Assignment task:
Outline how the included case study relates to psychodynamic theory. Using recent research to convince the reader about the links between the case study and psychodynamic theory.
Case study - Rachel
Rachel is a successful entrepreneur in her mid-forties. She runs clothes stalls in popular indoor markets in London and Manchester. Because of Rachel's hard work, perseverance, and creativity, she was able to build her business with very little resources. Indeed, Rachel is from a working-class background, left school at the age of 16, and worked in several unskilled labour jobs before starting her own company. She is meticulous in her approach to work and is determined to be more successful than her parents were.
Some of Rachel's success could be attributed to her somewhat ruthless attitudes towards others. She knows what she wants, and will achieve her goals, even if it is at the expense of others. As an example, at the beginning of her career as an entrepreneur she befriended one of the people who was responsible for organising stall rental agreements in London. As a result of this befriending, Rachel obtained a good rental deal that allowed her to start the business. She is no longer friends with this individual, as they fell out after a seemingly minor argument.
Rachel can be very charming when she meets new people. She is the life and soul of any party and knows how to have good time. Others are initially attracted to her because of her good looks and quick wit. However, she also has a nasty streak, which makes her behaviour unpredictable at times. This has resulted in very few long-term friendships, and a string of short-term sexual partners rather than serious relationships.
As a child, Rachel could be described a bit of a loner. Indeed, she often blurted out things that could be thought of as unkind, which alienated other children. She liked to be in control and see how far others would go obeying her commands. Rachel was a popular, but also a somewhat feared character in school.