Stress Scenarios: Case Studies

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Analyze each stress situation by applying the components of the ABC-X Model. Evaluate each scenario as a case study. For this case study assignment, simply explain the issue, compare it against the model and discuss how communication could reduce or resolve the situation. 

2) Discuss how communication can contribute to the reduction or resolution of the stressful situation experienced in each of the scenarios.

SCENARIO #1—McAllister-Jones Family

Kyle and Stephanie McAllister are planning their upcoming wedding. Since Stephanie’s father left her mother when Stephanie was only 7 years old and she has only spoken to her father on holidays, Stephanie has decided to ask her stepfather to walk down the aisle with her. Two weeks before the wedding, Stephanie’s stepmother calls and asks what time she and Stephanie’s father should plan to arrive for the rehearsal. She tells Stephanie that her father is so excited about being able to walk his little girl down the aisle. Stephanie hangs up the phone in tears and tells Kyle that she wants to elope.

SCENARIO #2—Janszen-Miller Family

Chad and Jeff have been in a monogamous relationship for the past seven years. Chad is working toward his goal of being an executive for a Fortune 500 company. While he’s a few years away from realizing his goal, he makes enough to support himself, Jeff, and their children. Jeff has been a “stay-at-home parent” who cares for his son and Chad’s daughter while working on a science fiction novel—his lifetime goal. The men and their children have always been healthy—no one has ever been afflicted with more than a cold. Jeff’s son, Christopher, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease. He will require extensive medical care. Chad and Jeff are not sure what they’re going to do; the medical procedures are costly and time consuming.

SCENARIO #3—The Jones Family

David and Stacy have been living in a small town where David is employed with a local law firm. If David keeps progressing as he has, he’s expected to be named a partner in the near future. David has been working for the firm for several years and has been able to support Stacy while she pursues her medical degree at the local university. Stacy is one year from graduating with her degree, and she must decide where to go for her residency. She receives word from her top choice—Healthy Hospital—that she has been accepted for their residency program.  However, Heathy Hospital is 800 miles away. She and David must decide what to do. They know that they don’t want to spend four years apart, but neither wants to give up on their goals.

SCENARIO #4—The Deas Family

Justin’s job has required him to move his wife and children from Columbus to a rural farm community. When searching for homes in the new community, Justin and his wife were told by the Realtor, “We might have a difficult time finding a place where you’ll feel at home here. After all, you’re the first African-American family to move here for as long as I can remember.” A couple of weeks into their move, Alena was shocked when their 7-year-old daughter came home crying because two of the children at school were asking her why her skin was a different color.  Justin and Alena are confused about what they should do. This job is the opportunity of a lifetime, but they had never had to deal with the openly racist attitudes that they have been facing since moving to this small town.