Health Psychology

Topic 3: Stress and Health

Stress Case Study

Directions: Choose one of the case studies below. Use the information presented to complete the assignment for Topic 3.

Case Study 1

Julie is a 42-year-old female who is reporting headaches, difficulty sleeping, and has developed several viral infections over the last few months. She has been to see her regular doctor who suggested she talk to a counselor. Julie reports high levels of stress at her job. Her department is understaffed and operating under tight deadlines. Julie has been working extra hours to help meet those deadlines. At home, Julie finds herself exhausted and fighting with her husband. Her children, ages 9, 7, and 3 have begun acting out and she reports that she is shorter-tempered with them than usual. Julie’s mother is 79 and fell while getting the mail resulting in a broken hip. While she is out of the hospital, she needs rides to physical therapy and assistance around her house.

Case Study 2

Claire is a 20-year-old college junior. She recently transferred to a school 3 hours away from home to attend their nursing program. Her schoolwork is demanding, and, being a transfer student, she has found it difficult to make friends, as many of her classmates already know each other from freshman year. Her boyfriend of 3 years is living in her hometown, and they do not get to see each as much as they would like. Claire had to quit her job to keep up with her school work, and she does not have any extra money. She can barely pay her rent and afford groceries. Claire has begun having difficulty sleeping, and feels anxious most of the time. She often finds herself crying and, lately, has been having a lot of stomach pain.

Case Study 3

Joseph is a 63-year-old man who recently retired. While he was looking forward to retirement, he now is unsure of how to fill the hours in the day. He worries constantly about finances and checks his bank account multiple times a day. He spends a great deal of time looking for ways to save money, as he fears his retirement will run out. Joseph’s wife of 30 years is not used to having him around the house so much, and they are constantly arguing. Joseph has begun experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.