Three Levels of Observation, Case Study Example

This fourteen year old girl is several weeks pregnant, chronically truant from school, recently arrested for stealing a car, has a boyfriend who is arguably a poor influence, and as a result her mother cannot care for her at home. The first question reflects the first level, biological. The second is a psychological level, and the third is social. The biological level includes consideration of possible medication to treat mental disorders or physiological problems through surgery or other methods (Burger 158). Questions may include: do you drink?; have you done drugs?; did you use contraception or have you been screened for sexually transmitted diseases?; do you have a history of prescription medication for any other problems?; do you plan on keeping the baby?

The second level, psychological, considers the individual’s needs and goals through interaction with the external world. This includes behaviour required to respond to situations, and the individual’s emotions, skills and methods of adaption. Possible psychological issues include underdeveloped skill sets, low self-esteem, and self-defeatism (Burger 158). Questions may include: what would you like to do after school?; do you feel safe at school?; do you feel happy with your boyfriend?; have you ever felt depressed or unworthy?; what do you feel stressed about at the moment? The social level considers a broader spectrum of influences (Burger 158). Social relationships impact physiological function, so it is important that they remain stable. Questions may include: how do you and your parents get along?; do you have any other friends you socialize with?; would you like to speak with a community advocate about programs to join for girls your age?; where would you feel safest in the community?

If only the Medical Model were followed, the recommendations for the girl in the case study would be different, and the effectiveness of the support compromised. The medical model focuses on the causative role of individual factors, and distinguishes between organic and functional disorders. This model would focus on temporary disorders possibly caused by drug use or alcohol, or long-term physical damage such as inherited defects or chemical imbalances (Burger 160). Recommendations would arise after forming a diagnosis and treatment plan, such as discussing the consequences of pregnancy, treatment for possible psychosis, and medication through drug therapy. This ignores the psychological and social levels, possibly resulting in mistreatment and diagnosis of mental illness without addressing the causes and symptoms (Burger 166).

Two major short-term needs of the child may include discussing the options for the pregnancy, whether to terminate or continue; and to arrange a housing option to ensure she feels safe and is protected. Two major long-term needs may include counselling and community involvement to address her emotional needs, and rehabilitation with her family and other groups to ensure she has a social connection.

A Community Support Skill Standard demonstrated is Area 10: Crisis Intervention. This includes identifying the crisis, remedying the immediate situation, evaluating and implementing a strategy for intervention, and monitoring it after the crisis to ensure adjusted support with staff, the community and environment (Taylor 74).

Works Cited

Burger, William. Human Services in Contemporary America. 9th ed. Cengage Learning: London, 2013.

Taylor, Marianne (ed.). The Community Support Skill Standards: Tools for Managing Change and Achieving Outcomes. Skill Standards for Direct Service Workers in the Human Services. Human Services Research Institute.  Human Services Research Institute: Cambridge, MA, 1996.