Levi’s Case Study
Levi is a 35-year-old man HIV positive working as an auto mechanic. Knowing his HIV positive status as far back as ten years ago, he has been able to control the situation with medical drugs. Although his diagnosis has been emotional, it has gone deep, causing social isolation and his life seems meaningless. Levi has not declared his HIV status to his family or friends which has made him further isolated from social support networks. He fights anxiety through consuming high amounts of anti-anxiety drugs more than the prescribed dose sometimes adding cocaine for thrill. Levi views his life as dwindling away and this drives him into seeing a counselor for his problems. The intersecting identities that were in play in Levi experiences made him to feel isolated, ashamed and emotionally distressed therefore counseling should target the whole Levi. The presenting problem of Levi is the emotional distress due to the HIV diagnosis, social withdrawal, anxiety and substance use. He struggles with void shrouding him, drowning in substances and unhealthy patterns.
Discrimination and Intersectionality
Research suggests that individuals living with HIV often face discrimination due to societal stigma, misconceptions, and fear. The HIV photos that originally surfaced in the early 1980s are the source of many myths around the virus. There are still misunderstandings about the spread of HIV and what it means to be HIV positive in the modern world. People dread contracting HIV due to a combination of antiquated beliefs and a lack of knowledge and awareness. Furthermore, a common misconception is that HIV is a disease that exclusively affects certain populations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). This results in unfavorable perceptions of those who are HIV positive. Intersectionality is a concept that demonstrates how elements of identity, such as race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, come together to define experiences of discrimination. For Levi, being HIV-positive and substance using may make the stigma and discrimination worse, as a male. The research shows that intervention in an intersectionality framework is necessary in the establishment of effective interventions among vulnerable populations like Levi.
Engagement Strategies
A social worker may ensure that Levi feels supported and not judged by using techniques such as empathetic listening and validation. Knowing how personal biases have potential impacts, the social worker therefore needs to constantly reflect to identify and then minimize those biases that may be holding them back from truly connecting with Levi. Empathic listening and non-judgmental support can build trust (Lekganyane & Manganyi, 2023). Motivational interviewing skills can be used in order to explore Levi's ambivalence towards the change and address any reluctances in relation to his unwillingness to disclose his status of having HIV or seeking help for his substance misuse. Overcoming personal biases and experiences is what is learned individually and continuously. Social workers must recognize their own biases and actively work to mitigate their impact on client interactions.
Assessment of Developmental Stage
Developmental stage in the ecologic perspective would be observed by taking into account individual characteristics and the influences in the environment and the intersectionality’s of his identities. Nyongesa et al. (2022) postulate that the experience of living with HIV elicits challenges in development as one struggles with identity, intimacy, and adjustment to the trajectory of chronic illness. This association of Levi's HIV status, substance use, and the interacting societal views is causing injury to his developmental trajectory, which further adds to emotional turmoil and disruption in psychosocial well-being.
Intervention with Developmental Theory
Applying Erikson's psychosocial developmental theory can provide insights into Levi's case. Erikson identified eight psychosocial development phases that arrange personality development from infancy to maturity. Individuals experience psychological crises at every step, which may or may not affect personality development. Complete each step to create a healthy personality and core attributes. The ego can use defining virtues to overcome future crises. (Orenstein & Lewis, 2022). Unhealthy personality and sense of self might arise from not finishing a stage, which can also lower one's capacity to finish subsequent stages. Levi may be in the stage of "identity versus role confusion," characterized by the exploration of personal identity and values. Levi's concealment of his HIV status and struggles with social withdrawal suggest unresolved conflicts related to identity and self-acceptance. His use of narcotics to deal with worry and emptiness echoes Erikson's later struggles to find meaning and autonomy. Erikson-informed therapies may help Levi create his identity and improve his psychological well-being by addressing these developmental goals. Interventions focusing on identity exploration, building social support networks, and promoting self-acceptance align with Levi's developmental needs.
Evaluation of Developmental Theory
Erikson's Developmental Theory provides great understanding for Levi's issues of identity formation and emotional well-being. However, its applicability may be subject to its utility in the difference in cultural contexts and individual experiences. The Erikson developmental stages offer a framework of understanding the travails in developing through progressive crises. This generally does not, however, suffice to take account of the complexities that are associated with multiple, intertwined identities and culture. Assessment of the theory cultural responsiveness underscores the need for the consideration of the diverse perspectives and the inclusion of cultural competence in practice.
Conclusion
The Levi’s case illustrates the subtle interplay between personal experiences, intersectional identities and the surrounding environment in forming psychosocial well-being. Developmental Theory guided holistic approach used by social workers can facilitate the process of engagement, assessment and intervention to aid Levi on the path to holistic healing and empowerment. Recognizing the intersectionality of Levi’s experiences and tackling systemic barriers are fundamental measures of promoting socially just and inclusive practice in social work.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021).
Facts about HIV Stigma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-stigma/index.html
Lekganyane, M. R., & Manganyi, T. S. (2023). An ecological systems approach to the difficulties faced by social workers in community home-based care organisations for people living with HIV.
Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine,
11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2023.2236181
Nyongesa, M. K., Nasambu, C., Mapenzi, R., Koot, H. M., Cuijpers, P., Newton, C. R. J. C., & Abubakar, A. (2022). Psychosocial and mental health challenges faced by emerging adults living with HIV and support systems aiding their positive coping: a qualitative study from the Kenyan coast.
BMC Public Health,
22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12440-x
Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022).
Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/
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