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Adolescence Case Study: Mark T.

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Adolescence Case Study- Mark
Presenting Problems
According to Broderick and Blewitt (2015) the client for this case is Mark Spencer, a 16 year old Caucasian male who is currently a sophomore at a suburban school. Mark is reported to have attended the same school since Kindergarten and was reported to have the same group of friends until they went their separate ways in eighth grade. Mark and his friends were reported to be interested in scouts until the friends attention turned to girls around the eighth grade while Mark continued to be interested in scouts. Mark’s friends were reported to make fun of Mark until he decided that he would no longer participate in scouts; however, the friendships did not appear to be rekindled until Mark had something …show more content…

Mark’s parents are described as typical Generation X parents according to Miller (2011) as they appear to be consumed with their work while trying to maintain the family and they hold high expectations for Mark. Although Mark’s parents hold high expectations for Mark, their parenting style appears to be less hands on and they allow Mark to make advanced decisions for his self which should require critical thinking and logic of a responsible adult. Mark’s parents are described as not wanting to upset Mark or address his anger thus it appears that they do not have an aggressive parenting style. According to Broderick and Blewitt (2015) authoritative parenting is strongly associated with positive outcomes in white teens more so than in minority groups. Mark’s parents are not authoritative and in fact present as passive resulting in Mark taking advantage of the situation and participating in risky …show more content…

Mark, who has recently begun driving his own vehicle and has very little limitations set forth by his parents, has regained his status with his old friends now. Mark, who gave up on his love for scouts due to the teasing of these friends, is working to find his true sense of self during this confusing time of adolescence. Due to the individual and cultural impacts of Mark’s life, Mark would benefit from parents who are more authoritative by placing higher demands and setting limits with Mark. Mark and his parents would benefit from psychotherapy sessions in order to address Mark’s risky behaviors and help Mark make significant changes in his life. Mark becoming involved in his community and seeking positive outcomes could help keep him focused and helps him stay away from the risky

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