What are the causes of stress in Michael’s or Jennifer’s life? How is stress affecting Michael’s or Jennifer’s health?

Case Study #2
Michael is a 40-year-old airline pilot who has recently begun to experience chest pains. The chest pains began when Michael signed his final divorce papers, ending his 15-year marriage. He fought for joint custody of his two children, ages 12 and 10, but although he wants to be with them more frequently, he only sees them every two weeks. This schedule is, in great part, a result of his employer’s announcement that budget constraints would result in layoffs. Michael worries that without his job he will be unable to support his children and lose the new townhouse that he purchased. Michael’s chest pains are becoming more frequent and he fears that he may be dying.

1. What are the causes of stress in Michael’s or Jennifer’s life? How is stress affecting Michael’s or Jennifer’s health?

2. How are these stressors impacting Michael’s or Jennifer’s self-concept and self-esteem?

3. How might Michael’s or Jennifer’s situation illustrate adjustment? How might this situation become an opportunity for personal growth?

4. What defensive coping methods is Michael or Jennifer using? What active coping methods might be healthier for Michael or Jennifer to use?

5. Select one theory of personality and use this theory to tell Michael or Jennifer how this theory explains his or her situation.

6. In what stage of development is Michael or Jennifer and what factors about this stage might be impacting his or her perspective of this situation?

7. What relationship factors or considerations might be influencing Michael’s or Jennifer’s problems?