Analytic Thought

Psych 441 Prof. Peggy Vaughan Assignment 1: Case Review: Analytic Thought Paper on One Family Case Scenario Due Date: Friday, February 25, end of day (via Blackboard - link will remain open 11:59 p.m.)

Analytic Thought/Reflection Paper

Please choose, reflect on and analyze ONE of four hypothetical case scenarios. Please review the cases in the separate Case Scenarios document, also posted in the assignments folder.

Goal: The purpose of this assignment is to give you opportunities to:

1) Explore the child in the family context relying on family terms and concepts. You will offer your own unique viewpoint on a specific family case scenario.

2) Consider the variations in family life and the multiple influences on the family. 3) Show your emerging knowledge about basic family concepts from your readings to date via a

thought paper. 4) Integrate theory and knowledge with family case materials in a written assignment.

General description of the assignment Write a paper describing how at least two of the following family concepts relate to the scenario or could be applied to the scenario from a psychosocial viewpoint. Please use APA format. Length: 3 to 4 pages.

Examples of concepts: The lectures and readings will provide definitions. ► Family systems and strategies; family first and second order tasks ► Family structure (the “equation” of family members) ► Family processes ► Boundaries (You can also consider openness and/or permeability) ► Interdependence ► Normative and non-normative stressors ► Morphogenesis; morphostasis ► Coping and adaptability ► Emotional climate ► Family resilience ► Ecological or ecocultural theory ► You can also consider how a particular family belief system or culture influences the

family’s reactions and decisions.

Note: Consider and respond to the brief set of questions you will find after the case you select. As you write, discuss two of the concepts listed above. Your paper should be in APA style. I will briefly review the expected format in class. The paper should follow a clear and logical train of thought in 3-4 pages. For example, you could describe how the family stressors, system boundaries or interdependence relate to the scenario. You may consider the particular stressors, family emotional climate and their impact on the children in the scenarios. You can add a personal viewpoint on the family scenario and the particular family structure. Note: You can discuss how culture could impact family decisions in the cases as well.

IMPORTANT: Please refer to the case scenarios documents to select just ONE case and also review the assignment grading criteria.