Written Vignette Assignment: Mr. R

Answer the attached questions for the vignette below. Use the attached graded version w-comments and the rubic as a guide. Please include DSM-5 and APA ethics, and theorist books/articles as references and for citations. Note: Please see below for the comments on the practice paper for Paul. They might not show on the actual document so I typed them below for each page.

Mr. R is a 38-year old man referred for outpatient therapy by his primary care physician due to anger issues and increased stress at home and work. He lives with his partner of 12years, Ms. L, and their two children, ages 9 and 6.

Mr. R reports feeling constantly disrespected by others and states that people only listen when you raise your voice. He describes frequent verbal arguments with Ms. L, during which he admits to yelling, calling her useless and stupid and blocking her from leaving the room until the argument is resolved. He minimizes these behaviors, stalling, Ive never hit her, so I dont see what the big deal is.

Ms. L has recently started sleeping in a separate room. Mr. R reports that this makes him furious and that he has punched holes in the bedroom door during arguments. He denies intending to hurt anyone but says, Sometimes they need to see how serious I am.

At work, Mr. R has received two written warnings for aggressive behavior toward coworkers. He reports one incident where he shoved a coworker who got in his face, resulting in no serious injury. He frames this as self-defense and says, If I didnt stand my ground, Id be a target.

Mr. R also reports a history of physical discipline in his own childhood, stating his father used a belt, but thats just how things were back then. He admits that when his 9-year-old-son talks back, he has grabbed him by the arm hard enough to leave marks just to get his attention. He denies this is abusive and states, Kids today are too soft.

When asked about weapons, Mr. R reports owning several firearms that are locked away, though he keeps one handgun accessible in case someone breaks in. He denies any current plans to hurt anyone but states, If someone threatened my family, I wouldnt hesitate.

Mr. R denies suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or substance misuse. He presents as tense during the session, with clenched fists and minimal eye contact, and becomes visibly irritated when discussing limits or accountability.

Professor Comments for the Practice vignette for Paul w-comments:

Page 2 – No need to include an introduction, you can just start with Question 1: social psychology

Page 3 – Top paragraph – This is all on point, but please choose one theory from the field of social psychology and apply it to the case.

Page 3 – Under cognition and affect – 2nd paragraph – don write “in his/hers” anywhere in the document. I recommend separating these a section on affect and a section/paragraph on cognition.

Page 3- Same paragraph – where it reads (strategy of coping adopted by Paul.) – I recommend a clear theory from affective psychology and one from cognitive psychology.

Page 4 – where it reads (poor impulse control)- this section was on point, I might suggest a bit more detail about the biological components.

Page 5 – where it reads (baseline of reducing symptoms) – nice job on this section.

Page 5 – where it reads (and access to firearms through the law.) – For this section, frame it as questions you have about the case and clinical curiosities.

Page 5 – where it reads (viewed as corrective action) – Nice job

Page 6 – where it reads (Paul a person with a high risk of continuous risk evaluation) – Yes, thank you for mentioning the continuity piece.

Page 6 – where it reads (reporting might be based on the case when Paul presents specific persons with credible) – I recommend more detail here about potential tarasoff/duty to warn reporting.

Page 7 – where it reads (but not diagnosis, yet) – nice job

Page 7 – where it reads (express emotions and seek out help) – Nice job. Professors asked, Anything else you can add here? Check out APA practice guidelines for LGBTQ populations and discuss a few things that stand out.

Page 7 – where it reads (limit the use of alcohol) – Include safety wording in the list with everything else.

Page 8 – Under Interventions – These are all on point, I just suggest a bit more details.

Page 8 – where it reads (by highlighting the existing value) – I recommend including a humanistic theorist or two specifically, Carl Rogers or Maslow.