Case Study: Levi, A 35-Year-Old HIV-Positive Man ✓ Solved

Case Study Levi Is A 35 Year Old Man Who Is HIV Positive He Works As A

Introduce the client, including a description of the client's demographic information and intersectionality. Develop a statement of the presenting problem.

Research: Apply key components of ecosystems theory to the assessment, intervention, and evaluation of the chosen case study. Use scholarly research to support application of the theory.

Assess: Assess the client from the person-in-environment perspective. Consider systems such as family, friends, work, social services, politics, religion, goods and services, and educational systems. Which systems provide or could provide the client with support? Which systems may be hindering the client? Include the client's intersectionality in your assessment. Apply scholarly research to support the discussion.

Intervene: Discuss an appropriate intervention for this client, including two short-term and two long-term goals. Include at least two systems in the short-term and long-term goals. Apply systems theory to justify the chosen intervention.

Evaluate: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the intervention plan from an ecosystems perspective. Evaluate how the intervention plan addresses diversity.

Engage: Discuss opportunities to integrate knowledge of human behavior and person-in-environment into social work practice when engaging with clients. Apply scholarly research to support the discussion. Discuss engagement strategies needed when working with diverse clients.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction of the Client

Levi is a 35-year-old male professional working as an auto mechanic. He lives in an urban environment and is of African American descent, which places him within specific intersectional identities related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Levi's HIV-positive status, diagnosed a decade ago, constitutes a significant aspect of his health and social identity. Despite being fairly healthy due to medication, Levi faces substantial psychosocial challenges, including emotional isolation, substance misuse, and anxiety.

Statement of the Presenting Problem

Levi's primary issues include social withdrawal, substance misuse (notably cocaine and anti-anxiety medication abuse), and unmanaged anxiety. His unwillingness to disclose his HIV status to family and friends exacerbates his feelings of isolation. He perceives his life as increasingly empty and struggles with despair and emotional distress, seeking solace through substance use and medication misuse.

Application of Ecosystems Theory to Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation

Assessment

Using ecosystems theory, Levi's situation can be understood through the multiple interacting systems affecting his well-being. The macro system includes societal stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, which influences his reluctance to disclose his status and seek support (Meyer, 2020). The micro system, specifically his family and friendship networks, are absent support sources due to his concealment and withdrawal (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The meso system, encompassing his work environment, may be a potential support but also a source of stress due to his emotional state. The exo system, including social services and mental health resources, could either provide support or barriers depending on accessibility and cultural competency (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2020).

Support and Hindrance Systems

Support systems include mental health services and possibly workplace support if approached. Hindering systems involve stigma and discrimination related to HIV, as well as his substance abuse patterns complicating access to and engagement with social supports (Brennan et al., 2019). His intersectionality—race, health status, and socioeconomic position—influence these dynamic interactions, often marginalizing him further within societal structures (Crenshaw, 1999).

Proposed Intervention and Goals

Short-term Goals

• Establish a trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate disclosure and emotional expression.
• Connect Levi with a culturally competent mental health professional specializing in HIV-related psychosocial issues.

Long-term Goals

• Develop coping strategies and resilience to deal with stigma and emotional distress, reducing reliance on substances and medication misuse.
• Foster a supportive social network by engaging Levi in community-based support groups for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Justification Using Systems Theory

The chosen intervention aligns with systems theory by targeting multiple systems involved in Levi's life. Establishing therapeutic trust addresses micro system barriers, while connecting with community resources involves exo and macro system engagement (Payne, 2014). Interventions aim to modify the interactional patterns within these systems to promote healthier functioning (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).

Evaluation of the Intervention Plan

Strengths of this plan include fostering resilience and social integration, which can mitigate feelings of isolation and reduce substance misuse. Its focus on culturally competent care ensures respect for Levi's intersectionality, promoting engagement and efficacy. Limitations involve potential systemic barriers like stigma and limited access to specialized services, which may hinder progress (Brennan et al., 2019). The plan addresses diversity by emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches and recognizing the multiple identities affecting Levi's experience (Crenshaw, 1990).

Opportunities for Practice Integration

Integrating knowledge of human behavior and person-in-environment frameworks into social work practice involves adopting holistic assessments that consider clients’ diverse identities and social contexts (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2020). Engagement strategies such as motivational interviewing and strength-based approaches can enhance rapport with clients from marginalized backgrounds (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Tailoring interventions to account for cultural, racial, and health-related factors improves service relevance and effectiveness (Sue & Sue, 2016).

References

• Brennan, D., et al. (2019). HIV/AIDS stigma and mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Social Support, 12(4), 331-350.
• Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecological systems theory. In M. G. Boss, et al. (Eds.), Ecology of human development (pp. 3-15). Harvard University Press.
• Crenshaw, K. (1990). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Crenshaw, K. (1999). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine. University of Chicago Legal Forum.
• Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H. (2020). Empowerment Series: Introduction to social work & social welfare: Critical thinking perspectives. Cengage Learning.
• Meyer, I. H. (2020). Coping with stigma and discrimination. In Health Disparities and Social Justice. Oxford University Press.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Publications.
• Payne, M. (2014). Modern social work theory. University of Chicago Press.
• Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.