ALO 5: IPE Case Study

In Gustavo’s case study, I identified a couple risk factors of which 5 stuck out to me in contributing to
mental health disorders- external risk of poverty, socioeconomic deprivations, exposure to violence,
attachment issues (neglect), and biological conditions.

In the external risk (poverty) risk factor, it is evident in Gustavo’s scenario that he lives in a small
apartment in a low-income neighborhood, with his mother working night and day to provide for her
family. The lack of financial assistance and security prevents Gustavo from having a primary care
physician, proper diet (being able to afford healthy foods), and being able to succeed in school among
other things. These outcomes of being impoverished can lead to increase in anxiety and depressive
disorders. Another risk factor which can be related to poverty is socioeconomic deprivations. Some of
the things Gustavo needs to do because of his economic conditions are living in a crowded area with his
family, going to the emergency room often, eating unhealthy snacks, and performing poorly in school.
Even in his community, which is comprised of mostly individuals and families of a lower SES, there may
not be enough healthy food restaurants or places like gyms. Another risk factor is exposure to violence.
Gustavo lives in an area with high crime, as evident with the common police sirens. If Gustavo somehow
becomes involved with any kind of violence, it could lead to severe punishment or jail time. He may
develop mental illnesses due to his confinement. Gustavo is also bullied at school, this emotional violence
can lead to low self-esteem, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, and depression.

The fourth risk factor I identified is attachment issues (neglect). Since Gustavo’s mother works all day
and night, he does not see her too often. It seems like the quality of their relationship isn’t very strong.
This has a high importance on the mental health of Gustavo across his life span. It is a good thing he has
someone like his grandmother at home to take care of him and his siblings, however, the motherly figure
in his life is absent. There is also no one at home to tell Gustavo from staying up while watching tv and
eating unhealthy snacks- this lack of supervision may not be good for Gustavo’s development. The last
risk factor are his biological conditions. Gustavo suffers from asthma, preventing him from being able to
play with friends or exercising. Having this almost sedentary lifestyle can contribute to lifelong physical
issues, but also mental issues. It has been shown that there is a link between sedentary behavior and
increased risk of depression.

Though there are many risk factors for mental health problems in Gustavo’s life, there are some
protective factors in his life that work in his benefit. Gustavo has all of the concrete necessities, such as a
home, clothing, food, education, and some family to nurture him. Having his grandmother at home to take
care of him is important, though it would be better if he had two parents supporting the whole family.
Another protective factor would be access to a counselor at school- maybe he/she can get access to
treatments for Gustavo, such as enrolling in a community program. This may be helpful in receiving
network connections and getting help elsewhere.