Please see attached. I need . Assignment 3 must: .be eight pages in length; not to exceed eight, excluding title page, references, and appendices; · be typed, double–spaced, single-sided, with margins of 2.5 cm on all sides; · follow the style guidelines found in the 7th edition of the ; and · include references to provide evidence of application of theory.
Introduction
The field of psychology is vast and encompasses a wide range of topics, theories, and research methods. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the discipline, it is essential for students to engage in various types of assignments that require them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This assignment aims to do exactly that by providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of psychological theories through the application of these theories to a specific scenario.
Scenario
In this assignment, we will explore the scenario of a high school student who is struggling with anxiety and academic performance. The student, Sarah, is a 15-year-old girl who has always been a high achiever but has recently started experiencing significant anxiety symptoms that are interfering with her ability to study and perform well in school. Sarah has noticed physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty concentrating. She also experiences excessive worry about her academic performance, constantly seeks reassurance from her teachers and parents, and avoids situations that trigger her anxiety. Sarah’s anxiety is causing her significant distress and impacting her overall well-being.
Theory 1: Cognitive-Behavioral Theory
One theoretical framework that can be applied to understand Sarah’s situation is the cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT). CBT is a widely used approach to therapy that emphasizes the role of thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in shaping emotional experiences. According to CBT, individuals develop maladaptive thoughts and beliefs, known as cognitive distortions, which contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders.
In Sarah’s case, it is likely that she has developed cognitive distortions related to her academic performance. She may hold unrealistic expectations for herself and engage in excessive self-criticism when she does not meet those expectations. These distorted thoughts and beliefs can contribute to her anxiety symptoms and make it difficult for her to focus and concentrate on her studies.
CBT interventions would involve helping Sarah identify and challenge her cognitive distortions. A therapist might help her explore the evidence for her negative beliefs about herself and her academic abilities and encourage her to develop more realistic and balanced thoughts. Additionally, Sarah could be taught various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage her physical symptoms of anxiety.
Theory 2: Attachment Theory
Another theoretical framework that can be applied to understand Sarah’s situation is attachment theory. Attachment theory posits that early relationships with caregivers lay the foundation for an individual’s later social and emotional development. When caregivers are consistently responsive and provide a secure base, children develop a secure attachment style, which fosters a sense of safety and security in relationships.
In Sarah’s case, it is possible that she has developed an insecure attachment style due to inconsistent or inadequate emotional support from her caregivers. As a result, she may feel insecure and dependent on external sources of validation, such as her teachers and parents, to alleviate her anxiety about her academic performance. Sarah’s avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations may also be a way of seeking safety and protection from potential failure and disappointment.
To help Sarah, a psychologist applying attachment theory might work with her and her family to address any underlying attachment issues. The psychologist might encourage Sarah’s parents to provide consistent emotional support, validate her feelings, and help her develop a more secure base. Additionally, therapeutic interventions might focus on developing Sarah’s self-confidence and resilience, which can help her navigate academic challenges more effectively.
Theory 3: Socio-cultural Approach
A third theoretical framework that can be applied to Sarah’s situation is the socio-cultural approach. The socio-cultural approach emphasizes the influence of social and cultural factors on psychological processes and development. In Sarah’s case, societal pressures to excel academically and succeed in a competitive educational system may be contributing to her anxiety symptoms.
Within the socio-cultural approach, a psychologist might explore the societal expectations and cultural norms that place a high value on academic achievement. The psychologist might help Sarah recognize that her worth as a person is not solely determined by her academic performance, and encourage her to develop a more balanced perspective on success and failure. Additionally, cultural factors such as the stigma surrounding mental health issues might be addressed, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and reducing the barriers to accessing appropriate support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this assignment provides an opportunity to apply psychological theories to a real-world scenario. By analyzing Sarah’s situation through the lenses of cognitive-behavioral theory, attachment theory, and the socio-cultural approach, we gain a deeper understanding of the factors that may be contributing to her anxiety and academic struggles. Applying these theories allows for the development of targeted interventions and strategies that can help Sarah manage her anxiety, improve her academic performance, and promote her overall well-being.