Client A is a 25 year old student who attends Buffalo State College. She was asked by her counselor to keep a journal of her school experiences. You have the opportunity to read a sample of entries from her journal. She is struggling with being non-assertive. She has trouble speaking her mind in class room situations and is fearful of public speaking. What "unit of analysis" will you count? (particular words; sentences; each entry in its entirety). Can you develop an anchored scale to measure the extent of her non-assertiveness/ assertiveness?

 

Day 1 Entry

I really wanted to speak up in class when my so-called classmates were talking about welfare as a program for unambitious minorities. I don't usually talk in class even if I'm not sure of what the teacher means. Sometimes I get up enough nerve to ask them after class. But I'd really like to tell those arrogant, know-nothings what I have to go through to get by bringing up 2 young kids and going to school.

Day 2 Entry

We were working on a group assignment but didn't have enough time to really get into it. There are one or two people that seem to want to be in charge. That's a relief in a way. But I'm not sure they really understand what the teacher wants. I'm worried about the in-class presentation. I hate to speak in front of the class but I don't want to let anybody down. And I can't afford a low grade.

Day 3 Entry

I spoke up in my small group today. I asked the girl next to me if I could call her to find out what my part of the project will be because I won't be able to be in class next time. I need to take the baby to the pediatrician. I don't want any one to think that I won't carry my weight.

Day 4 Entry

I called the girl and she said that I need to get information about the number of kids in Headstart in NYS. I haven't a clue where to begin. I'll need to ask the teacher or librarian. If I can only find the time to get to school early. It wasn't bad talking to my classmate but I wish I didn't get stuck with tracking down that figure.

 

 

Resident in Ambulatory Care Unit who is struggling with feelings of depression, boredom and social isolation. She was asked by her social worker to keep a journal of her daily feelings. You have the opportunity to read a sample of entries from her journal.What "unit of analysis" will you count? (particular words; sentences; each entry in its entirety). Can you develop an anchored scale to measure the extent of her feelings of depression or boredom and/or social isolation?

 

Day 1 Entry

This place is depressing. Sure they have flowers in the main dining room but most everything else seems like a hospital. I need help to get around so mostly I just lay in bed and think about little I can do for myself. It's embarrassing to need someone to get me to the toilet or just out of bed. I don't see many people around here. A nurse comes in once in awhile and someone comes in to either bring me to the dining hall or bring food to my room, if I don't want to leave. There isn't even a telephone around. I feel cut off from family. They're so busy; they don't visit but once a week. This place is full of sadness. People look tired, weak and seem grumpy. I don't have much to look forward to.

Day 2 Entry

Another day in bed. It looks really miserable outside. I didn't have much appetite today. I feel constipated much of the time so the idea of eating doesn't much appeal to me. I wish I could sleep without taking sleeping pills. But laying around in bed all day, dosing off now and then-- makes it hard to sleep at night. The TV shows are so ridiculous. I'm not even amused by them.

Day 3 Entry

Don't ever get old. You lose friends and loved ones. You feel weak and dependent. It stinks. If I were an Eskimo, they'd leave me to an iceberg. Don't get me wrong. They try to be nice here. Always greeting you with such cheer. And how are we today? But I feel miserable and helpless. I know I should answer them with cheer but I can't muster up the energy to be insincere.

Day 4 Entry

Thank god it's Friday. At least on the weekend I get a few visitors. I don't have much energy to visit with them for more than an hour but I do like to hear about what's happening with my grandkids. They bring me pictures they've colored and they're so full of energy. It's nice to see some life around here.