PYC4808
Assignment 5 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: September 2024
Case Study
Alisha (14 years old) was referred to a psychologist, for psychotherapeutic intervention,
because of concerning eating behaviour. Her mom, Tisha (45 years old) reported that she
has found chocolate bar wrappings hidden in Alisha’s room, and has also noticed the
remnants of vomit in the toilet bowls. In the parent intake interview, Alisha’s parents, Tisha
and Clinton (53 years old) indicated that Alisha was sexually abused by an unknown
offender at the age of three. This was reported to the SAPS, and an investigation ensued,
however, the perpetrator was never identified. At the time, Alisha refused to go to school,
threw violent temper tantrums and had nightmares at night. Her parents took her for play
therapy with a counsellor, and the behavioural difficulties subsided. Alisha was never
informed about the abuse, and the parents decided not to tell anyone in the family. At age
13 years old, Alisha developed social and performance anxiety, had very few friends and felt
awkward around others. She performed well academically, and was a competitive athlete
and dancer. However, since beginning Grade 8 this year, Alisha has become more lethargic,
and doesn’t have sufficient energy to compete competitively. Her academic marks
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has begun binging on certain foods, and then purging when she feels “stuffed”. She is
concerned about these behaviours, and said “I just want to feel normal again, what is wrong
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
with me”. She also reported that
any representations or she feelsexpress
warranties, her parents
or implied.favour herassumes
The author younger brother,
no liability Dante
as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this
(11 years old), and that he gets all the attention. document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
To answer Question 1, you are required to draw a comprehensive ecomap for the
family described in the case study. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create the
ecomap based on the symbols provided and the relationships described in the family:
Symbols:
1. Males: Represented by a square.
2. Females: Represented by a circle.
3. Deceased: Represented by a circle or square with an "X" through it.
4. Ambivalence: Represented by a zigzag line.
5. Distant relationship: Represented by dashed lines ("------").
6. Close relationship: Represented by a solid line ("_____").
7. Conflictual relationship: Represented by a line with slashes ("//////").
Ecomap Components:
1. Alisha: (Circle for female)
• Close relationship with her mother Tisha but also reports that her mother
criticizes her (potential for ambivalence).
• Distant relationship with her father Clinton due to his disengagement.
• Possible ambivalent relationship with her brother Dante due to her perception
that he receives more attention.
2. Tisha (Mother): (Circle for female)
• Close but conflictual relationship with her husband Clinton. She appears
stressed, and Alisha reports arguments between the parents.
• Close but critical relationship with Alisha. Tisha’s emotional outbursts may add
strain to this dynamic.
3. Clinton (Father): (Square for male)
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
• Distant and ambivalent relationship with Alisha and a disengaged relationship
with the family due to his time spent away playing golf and drinking.
• Conflictual relationship with Tisha (marital discord), but the couple presents as
cohesive in public.
4. Dante (Brother): (Square for male)
• Ambivalent relationship with Alisha, as she perceives him as favored by the
parents.
• Likely close relationship with both parents as there is no report of conflict
between him and either parent.
Drawing the Ecomap:
• In the center: Place Alisha (circle), as she is the focus of the case study.
• Above her: Place Tisha (mother, circle) and Clinton (father, square) with lines
connecting them to indicate the relationships.
o Solid line between Alisha and Tisha with possible ambivalence or conflict
markers.
o Dotted or dashed line between Alisha and Clinton to represent their
distant relationship.
o Conflict line between Tisha and Clinton.
• Next to Alisha: Place Dante (square) and connect them with an ambivalence
line due to Alisha’s perception of favoritism.
This ecomap visually represents the relational dynamics within the family and
highlights areas of conflict, ambivalence, and distance that could be important for the
psychologist to address in therapy.
Be sure to create the ecomap diagram in a graphical format (using tools like Microsoft
Word, PowerPoint, or a drawing app) to represent these relationships accurately.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
