Critical Thinking 8,9,10,11

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 4
Chapter 8: Case Study

Cory is 4 ½ years old and has been attending preschool 4 days per week. Up until the birth of his
baby sister, he had been happy to go to school. For the last 3 weeks, however, he has started to
cry and cling to his mother each morning right at the time he is supposed to leave for school.
Cory’s mother expresses concern that Cory is regressing.
1. What suggestions can you offer his mother with regard to this new behavior?
Start the mornings by getting him excited for school, making a fun morning routine,
involve the new baby in with Cory’s morning routine. Positive reinforcement, get very excited
when he doesn’t have a meltdown, but be sure to acknowledge his feelings when he is upset.
2. At what other times in preschoolers’ lives might they regress temporarily?
A newborn in the family, parents going through a divorce, starting school or daycare,
getting sick or being hospitalized.
3. At which stage of cognitive development is Cory?
Preoperational stage – 2 to 6 years old - Symbolic thinking, use of proper syntax and
grammar to express concepts. Imagination and intuition are strong, but complex abstract
thoughts are still difficult. Conservation is developed.

Justin Eight-year-old usually walks to the bus stop at the corner of his neighborhood to catch the
school bus. Lately, he complains that he doesn’t feel well and doesn’t want to go to school, or he
takes so long to get ready for school that he misses the bus and his mother has to drive him to
school. His mother states that it seems like he wants to miss the bus and be driven to school.
After further investigation, his parents decide that Justin is reluctant to walk to the bus stop.
Later on, he relates that at the bus stop, an older boy is bullying him.
1. What suggestion can you offer Justin’s parents to help him learn to cope with a bully?
Encourage open communication with Justin, help him boost his self confidence by
positive self talk in the mirror, or partaking in a sport or activity he enjoys. Teach justin to stick
up for himself and be assertive with the bully, if he feels that his words are not helpful go to the
school with Justin about the issue.
2. Do you think Justin’s parents should walk with him to the bus?
No, it is important to consider the long-term effects of this, walking him to the bus every
day might reinforce Justin’s sense of fear and helplessness, potentially making him feel less
capable of handling the situation on his own. Instead the parents should provide emotional
support to their child and his emotions after school. Ask Justin what he would prefer you to do
instead of making the decision for him, it may be revealed that he wants his parents to walk him
to the bus stop.
3. When should the parents have the school authorities intervene?
If the bullying continues after Justin assertively asks the other child to stop, if the bully
places their hands on Justin or if the bullying is affecting Justins mental health negatively.

Andre is 17 years old and is the oldest of four children. His parents describe him as an above
average student who has always been a model child. Lately, his parents note that he is becoming
increasingly withdrawn and acting quiet and upset. His mother is concerned that he is spending
more and more time alone in his room with the door closed. His mood has changed from happy
to sad. He doesn’t want to join in any family activities, and his appearance has become unkempt.
1. What common signs of suicide should the family be alerted to?
Withdrawing from social activities or family time, acting upset and quite. Spending a lot
of time in their rooms with the door closed. More sadness and anger than happiness, giving away
valuable (personally) items, expressing worthlessness or hopelessness, verbal suicidal plans or
thoughts, cutting themselves or harming themselves.
2. What factors may cause an increase in the number of teenage suicides?
Bullying, internal family problems, change the child is not wanting, social media,
substance abuse, domestic relationships, pressure from family and or school, previous
attempts, access to methods of suicide and traumatic events.

Jeanne and Theodore Walker are both in their 20s and have recently married after a 1-year
courtship. Jeanne is working full time as a law secretary, and Theodore is a full-time college
student. They have decided to live with his mother so they can save for a house of their own.
Usually, Theodore’s mother is responsible for meal planning and preparation.
1. What type of family style is described in the above case presentation?
Multigenerational or extended family living.
2. What potential problems can result from this arrangement?
Lack of privacy in the new marriage, financial hardship, role conflicts as Theodore’s
mother is responsible for meal planning and preparation. Overstepping family boundaries is
more likely to happen, tension within the family. Conflict, due to an uneven workload among the
household.
3. What advantages does this living style offer for all parties involved?
Financial savings, emotional and financial support, close knit family with higher family
values, shared responsibilities, companionship, positive impact on everyone’s mental health,
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CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 4

Chapter 8: Case Study

2. At what other times in preschoolers’ lives might they regress temporarily?

3. At which stage of cognitive development is Cory?

Chapter 9: Case Study

3. When should the parents have the school authorities intervene?

Chapter 10: Case Study

1. What common signs of suicide should the family be alerted to?

2. What factors may cause an increase in the number of teenage suicides?

Chapter 11: Case Study

1. What type of family style is described in the above case presentation?

Multigenerational or extended family living.

2. What potential problems can result from this arrangement?

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