Word count/length
1250 words
SILOs
• Evaluate and integrate knowledge about a range of individual, social and cultural factors that influence psychological health and illness (SILO 1)
• Critically review the literature to produce a sound written argument (SILO 3)
• Critically analyse different theoretical, clinical, and public health perspectives on psychological health and illness (SILO 5)
Purpose/Rationale
An important skill for psychologists and any healthcare professional is to be able to integrate and apply key evidence from the literature to a particular person’s case, with consideration of individual, social, and cultural factors. In this essay, you will build on the skills and knowledge you have developed in the case report self-reflection and group oral presentation by delving deeper into Maria’s case. You will apply your critical thinking skills to analyse the literature and integrate key aspects of the case study to construct an evidence-based argument that identifies potential risk and protective factors and advocates for the most appropriate treatment option. This assignment will not only help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its management but will also provide you with an opportunity to strengthen your writing and critical evaluation.
Task details
In Assessment 3, you will again respond to the case vignette about Maria, a 16-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Your task is to write a 1250-word essay that:
- Examines at least one contextual factor influencing Maria’s presentation (e.g., genetics, family dynamics, pre-existing conditions, cultural or social context) and its potential impact on her functioning and/or outcomes.
- Suggests the most appropriate treatment option for Maria by evaluating the literature and case study details and assessing the implications of treatment on her functioning and/or outcomes.
This is an individual assessment. The work submitted must be your own and adhere to academic integrity standards.
Instructions
Essays should be no more than 1250 words and adhere to APA 7th style. You may find the word limit a challenge; however, a key skill to develop at third year level is to write clearly and succinctly. The word count does not include the title page or reference list but does include in-text citations.
The case report essay should be structured using appropriate essay format:
- Title page
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs addressing the three key areas above
- Conclusion
- References
You may use subheadings if appropriate (note, subheadings are counted in the word limit).
As always, give yourself plenty of time to complete the essay. Start with an essay plan and ensure you have time to revise at the end.
You should aim for 10-15 references overall.
Your included references can be published in any year, but keep in mind that research into this area has seen some significant developments in the last 10-15 years so studies older than this may be dated.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In this assessment you are allowed to use generative AI (e.g., Microsoft co-pilot, Chat GPT) for limited purposes outlined below. Any use of generative AI must be acknowledged and described.
Permitted uses:
- Checking grammar, spelling, and punction.
- Obtain feedback on how to improve the structure or clarity of your writing, without re-writing or changing your original ideas or meaning.
Not permitted:
- Generating written content and directly including this into your work
- Asking AI to re-write your work
- Asking AI to find and/or create citations and references
Any use of AI tools beyond what is described above may be considered a violation of academic integrity.
It is your responsibility to understand the risks and limitations of using generative AI, and we strongly encourage you to critically evaluate any output they produce.
Acknowledging your use of generative AI
If you decide to use generative AI in this assessment, you must include an acknowledgement of use in the provided space at the end of the test. You should include:
- The date of access
- Name of tool and description of use
- Prompts used
For example:
On [Insert Date], I used [insert AI tool] to provide feedback on clarity, structure, argument strength, and coherence based on the following prompts: “Can you provide a critique focusing on clarity and structure, without rewriting the text?” All revisions were made independently based on the feedback received.
Note. When using prompts be sure to include instructions to avoid rewriting the text, for example: “do not rewrite or provide full revision of the text”. This should prompt the tool to provide you with a list of improvements or critiques for you to apply, rather than rewrite your work.
Resources and readings relevant for assessment
Starting References
World Health Organization. (2021). Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (6B41). In International classification of diseases (11th ed.) (Chapter 6, Mental, Behavioural or Neurodevelopmental Disorders). Available: https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en#585833559
Dunn, B. J., Paterson, J. L., & Keane, C. A. (2023). Functional outcomes in youth with complex trauma: a systematic review of psychosocial interventions. Australian Psychologist, 58(3), 139–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/00050067.2023.2206513
Kisiel, C., Summersett-Ringgold, F., Weil, L. E., & McClelland, G. (2017). Understanding strengths in relation to complex trauma and mental health symptoms within child welfare. Journal of child and family studies, 26, 437-451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0569-4
Meng, X., Fleury, M. J., Xiang, Y. T., Li, M., & D’arcy, C. (2018). Resilience and protective factors among people with a history of child maltreatment: A systematic review. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 53, 453-475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1485-2