Case Study of Sascha

Examine the following Case Study of Sascha

Sascha is a 40-year-old woman who was initially referred to therapy to address her anxiety and

depression. In the first consultation, she indicates that she believes her instability in mood is

triggered by her difficulty in sustaining relationships. She reports that she no longer feels fulfilled

in her current relationship and that she would like to be with someone who is less emotionally

distant. She also reports that she doesn’t seem to have a strong sense of who she is and she is

struggling with her self-identity.

She reports during your session with her that she is the youngest of three children, with her older

brother being the golden child in the family, and successful in business, whilst her older sister is

very hard working. She further reports that her father was an alcoholic who was mostly absent

from home and rather engaged in hobbies and activities that centred around his drinking. When

he was home he was verbally and physically abusive and the entire family had to eggshell around

him. Her mother was completely emotionally absent as she was focused on her father’s needs.

Sascha further notes that she has engaged in many risky behaviours during her teenage years

and early adulthood, particularly in her use of drugs and alcohol. She also reports that she has

consistently made bad relationship decisions, that tend to be short-lived and unstable. She

reports being in immense emotional pain and hopes that you will be able to help her develop a

better sense of who she is.

The South African College of Applied Psychology (Pty) Ltd

Theories of Personality

Module Outline

Page 12

Instructions: Provide a theoretical analysis of Sascha’s personality

Select two of the theoretical perspectives listed below to unpack and understand Sascha’s

personality. Apply the key aspects of the theory to critically understand and provide an analysis

of the case study provided.

 Freud’s Psychoanalytic;

 Horney’s Social and Cultural Psychoanalysis;

 Adler’s Individual Psychology; and/or

 Bandura’s Modelling Theory.

Note:

 Make use of at least 8 academic references;

 Use the MySACAP assessment template;

 Adhere to APA referencing.