Assignment Question
Critically evaluate this case study. Darcy has been a gymnast since she was 5 years old. She is now 12 years old and is competing at the highest level possible. Throughout her career, she has struggled with long hours of training, missing routines due to injuries, parents separating, a family member who is an alcoholic, and body image issues. She has several friends who support her as she struggles including her mom, her two best friends on the team, her grandmother, and her coach. She is a perfectionist and feels that everything she does needs to be done well. Both her mom and her grandmother suffer from anxiety about social gatherings, and she struggles with this as well. The family culture and norms are to “suck it up” when things get tough. “Complaining is for losers”. She is reluctant to see the team sports medicine staff when she gets injured. A new counselor has joined the coaching staff and she was wondering if the counselor may help her learn new skills. Review this case study in resiliency and determine the following: What factors contributed to the individual’s resiliency? What factors eroded her resilience? What theory is best applied to her case? How can resiliency training be applied to her life given her current struggles? This assignment should be between 500-750 words, conform to APA format, 12-point, times new roman font Include references and citations. It will need to submit this assignment through this page.
Assignment Answer
Darcy’s case presents a complex landscape of challenges and support mechanisms that significantly impact her resilience (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013). Several factors have contributed to her resilience, while others have posed significant challenges (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000). Her resilience is evident in multiple aspects of her life, intertwined with various stressors and coping mechanisms (Masten, 2014).
Factors Contributing to Resilience
Supportive Network: Darcy benefits from a network of supportive individuals, including her mother, best friends on the team, grandmother, and her coach (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013). This support system is crucial in bolstering her mental and emotional resilience (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000).
Personal Determination: Her perfectionist nature drives her to excel in gymnastics (Masten, 2014). This determination and high standards set for herself play a role in pushing through difficulties and setbacks (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
Early Exposure to Challenges: Growing up as a gymnast since the age of 5, Darcy has been exposed to challenges and adversities from a young age (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000). These experiences might have contributed to her ability to cope with stress and setbacks (Masten, 2014).
Resilient Coping Strategies: Despite the adversities she faces, Darcy continues to pursue her passion for gymnastics, demonstrating her ability to adapt, problem-solve, and persist despite setbacks (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
Factors Eroding Resilience
Family Dynamics: The “suck it up” culture within her family might inadvertently discourage open expression of emotions or seeking help, potentially hindering her ability to seek support when needed (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000).
Personal Pressures: Darcy’s drive for perfectionism could potentially lead to heightened stress and unrealistic self-expectations, which, if unmanaged, may erode her resilience (Masten, 2014).
Reluctance to Seek Help: Her reluctance to see the sports medicine staff when injured might indicate a resistance to seeking professional help or guidance, which could hinder her recovery and overall well-being (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
Applied Resilience Theory
The Resilience Framework best suits Darcy’s case (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000). This model emphasizes the role of protective factors (supportive network, personal determination) and risk factors (family dynamics, personal pressures) in shaping an individual’s resilience. It views resilience as a dynamic process influenced by internal and external factors.
Application of Resiliency Training
Counseling and Psychoeducation: The introduction of a counselor within the coaching staff can be instrumental. Individual counseling sessions could help Darcy learn new coping skills, manage stress, and address her emotional struggles related to family issues and body image concerns (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness techniques and stress management strategies, such as relaxation exercises or mindfulness meditation, can assist Darcy in managing her anxieties and perfectionism (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000).
Encouraging Healthy Communication: Resilience training could involve teaching Darcy and her family healthy communication skills, promoting openness about emotions, and debunking the stigma around seeking help (Masten, 2014).
Building Emotional Intelligence: Resilience can be strengthened by enhancing emotional intelligence. Darcy could benefit from developing skills in recognizing, understanding, and managing her emotions effectively (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
In applying resiliency training, it’s crucial to tailor interventions to Darcy’s unique challenges and strengths, considering her sport-specific stressors and personal circumstances.
References
Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2013). Psychological resilience: A review and critique of definitions, concepts, and theory. European Psychologist, 18(1), 12-23.
Luthar, S. S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000). The construct of resilience: A critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543-562.
Masten, A. S. (2014). Global perspectives on resilience in children and youth. Child Development, 85(1), 6-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to Darcy’s resilience?
Darcy’s resilience is influenced by a supportive network, personal determination, early exposure to challenges, and resilient coping strategies. Her supportive relationships and determination in gymnastics play a significant role in her resilience.
What factors eroded Darcy’s resilience?
Erosion of Darcy’s resilience can be attributed to family dynamics emphasizing a “suck it up” culture, personal pressures due to perfectionism, and a reluctance to seek professional help when injured. These factors could hinder her ability to seek support and manage stress effectively.
Which resilience theory best suits Darcy’s case?
The Resilience Framework aligns with Darcy’s case. This theory emphasizes protective factors such as a supportive network and personal determination, alongside risk factors like family dynamics and personal pressures, shaping an individual’s resilience.
How can resilience training be applied to Darcy’s life?
Resilience training for Darcy could involve counseling, psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques, healthy communication skills, and emotional intelligence building. These interventions are tailored to address her unique challenges and strengths in gymnastics and personal life.
How does Darcy’s early exposure to challenges impact her resilience?
Growing up as a gymnast from a young age, Darcy’s early exposure to challenges might have contributed to her ability to cope with stress and setbacks. This exposure could have instilled adaptive skills and a resilient mindset.
