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Situation Analysis And Suitable Theories On Social Anxiety Assessment 2 Answer

Assessment 2: Individual Written Assessment (25%)

Students will research and write an essay based on a case study that will be provided. In their response to the case study, the students must provide an analysis of the client problem and development of an appropriate intervention. This should include:

• An overview of the case • Selection of relevant theories • Problem identification • Application of the person-centred approach • Identification of appropriate support agencies

Your essay should include at least 8 (scholarly) Journal articles read and/or textbook references. The format of your essay will be discussed in greater detail during tutorials.

CASE STUDY
For the past 3 months, Bonnie had been asking her parents for help with her fear and anxiety. Mrs LaRue contacted the clinic and arranged an initial assessment appointment for the family. At the time of her first appointment, Bonnie was a 15-year-old white girl in the 9th grade. As part of the assessment, Bonnie and her parents were interviewed separately by you, the counsellor at the clinic. At the start of the interview, Bonnie states that her problem is that she gets nervous about everything, particularly things at school and doing anything new. When asked to give an example, Bonnie tells you that her father wanted her to go on school camp this year, but that she did not want to go because of her 'nerves'. During the course of the interview, it becomes clear that Bonnie's anxiety stems from a persistent fear of social situations where she might be the focus of other people's attention. For example, Bonnie reported that she felt very self-conscious in the mall and constantly worried what others might think of her. Bonnie says that she is very fearful of situations such as eating in public, using public restrooms, being in crowded places and meeting new people She claims that she will almost always try to avoid these situations. At school, Bonnie reports fear and avoidance of such activities as speaking up in class, writing on the white board and talking to her teachers or school principle. Although she is very good at playing the flute, she has dropped out of the school band because of her anxiety over participating in band performances. In addition to anxiety about talking to teachers, she reports a fear of talking to unfamiliar adults such as shop assistants. In fact, Bonnie says that she will never answer the phone at home. She is also very hesitant to use the phone when she has to interact with strangers to do such things as ask for information or order pizza In most of these situations, Bonnie says that her fear and avoidance related to her worry that she might say the wrong thing or she does not know what to say or do and she thinks this will lead others to think badly of her. Quite often, her fear of these situations is so intense that she would experience a full-blown panic attack. Bonnie also reports getting headaches and stomach aches when she is anticipating a situation that she finds difficult.

Answer

INTRODUCTION

Social anxiety or phobia is a common anxiety disorder that affects daily life activities negatively. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic anxiety resulting from fear of social situations where people are constantly conscious regarding the judgement of their actions and behavior by the public. This is the most widespread mental issue worldwide with the prevalence rate of 13 %. Social anxiety is treatable if addressed through appropriate theoretical understanding and dealt with suitable coping strategies and therapies. Almost 80% of individuals have reported betterment of their condition after administering cognitive behavior therapy and psychodynamic therapy. This essay aims to provide situation analysis and suitable theories explaining social anxiety. The essay also discusses the coping strategies helpful in the case study and relevant agencies for referral dealing with social anxiety.

Theories appropriate for Bonnie's situation and reasons for your selection

The two theories which could be related to Bonnies situation are the cognitive behavioural theory and social interaction theory of Bandura. The cognitive behavioural theory relates anxiety to the fear of negative evaluation that results in social interactions failures. Bonnie's anxiety stems from a persistent fear of social situations where she might be the focus of other people'attentionFor exampleBonnie reported that she felt very self-conscious in the mall and constantly worried about what others might think of her. She is overthinking regarding the outcomes of the social interactions in the social environment. Because of this belief and expectations, she is avoiding any social interactions. She is overestimating the consequences of the interaction in the public for example Bonnie is thinking more about how she is perceived by other people. The cognitive theory of social anxiety overestimates the negative aspects of social interaction

 Another theory that justifies the Bonnies condition is the social interaction theory of Bandura. This theory relates to the occurrence of anxiety with the perceived lacking of individual ability to perform desired actions. As bonnie face fear and avoidance related to her worry that she might say the wrong thing or she does not know what to say or do and she thinks this will lead others to think negatively hence creating anxiety (Tougas et al., 2015). Understanding of these theories allows us to know the key role the environment, emotional stress and the persistence of thinking plays in the anxiety state of the individuals. Theoretical understanding of the cause and effect of anxiety also helps in deciding the appropriate therapy for Bonnie. Relating to these theories we can assess the current status of Bonnie anxiety, her fear of how she will be perceived within the social sphere and how she will interact with others (Heydari, Dashtgard & Moghadam, Z. E. (2014

 Problems Bonnie experiencing and their impact on her life 

The defining features in Bonnie related to social anxiety are intense. These include both physical and psychological symptoms. Due to the act of worrying Bonnie is avoiding social performances alongside her band although she is good at playing the flute. Also, she is afraid of interacting in school with teachers and peers. Such avoidance can disrupt the fulfilment and enjoyment of life for Bonnie (Beidel et al., 2014). The fear out of social anxiety may affect her day to day activities and how she interacts with her environment. It can lead to several other conditions like low self-esteem, negative thoughts regarding oneself, depression and poor social skills. Due to her anxiety, Bonnie is avoiding public gatherings, making friends, taking class initiatives and interacting with teachers This can affect the overall development and well being of Bonnie as well as her life decisions. (Leigh & Clark, 2018)

Hence the condition may impact Bonnie in every aspect of her life. It can interfere with her ability to form relationships, succeed in school and wok, develop interpersonal and communication skills and complete her everyday tasks. Experiencing negative belief regarding self is another impact which Bonnie may observe due to her anxiety resulting in self-analysis and self-criticism (Leigh, Chiu & Clark, 2020). This significantly creates distress and performances in various aspects of life. Along with mental impact, Bonnie is also facing physical symptoms due to her anxiety. There are several physical symptoms also including pain in abdomen and headaches before attending social gatherings like school which can hinder her physical abilities to function normally. All these experiences in her routine life may be both physically and emotionally draining for her which could impact her overall growth as an individual and enjoying multiple aspects of life (Hakami, 2018).

Four strategies that would be helpful to Bonnie at this time 

The following could be the four strategies that could be used to deal with Bonnies Social anxiety/Phobia:

Cognitive behaviour therapy: As Bonnie is facing negative emotion regarding herself as the result of social anxiety Cognitive Behavioural therapy could be helpful in positively influencing her emotions. This may be administered through three techniques including exposure, cognitive restructuring and social skill training. This focuses on finding the self-concept and coping cognitive symptoms of social anxiety including fear of evaluations (Pinjarkar et al., 2015).

Interpersonal therapy: As some of the people do not responds well to the self-copying strategies and cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy can be administered due to distinct interpersonal characteristics of social anxiety in Bonnie. This strategy can be potentially helpful in improving interpersonal communication and functioning for Bonnie. This includes identifying the disputes and deficits with appropriate teaching of proving solving strategies to deal with new circumstances in her life for example attending 10th grade. This plan of action is focused on finding a solution to help explore and adaption to the situations (Rajhans et al., 2020).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: This strategy helps analyse and understand the negative thoughts and anxiety rather than denying its existence. As Bonnie is experienced panic attacks and withdrawal understanding and exercising the thoughts causing it, this can be done through experimental exercises, the value gained interventions and skill pieces of training. Bonnie is facing a lack of enjoyment in several aspects of life Acceptance and commitment strategy might help her fight negative emotions like fear, self-criticism and deception (Dindo et al., 2017).

Psychodynamic therapy: As Bonnie’s anxiety is exaggerated after her breakup with her boyfriend psychodynamic therapy will be helpful as it focusses on identifying the key issues exaggerating the anxiety. This strategy helps in identifying and addressing the appropriate issues and potential negative thoughts (Leichsenring et al., 2013). Psychodynamic therapy will encourage Bonnie to develop an effecting coping strategy with the capability of overcoming anxiety and developing confidence.

Following are the agencies that could be helpful in Bonnie's case:

1.Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has been addressing anxiety among Australians for 20 years. They are the mental health organisation that supports various ailments like anxiety, depression and suicide. Beyond Blue is the non-profit agency working in support from the Federal Government in Australia. The agency believes in dealing with people struggling with social anxiety through Enthusiasm, integrity, respect and inter-knowledge collaboration. They assist in promoting mental health through their partnership with academics, government, non-government, corporate and community collaboration. They can help Bonnie through their youth beyond blue program where they empower youth from age 12-25 dealing with various anxiety.

2.   SANE Australia

The agency is the mental health non-profit organisation that supports individuals affected with complex mental health issues such as social anxiety or phobia. They deal with such issues through support, advocacy and research. They work within various age groups and community to address the stigma around mental health issue and creating awareness. They run various programs which can be helpful to Bonnie such as Forum participation, Stigma watch and Dax centre. The agency is also helpful for Bonnies parents where they can get advice about to care for her anxiety.

3. Headspace centres

 This agency is the one-step solution for young people who need help for their mental ailments including social anxiety. There are over a hundred centres across Australia that ensure relevant effective and accessible care for young individuals suffering from anxiety. The unique services provided reflects the need of the local community and helping 15-25-year olds to have high-quality mental healthcare. This includes online and phone support, telehealth services and vocational services.

4. Grow

 This agency has professionals directly working with individuals having mental health problems.  They provide the services through mutual help, friendship and support within the community. They can help Bonnie in fighting social anxiety experiences through community interaction and communication.  Bonnie can interact with others having similar issues hence can learn and encouraged through their actions.

CONCLUSION

Social anxiety is a common psychiatric condition which requires attention and addressed as earliest as possible. Several theories of social anxiety and phobia have emphasized the presence of social learning, environment and cognitive process responsible for the occurrence of the condition. The case study provides various clinical aspects of the condition like social anxiety and how appropriate strategies would help address the condition, manage the life activities and avoiding further deterioration of the condition.

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