Case Study Questions

CASE EXAMPLE

Braylin is an 8-year-old Asian American boy, who attends second grade at an urban elementary school. His grandparents were born in China, but his parents were born in the United States making him a second-generation, Chinese American. He is raised by two parents who maintain traditional gender roles and tasks in the household. Braylin’s mother believes that the man should run the household and make all the major decisions. Braylin’s father believes in traditional gender roles and has different expectations for Braylin and his sister. Braylin’s family would be identified as low socioeconomic class. The family is religious and attends a strict Southern Baptist church. The family would be more likely to seek spiritual advice or pray if they have a problem. Braylin is more attached to his mother and has had a hard time fostering a close relationship with his father.

His father, Gerald, works long hours and often comes home exhausted. Braylin remembers multiple occasions when, after he accidentally hurt himself, his father told him to “toughen up.” Braylin has learned to be tough and keeps his needs to himself. He likes to play sports and recently injured his knee. He often feels pain in his knee but has not told anyone. He has continued to play sports and tries to ignore the pain. Braylin has learned not to cry, or to do it secretly, and he keeps his fears and sad thoughts to himself. Braylin is popular at school and socializes mostly with other boys. Their play is often rough, and Braylin and his friends make fun of any boy who shows weakness or emotions. Braylin is very close to his older sister and feels protective and sometimes worries about her. She is a risk taker and is often in trouble. Braylin has not shared his worries about her with anyone.

Braylin had never been to the school nurse or the school counselor before this point and was not sure what either one looked like. He believes in pushing himself and being tough. He has struggled with math in school but has not asked for help. He came to counseling because of increased worry about his sister and a feeling of helplessness. Braylin has never told anyone about his worries before.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What major legal/ethical concerns are present in this case example?
  2. How would prevention address this case example?
  3. How would intervention address this case example?
  4. How might your approach to this case differ based on socioeconomic variables?
  5. How might your approach to this case differ based on cultural factors?