Application of Role Theory to a Case Study

Presenting Problem Review

Tiffani is a 16-year old Caucasian femaleArrested for prostitution 3 timesCourt ordered to stay in group homeWants to be with her pimpHas an abusive pimp

Presenting Problem & Tiffani’s Role

Tiffani assumes the communal role.She puts others before herself. She is concerned about others and their thoughts about her.She also has a desire to be with others.

Relevant Roles Assumed by Tiffani

Communal RoleAgentic Role – Tiffani’s pimp & Tiffani’s dadUnderstanding these two qualities helps to us to understand how Tiffani assumes the typical gender role for women.

Social Expectations & Norms

Take the abuse – Tiffani saw her mom get abused and she took it, so this was her normal.If mom doesn’t do it, I have to – Tiffani was taking care of herself and her sister.Women are not as strong as men – Tiffani’s mom experienced domestic violence from her husband.

Influence of Role & Social Position

Tiffani’s role in other’s lives is based on their position in her lifeShe has a low socioeconomic statusShe is a teen living on her ownHer greatest influence is her pimp

Assessment Question 1

What do you think the role of a woman should be in the household?

Assessment Question 2

What are the strengths of a woman? Of a mother?

Assessment Question 3

What are the challenges you feel that women face that men don’t face?

Intervention #1

Task-Centered PracticeGive Tiffani goals that will help to shift her perspective from the social norm that he’s accustomed.We could talk about projected outcomes.We could also talk about how the outcome will contribute to Tiffani’s growth.

Intervention #2

Cognitive-BehavioralHelp Tiffani discover the best possible solutions.Challenge Tiffani to change the patterns of behavior that are not healthy.Self-reflecting through journaling will help Tiffani to see distorted views that she has of herself.

References

Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studieshttps://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201910_27/MS_SOCW/SOCW_6060_WC/readings/USW1_SOCW_6060_week02_theoryPracticeCaseStudies.pdfDulin, A. 2007. Advances in Social Work Vol. 8 No. 1 (Spring 2007) 104-112. Indiana University School of Social Work.