The Sanchez family case study presents a myriad of complex challenges that require a comprehensive understanding rooted
Question:
The Sanchez family case study presents a myriad of complex challenges that require a
comprehensive understanding rooted in psychological theories. They are a large family that emigrated to the United States of America from Mexico. The family is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and retains their Mexican culture. The family members that this case analysis will focus on are Hector Sanchez and his daughter, Gloria Sanchez. This analysis will provide a review of the family members and how each lens and theory is related to the family member and their presenting concerns. Hector Sanchez is a 58-year-old Mexican man and has been married to Celia Sanchez for close to forty years. Together Hector and Celia have six children and one grandchild. She has dedicated herself to taking care of the family and their home. Unfortunately, she has not been able to learn to speak English which has been a barrier for her. She is worried about their finances and how they are going to meet everyone's needs. This is the reason, she needing to receive help, however Hector is against receiving any type of help. She has secretly asked the church for assistance with food and pantry. Hector is the head of the Sanchez family and the main financial source of the family. He works as a laborer for a construction company. He is worried about layoffs there might be due to the economic stability in the country is facing. Additionally, he has medical conditions that are affecting his health. He has been offered help from the government, but he would never accept the help. Emilia Sanchez, grapple with issues such as language barriers, addiction, family dynamics, and legal consequences. In this analysis, we delve deeper into the application of three psychological theories - Cognitive Development Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Humanistic and Existential Perspectives - to shed light on the underlying factors influencing their experiences and the broader context of their struggles.
Junior, Carmen's older brother would like to go to college but had to seek employment once he graduated from high school to help the family. Junior doesn't have a college degree, but his attempts to complete a four-year degree, but his attempts to finish a four-year degree are hampered by the cost of tuition and the lack of financial aid available to students. He finds it difficult to fit studying into his schedule on top of all his other responsibilities as a husband and father. Online learning isn't an option for Junior due to his learning disability.
Celia's limited English proficiency stands as a significant barrier to accessing essential
resources and information. Cognitive Development Theory posits that individuals acquire
cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills through experience and learning. In Celia's case,
her language limitations hinder her ability to access critical information related to health care,
legal processes, and financial support. This restricts her capacity to make informed decisions for
her family's well-being. For instance, Celia may struggle to understand medical instructions for
her husband's health conditions or the legal implications of Joey's potential adoption. This
cognitive hindrance is further exacerbated by her fear of seeking help due to language-related
anxiety. Celia's challenges exemplify how cognitive development can be impeded by language
barriers, affecting her ability to navigate her family's complex circumstances effectively.
Emilia, Carmen's eldest sister, struggles with drug addiction. Since she has a history of addiction and her repeated attempts at rehabilitation offer another lens through which to view Cognitive Development Theory. Addiction and recovery involve a process of learning and cognitive development. Emilia's struggles to maintain sobriety despite her genuine desire to change can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the lack of timely access to suitable treatment programs and the absence of culturally consistent and evidence-based interventions (Veitch, et al., 2007). This struggle reflects the cognitive
challenges inherent in overcoming addiction. Emilia's experiences demonstrate how cognitive
development theory can elucidate the hurdles individuals face when trying to acquire the skills
and coping mechanisms necessary for recovery. Furthermore, her inability to secure stable
employment and regain custody of her son, Joey, underscores the far-reaching cognitive impact
of her addiction on her family's future.
Psychodynamic Theory delves into unconscious thoughts and feelings that shape
behavior and relationships. Celia's tension with her husband, Hector, over the presence of her
nephew, Roberto, can be examined through this lens. While on the surface, their disagreement
may seem related to Roberto's living situation, a deeper exploration may reveal unresolved
conflicts or underlying emotions contributing to this tension. For instance, Celia's fear of
Hector's reaction to her wanting to help Roberto could be rooted in past experiences or
unexpressed feelings. Psychodynamic Theory encourages us to explore the family's history,
emotional dynamics, and subconscious motivations to better understand the complexities of their
relationships.
Emilia's history of addiction and her strained relationship with her family align with
Psychodynamic Theory as well. Her substance abuse may be driven by unconscious emotional
factors, such as trauma or unresolved family issues. The rejection she experienced from her
family following her abortion could be a pivotal event affecting her self-esteem and choices.
Psychodynamic Theory prompts us to investigate the underlying emotions and past experiences
contributing to her addiction and her family's response. By delving into this subconscious
elements, social workers can uncover the root causes of her struggles and work towards more
effective interventions that address both addiction and the family dynamics.
Celia's decision to prioritize staying close to her family over improving her language
proficiency aligns with Humanistic and Existential Perspectives, which emphasize personal
growth and individual experience. Her unique values and experiences shape her choices,
reflecting her deep attachment to her family's well-being. In this perspective, Celia's decision is
not solely seen as a limitation but as a deeply personal expression of her values and priorities.
Social workers must respect and honor these individual choices while also finding ways to
provide the necessary support and resources within the context of her values.
Emilia's desire to regain custody of her son, reconnect with her family and overcome
addiction aligns with Humanistic and Existential Perspectives as well. These perspectives
underscore the importance of personal growth, authenticity, and self-expression. Emilia's journey
towards recovery and family, reconnection is driven by her desire to live a fulfilling life aligned
with her true self. Social workers should support her in these goals while recognizing the
significance of her choices and experiences. Emilia's story emphasizes the holistic approach of
social work, addressing not only her addiction but also her broader aspirations and values.
Alejandro, Carmen's older brother, doesn't feel like a contributing member of the family and appears to be suffering from depression. Alejandro works part-time while attending a technical school to support his parents.
When Carmen was a small child, her hearing loss was initially identified. But with the help of the American Sign Language (ASL) she learned in high school, she manages to get by fairly well. Due to the fact that only two of Carmen's siblings are proficient in ASL and her parents are unable to interact with her using the language, there are some communication obstacles within the family.
Carmen decided against attending a college close to her parents' house. Carmen's hearing impairment led her to choose a school with a substantial deaf student population, which is a fantastic support system for her. Carmen's time in college forces her to step outside of her comfort zone and confront unfamiliar difficulties. Her assurance that there are people who can assist her will come from attending a university with a sizable deaf student population. The initial stage, which could lead to some concrete effects, is simply getting used to new environments and people.
The social worker that is working with Carmen, collaborated with the Sanchez family to develop and carry out a task-centered action plan for this family while also acknowledging and appreciating the socioeconomic aspects that contribute to Carmen's problems. In order for Carmen to be successful there are challenges to be addressed. She must first look for financial aid in order to receive help to pay for college (grants, scholarships, or work study). Due to Carmen's condition, the government offers several types of financial aid, as stated on the FASFA website. Carmen's social worker can help her apply for a Pell Grant using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is an option. Carmen may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a benefit also offered to disabled students. The program is intended for students whose disabilities began before the age of 22 and whose earnings fall below a predetermined level. According to SSDI.GOV, the project may benefit students who require financial assistance to pay their tuition.
Smith-Acuna (2010) asserts that in order to assist people in stopping harmful behaviors and things that prevent them from living a fuller life, systems theory must be understood and used. The Sanchez family, Carmen will be the first in the family to enroll in college. This could have a great impact on young kids by inspiring them to strive to be like Carmen ad further their studies. The family may, however, become increasingly fearful and anxious, leading Carmen's parents to adopt an ecological perspective and see this as a chance to hurt their family because of the high cost of education. Additionally, Carmen's family may fear losing her because they think that, after her new experiences, she won't want to return to their neighborhood. Therefore, in order to help the family create tools that they may use to live more successfully, it is essential for the social worker to have as much knowledge as possible about the family dynamics.
In conclusion, in examining the challenges faced by Celia and Emilia Sanchez through
the lenses of Cognitive Development Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Humanistic and
Existential Perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of their experiences.
These psychological theories offer valuable frameworks for comprehending the cognitive,
emotional, and existential aspects of their struggles. By applying these theories, social workers
can better tailor interventions and support systems that address the multifaceted nature of the
challenges within the Sanchez family, ultimately promoting their well-being and resilience.
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