A Method to the “Madness”

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Introduction to Social Psychology

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$C:\Users\djshirey\OneDrive - University of Phoenix\F_Drive\Style Guides\UPX Logos\Horizontal format\UOPX_Sig_Hor_Black_Medium.png$ Introduction to Social Psychology

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Linda (54-years-old homeless female)

Linda is a 54-years-old female. She worked and mortgaged a home when she had an information technology job. She was laid off when the company she was working for switched to newer technologies and moved component building overseas. She was able to secure a fast-food job paying minimum wage but was unable to keep up with her mortgage payments and lost her home. She refuses to stay in most shelters; she does not want to be around men as she was molested as a child and up through her teenage years.

While Linda does smoke, she does not do other substances, such as drinking or drugs. She has been roughed up at least five times while on the streets. The first time she had a little money tucked on her person. She stated that she has managed a little savings, but she has practically gone without eating on some days to do so. She is coming to you to see if there might be a women’s shelter or some housing in your local geographic area that may be able to help her.

Linda has been applying for jobs. However, she has not been able to get access to clean clothes, toiletries, and decent sleep for weeks. Linda is convinced that if she can just get some food, sleep, and some decent clothes this would help her. She has a daughter and son, but her relationships with them have been strained prior to Linda losing the home. Linda did her best to stay in touch. She has been without telephone service of any kind since 2017 and believes that her children might even think she died. This revelation brings Linda to tears when she shares this.

Case Study 2: Benny (24-year-old drug user male)

Benny is a 24-year-old male. He identifies as African American. He explains that he lives between his parents’ house and his girlfriend’s house by choice. He has been hospitalized because he overdosed on fentanyl. He admits that he has an issue with opioids since he worked as a construction worker and injured his back during a fall. He reports having headaches, muscle weakness, numbness, and inability to concentrate. He explains that he was physically active and played sports up until the point of his accident. Since, he has been trying to get work, but when he tries to lift he experiences intense pain and sometimes loses his grip.

He admits that when his insurance ran out he tried heroin. At that point and to date, his girlfriend threatens to kick him out permanently because she wants nothing to do with a drug addict. Benny fears that he will be forced back on illegal drug use since he cannot afford medical treatment and drug management as he has no insurance. He reports being depressed and has thought about suicide. He explains that his parents try to help him. However, his parents think that due to his age the pain he is experiencing is all in his head. During the meeting, Benny clasps his head and says, “I am getting one of my headaches.” He begins to shake and appears to lose focus.

Case Study 3: Johnny/Charice

Johnny was born biologically male but identifies sometimes as male and sometimes as female, whose other name is Charice (pronounced “Share” “ease,”). Johnny states preferring the pronoun “they” to self-refer. Johnny/Charice reports becoming quite agitated with people who keep referring to him as “he,” especially when becoming Charice on certain days.

Johnny/Charice reports having an addiction to alcohol and shoplifting. Charice, more than Johnny, typically shoplifts make-up, perfume, and lotions. The shoplifting has landed Johny/Charice in jail and they received a fine for failing to report to court. The explanation provided is that no ride was available on that day.

Johnny/Charice reports being bullied for almost their entire lifetime. Also, during this time, they were sexually abused by a stepfather for five years and the biological mother sided with the stepfather and Johnny was kicked out of the house. Johnny/Charice reports having to resort to prostitution but would rather steal than sell their body. Johnny/Charice dreams of going back to school and getting a college degree and working in fashion, maybe starting out as a hairdresser. Showing some pictures, they demonstrate their talent.