Case Study: Johnny is a 12-year-old student at Hometown Middle School. Six weeks ago, he witnessed a fight at lunch time between two students at the adjacent table in the cafeteria. During the fight, a knife was pulled and its use resulted in serious injury to one of the students. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called, and the student was removed via ambulance. Since that day, Johnny has had frequent nightmares in which he revisits the fight scene. He has refused to eat lunch in the cafeteria and instead hides in the bathroom during the lunch hour. Once this was discovered, he was brought to the guidance counselor, and his mother was called to school. Johnny insists that the cafeteria isn’t safe, and in discussion with the guidance counselor his mother mentions that Johnny insists on keeping a kitchen knife at his bedside table. Further evaluation of Johnny’s school performance demonstrates that his grades have fallen from their usual level. The biopsychosocial model of health psychology incorporates biological, social, and psychological factors. Based on these, evaluate the health-related behaviors exhibited by Johnny in the scenario.
What health promotion (prevention) practices could be addressed?
What factors might influence Johnny and his mother’s utilization of healthcare resources based on his developmental stage?
Assess the scenario and comment on how psychological methods might be employed to assist Johnny in managing and coping with the situation.