Carter Case Analysis
Multiracial adolescents are reported to have higher problem behavior rates. Adolescence is acknowledged as an extremely challenging period for all children and a result; many youths find themselves in various problem behaviors including risky sexual behaviors, substance use, delinquency, and interpersonal violence (Milan & Keiley, 2010). James is challenging the expectations of his parents since he wants to associate himself with the traits associated with the low-SES African-Americans and which the parents are against. John is also likely to fail in class and is engaging in alcohol drinking. The Carters are facing an identity crisis since they do not want to be associated with the low-SES African Americans.
According to Sue and Sue (2013), human races are viewed as separate and natural divisions. Human species’ physical variations mean nothing except the social meanings human beings put on them. The concept of the race is prominent in the US where race justifies mistreatment of the inferior ones and prejudicial attitudes. The American society places a huge emphasis on race and, therefore, there is a need to understand the Carters’ racial identity development since it is necessary to engage James in psychotherapy (Milan & Keiley, 2010).
The Carters’ case fits perfectly with the PCRIM (People of Color Racial Identity Model) where self concept is determined by general personality features such as traits (reflected in self-esteem and psychopathology) and reference group orientation. In the pre-encounter stage, there is a belief that the African Americans primarily identify themselves with the mainstream culture/ European American. The dominant ancient White world view is idealized while the Black world view is denigrated (Sue & Sue, 2013). The second stage is characterized by James’ adoption of behaviors, clothing and music and as a result, the parent’s original world view s threatened. Counseling will assist John and his parents to reach the internalization phase.
When counseling, a number of factors will be considered including the self-esteem and self-identity issues, failure in class, alcohol problem, conflict with parents, peer pressure, and adolescence issues (Sue & Sue, 2013). A psycho-educational approach, Biopsychosocial perspective, and Biopsychosocial-spiritual model can be used during counseling.
References
Milan, S., & Keiley, M. (2010). Biracial youth and families in therapy: issues and interventions. J Marital Fam Ther., 26305–26366.
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2013). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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