Autobiographical Crisis Outline and Paper

Autobiographical Crisis Outline and Paper

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

o 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.

o 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 explore and analyze your own individual and/or 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.

o 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 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. Just remember the major issue in order to 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, just keep in mind that you and your

experience are the main points of focus (that’s what makes this an autobiography).

o On or by the designated due date, submit an outline of the paper. See the outline example provided as well as the evaluation/formatting instructions below.

o 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

and identifying aspects of resiliency, helps us to become more skilled and sensitive as we prepare

to work with individuals and families in stress. When we better understand our own experiences,

we work in a more healthful and effective manner with others.

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o 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.

Overview of Crisis Event

A Factor: Stressor Event

B Factor: Resources/Resiliency Factors

C Factor: Perceptions

X Factor: Crisis Event

AA Factor: Post-Crisis Pile-Up Events

BB Factor: Post-Crisis Resources

CC Factor: Post-Crisis Perceptions

XX Factor: Post-Crisis Adaptation

o The paper will be evaluated on:

o 1) correct and analytical application of theoretical models;

o 2) the degree to which readings, class Power Points, and other materials are incorporated and reflected in the content; and

o 3) capacity to express oneself clearly and grammatically. Also refer to the Assessment of Written Work rubric.

o Paper are required to be between 4 to 5 pages. Do not exceed 5 pages. Editing may be necessary in order to conform to the page limit.

o Submit the outline and the paper directly to the appropriate dropboxes by the assigned due dates for each.

o 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. Be aware that the professor of this course is a Mandated Reporter in the State of

Illinois.

O’Rourke rev Murphy 6/2017