A Developmental Case Scenario
Sandyâs childhood was relatively happy, she was the oldest of three children born to Bertha and Harry Russell. Sandy excelled academically and was awarded a full scholarship to Stanford University where she completed her bachelors and masters degree in English Literature. She married her childhood sweetheart after graduation and secured a job as an assistant editor at a local publishing company. She put her career on hold when she learned she was pregnant as she and her husband believed that at least one parent should be full-time. She had a difficult delivery with Miranda and when it became apparent that Miranda suffered from developmental disabilities, the marriage fell apart. Mirandaâs father blamed Sandy for Mirandaâs difficulties and started seeking solace in the arms of one of his female coworkers. When Sandy learned of the affair, she started divorce proceedings. Her husband did not contest the divorce but refused to pay child support or alimony claiming that Miranda was not his child.
Bill grew up the only child in an alcoholic home. His father was abusive to his mother when drinking and Bill attempted to intervene when his father started verbal or physical abuse. He was a lonely child, not wanting to have friends who might find out about what his life was like at home. When his mother died of breast cancer when Bill was 17, he left for college without saying good-bye. He worked his way through Illinois State University and obtained his engineering degree. Bill obtained a position at Caterpillar, Inc. upon graduation and has been working for that company ever since. He met his first wife in college and a bar and when she became pregnant after 2 months of dating, he agree to marry her. Early on in the marriage it became apparent that Billâs wife had a drinking problem. She was able to not drink during her pregnancy, but soon after started nightly consuming at least one bottle of wine. When Bill confronted her about her drinking, she claimed it was his fault because he never paid any attention to her or the baby. She complained that all he did was work while she was stuck at home with Andrew. Bill suggested marriage counseling but his wife refused stating that he needed a counselor so he should go by himself. In the meantime, she became more and more verbally abusive to Bill and sometimes to Andrew as well. After 8 years, 4 DUIâs, one treatment center failure and Andrew having continued difficulties at school, Bill filed for divorce. He sought custody of Andrew citing his wifeâs alcoholism, and was awarded full custody after a long and painful divorce process.
Go to Bill and Sandy's Reflective Learning Task Four
