashbacks. If you wish to write about a different experience (even after you’ve turned in the outline), that is acceptable. Your personal well-being is most important. Also, if you think/feel that seeking support for yourself is needed, here are resources for you and you may contact the professor for additional guidance and referrals.

o EIU Counseling Clinic, Human Services Bldg. 1st Floor, 217-581-3413 (Monday – Friday), 1-866- 567-2400 (After Hours Number);

o SACIS (Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service), Charleston, IL, 217-348-5033 (Office) or 888-345-2846 (Hotline); and

o HOPE of East Central Illinois, Charleston, IL, 217-348-5931 (Office) or 888-345-3990 (Hotline).

 Include the following sub-headings to organize the Autobiographical Crisis Outline and Paper. Re- type these sub-headings exactly how they appear below. For the outline, the sub-headings will be followed by a phrase or a sentence or two. For the paper, the sub-headings will be followed by detailed paragraphs.

o Overview of Crisis Event o A Factor: Stressor Event o B Factor: Resources o C Factor: Perceptions o X Factor: Crisis Event o AA Factor: Post-Crisis Pile-Up Events o BB Factor: Post-Crisis Resources o CC Factor: Post-Crisis Perceptions o XX Factor: Post-Crisis Adaptation

 The paper will be evaluated on: 1) correct and analytical application of theoretical models; 2) the degree to which readings, class Power Points, and other materials are incorporated and reflected in the content; and 3) capacity to express oneself clearly and grammatically. Also refer to the Assessment of Written Work rubric in the D2L folder.

 For outline and paper formatting in APA style, visit https://apastyle.apa.org/ for information.

 Paper should be approximately 4- to 5- pages. Going over that length is acceptable, if you find it unavoidable.

 Submit the outline and the paper directly to the designated Assignment Drop Boxes by the assigned due dates for each.

 The professor respects and appreciates the highly personal nature of the paper. Strict confidentiality is guaranteed and no one other than the professor will read the outline and paper.