Essentials of Human Behavior

Case Study Discussion Questions

Chapter 15

Case Study 15.1: Sheila Henderson, Coming Home at 25

 What questions would you have about relationships in the family if you were to
meet with David about preparing for Shelia’s return?
 How might you engage Johanna if you were to meet with David and her together
to help them prepare for Sheila’s return?
 What would be useful for the military social worker to discuss with anyone
returning to his or her family after an 18-month deployment in Afghanistan, and
what would be particularly useful to discuss with Sheila?

Case Study 15.2: Viktor Spiro, Finding Stability at 44

 What is striking to you about Viktor’s life course and his family life course?
 What perspectives are useful in understanding Viktor’s challenges, how he has
dealt with them, and his adjustment to the tasks of middle adulthood now?
 What are your recommendations for Viktor’s treatment at this point?

Case Study 15.3: Michael Bowling, Swallowing His Pride at 57

 Michael seems to have accepted that due to his financial and employment
situation, he needs to utilize some programs provided through the U.S. social
welfare system, but does he feel stigmatized in doing so?
 Are there other needs Michael may have difficulty acknowledging at this point in
his life?
 How might a social worker become involved as a resource for Michael at this
point, and what might Michael and the social worker agree to as their focus for
short-term counseling?