Case Scenario: Chelsea and Chen
Chelsea, a 34-year-old white female, moved to Riverbend City five years ago. After she completed her master's internship in school counseling, she took a job as the school counselor in the Riverbend City elementary school system.
She is working with Chen, a nine-year-old girl. When Chen was five, Mr. and Mrs. Clark adopted her through an agency that works in conjunction with Chinese orphanages. Although Chen had been in the orphanage since birth, it took longer to find a family for her because she was born with a cleft palate.
The Clarks could afford and were willing to pay for the surgery to repair Chen's palate. The surgery took place when Chen was six years old. It was hard on Chen to have such a major surgery, but her palate and lip were corrected with a moderate remaining scar.
The Clarks are loving parents, committed to Chen's adjustment and progress, and are cooperating with any recommendations given by professionals. The Clarks have no other children.
Chen is small for her age and is very quiet. She is in the third grade and is a good student. As a reading project, each member of the class had to give a book report in front of the class. Chen read her chosen book and wrote the book report, but refused to stand in front of the class to give the report. When the teacher tried to nudge Chen to give her report, Chen ran out of the room crying.
The teacher was concerned about the incident, Chen's lack of confidence in herself, and her seeming inability to interact with the other children. So she referred Chen to Chelsea.
Consider the individual, family, societal, cultural, and ethical issues that Chelsea must think about as she interacts with Chen, her teacher, and her adoptive parents.
Write a 6-8 page report in which you complete the following:
1. Brainstorm several alternatives for resolving the ethical dilemma in the case.
2. Analyze alternatives for resolving the ethical dilemma and come to a conclusion.
3. Analyze and document the possible ramifications for at least three alternatives. Then, choose a course of action.
4. Apply ethical codes and standards to support the plan of action.
5. Explain the research methods used in multiple research studies relevant to the case, and present the findings. Use scientific research methods and findings to address psychological phenomena.
6. Explain your course of action, using research findings from at least two studies to support your plan. Apply psychological research findings to support a plan of action.
7. Solve problems in the field of psychology through critical and scientific analysis, and innovative thinking. Analyze alternatives for resolving the ethical dilemma.
A. Write an introduction: Briefly summarize:
- The ethical issue in the case you have chosen.
- How professional standards and other resources, in general terms, point toward solutions.
- How the issue in general relates to larger societal problems.
B. Create a heading titled Applied Ethical Principles and Standards: Use the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct to assess which of the principles and standards relate to the particular ethical issue in this case, and analyze how they do so.
C. Create a heading titled Alternative Solutions:
- Brainstorm several alternatives for resolving the ethical dilemma in the case. Thoroughly analyze the possible ramifications for at least three alternatives and document them. Then, choose a course of action.
- Explain your chosen course of action and support it based on both ethical principles and current psychological research (published within the past decade).
D. Create a heading title Research: Present at least two research studies that support your thinking and approach to ethics in the case. Present the research methods and findings and analyze the relevance of the findings to the case.
E. Create a heading titled Conclusion: Briefly summarize the importance of the problem and make a compelling appeal for implementation of your action plan.