According to the Labeling theory described by the Interactionist perspective, labels can become self-fulfilling. If a person is labeled with negative attributes, they risk believing that these attributes are true, and may face an undesirable declining trajectory. Pia’s parents are approaching a situation in a negative manner, and this is cultivating Pia’s beliefs of having, or possessing negative attributes.
Read the case scenario for Pia below, and answer the questions below as if you are having dialogue with this family.
1) Explain Romantic love versus Rational love, and how the two can impact Pia.
2) Explain how the label’s that are given to Pia by her parents, have the potential to impact Pia.
3) Select and explain at least 3 positive attributes that Pia has in order to point out her strengths and build her self-esteem.
4) Meeting #2 has been scheduled and Pia’s parents will be joining this meeting. After reading “Conflict Resolution Strategies”, page 559, select 3 strategies that you plan to utilize with this family. You are to explain your goals and why you have selected these approaches.
Case Scenario;
You are a social worker and Pia, an eighteen-year-old senior has been referred to see you. Pia is scheduled to graduate in two months, however, Pia’s instructors have reported a drop in her grades, and a sudden change in her demeanor. You are aware that if Pia’s grades continue to decline, she runs the risk of not meeting graduation requirements. Historically, Pia excelled in high school and was a star athlete. She was known to be a reliable motivated hard worker. She was a determined leader and had goals of attending college. During the meeting, Pia reports that she is 6 weeks pregnant, and plans to marry her 19-year-old boyfriend. Pia reports that she has been forbidden to see her boyfriend, and her parents are not interested in what he or his parents have to say. Pia reports that her parents are furious, disgraced, embarrassed and have told her numerous times that she has been selfish, disrespectful, a failure, and has tarnished the family name. Pia reports that she understands that she is a failure and is ready to drop out of school.
