7PS502 - Individual Differences: Clinical Psychology Case Study

This exploratory case study report delves into the individual differences presented by Karen, a 20-year-old referred to clinical psychology services due to feelings of low mood and significant stress related to her university studies. The report details Karen's background, including her shyness, social anxiety, and increasing social isolation, as well as her academic struggles and reliance on social media. Presenting problems of depression and social anxiety disorder are analyzed through the lens of social cognitive theory, Freud's psychodynamic theory, Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory, and self-discrepancy theory. Potential interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and behaviorist theory, are discussed as strategies to address Karen's specific issues and improve her overall well-being. The report emphasizes the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches to accommodate individual differences and promote positive outcomes.

Individual Differences Clinical
Psychology Exploratory Case
Study Report

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
SECTION 1 Background Information ............................................................................................3
SECTION 2 Presenting Problems....................................................................................................4
Section 3: Intervention.....................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Individual differences in clinical psychology refers to varied situations among people,
where some psychological aspects such as intelligence, personality, interests need to be
identified for treating patients. The clinical psychology addresses behavioural and mental health
issues faced by individuals across various scenarios including perspectives such as intellectual,
emotional, psychological, social factors. Karen,20 year old has been experiencing high amount
of stress about academic performance pressure, where she undergoes depression, stress and hard
time concentrating on social interactions. The report will analyse background information,
analysis of detailed problems and types of interventions which can be further implemented for
improvising patient health conditions. Study will also research on varied range of individual
differences which needs to be focused on among clinical psychological aspects, where
parameters optimization will be done.
SECTION 1 Background Information
Karen in 20 year old suffering from feeling low and experience of significant amount of
stress about university studies, where she spends much of the day on internet, watching
YouTube. She has been also inattentive to attend lectures, where she has shy personality which
has increased level of stress significantly at university level. It has been also found that Karen
when meeting with new people, faces hard time concentrating on social interactions where this
has also lowered her confidence (Rehm & et.al, 2021). It can be also analysed that Karen has
also with time started avoiding her friends, where she has stopped answering calls and attempts
at communication. Karen has been also facing decline in morale, where her stress level has
rapidly increased multifold with an increase seen in social media addiction for long hours. She

needs immediate clinical psychological services and medical care to be given, so she recovers
from depression and also is able to lower down her stress levels. This further also heads on
profound focus on fact that her stress significantly has been increasing within her university
study period, which also further declined her performance in studies.
As per clinical psychology services, Karen has begun avoiding her friends and social
interactions within attempts at communication which has been found to be also one of the major
aspect. Karen has been referred to clinical psychological services, where her further assessment
will enable to shed light on in depth problems analysis and therapies which will derive
competent vision to improvise further health conditions. She has been also found to be less
confident when communicating with people, where amount of stress has impacted vital
performances regarding academics (Moroianu & et.al, 2021).
The individual also has hard time concentrating on social interactions because of which
depression has increased, making her self-interest declined with time. It can be also analysed that
Karen has been also facing decline in confident attitude towards her academics performance,
where she is not progressively taking part in group discussions. With feeling low, high amount of
stress about academics performance and fear of failure, Karen also has been significantly faces
decline in keeping up optimistic attitude. The individual also faces academic pressure, and
significant functional decline in confident aptitude regarding structural parameters on longer
extended time period. Karen has been facing social inclusion due to stress, high rise on anxiety
within social parameters which has hampered her aptitude regarding social wellness aspects
diversely. The medical and clinical psychoanalytic aspects, signifies that further adopting to
diverse new therapies will properly improvise new determined pace goals on extended levels for
functional optimization (Kazdin, 2021).
SECTION 2 Presenting Problems
Differential psychology refers to psychological aspects in dealing with individual
differences within behaviour, where it heads on profound focus towards specific characteristics.
The three domains of differential psychology can be understood as intellectual, personalty and
cognitive which are termed as specifically essential for strengthened productive examination of
all psychological factors. Analysis of various psychoanalytic factors in clinical psychology ,
plays keen role for determined wellness and in depth proactive analysis of varied factors within

extended longer time. It can be also found to be highly authentic for gaining prior engagement
worked on strategically, where analysis of psychological factors hold huge importance. Depression- This includes mental health problems which are characterized by low mood
and a range of symptoms which are related to physical, behavioral, cognitive and
emotional nature. Various degrees of depression are recognized by the differences in the
mood changes. Karen has been feeling low and experiences stress related to university
studies. She also does not like to interact with people which is also a symptom of
depression which is known a social withdraw. The other symptoms such as loss of
enjoyment and interest in everyday life are also being experienced by Karen. In addition
to this, she also had cognitive changes feeling negative about self as well as future. She
thinks she would fail in the university studies.
 Social anxiety disorder – This disorder is also known as social phobia and refers to the
intense fear that an individual experience when in social situations. The prime symptom
of this disorder is the fear that an individual experience with relation to being judged by
others. It is also characterized by the fear of being embarrassed or humiliated. Both these
symptoms were being experienced by Karen.
There have been various theories, with which Karen problems can be interlinked all
together for determining further medical and psychological interventions to be done. Depression
and social anxiety disorder are two of the foremost problems faced by Karen, whereby
undertaking social cognitive theory (Kim & et.al,. 2021). It can be analysed that social cognition
theory, will be analysed to further determine factors and behaviour aspects which determines
individual factors and issues which led to differential psychology issues. Differences between
individuals in reactions, experimentally and analysis as per competent working vision has to be
analysed. The analysis of theories, will enable in depth analysis of practical facts and
improvement to be further synchronized for extended psychology perspectives. There are
various theories, and therapies related to improvement in social behavioural aspects which has to
be practically worked on for improvising functional wellness in structural abilities. Social cognitive theory: The social cognitive theory is an innovative theory of
psychology, which attempts to analyse human behaviour factors that examines thought
patterns and transforms into constructive factors (Kim & et.al, 2021). It enables as to
analyse that as per Karen personality traits analysis interaction, has low confidence

within aptitude which has hampered academic performance significantly. It has been also
found that social cognitive theory, personifies focus on fact that depression and high rise
in social anxiety disorder are some major issues faced by Karen. As per social cognitive
theory, it can be personified that Karen personality issues such as depressive attitude has
lowered her confidence within living. This has been also found to be highly essential
aspect, where social cognitive theory signifies stronger skills to be personified within
individual aspect for recovery from depression and anxiety issues. By analysing social
cognitive theory, thoughts of determinants in emotions and behaviour can be analysed
where believes of internal and mental procedures can be scientifically understood. Karen
need to further attend therapies sessions, and clinical psychological treatments for
combatting depression. Karen has been also facing high rise in stress levels, and inclusion
from social aspects which has made him depressed and separate from major academic
performance determinants. Karen faces depression and loss in social interactions, where
her communication abilities has also lowered declining her vision to further be optimally
confident toward academic performance (Hsueh & et.al, 2021). Freud psychodynamic theory- This is a theory of personality organization and was put
forward by Sigmund Freud. As per this theory, the unconscious drives influence the
behavior of individuals (Kernberg, 2018). The theory is also based on the tenet that
emotional and psychological problems such as depression find their roots in the states of
conflict between unconscious and conscious minds. With the help of this theory, it can be
analysed that psychological disorders such as depression can be regarded as rooted
deeply in the past of an individual. It can either be present in the form of residuum of
early experiences (Fulmer, 2018). Considering Karen’s case, it can be understood that her
past as well as childhood experiences may be the reason behind low mood and stress. Aaron Beck’s theory- This cognitive theory of depression is based on the assumption that
those people who are susceptible to depression tend to develop core beliefs about self
which are inaccurate and unhelpful. This happens due to the learning histories of those
people (Beck, Finkel and Beck, 2021). These beliefs remain in dormancy for long periods
of time and are activated by certain life events that carry special meaning to the
individual. Considering Karen’s case, it can be analysed that the core beliefs that she may

had about herself would have been activated when she started going to university and had
to interact with other students.
 Self – discrepancy theory- According to this theory, individuals make comparison
between their ‘actual self’ to the ‘ideal self’. This ideal – self comprises the internalized
standards that an individual sets and expects that he ought to meet these standards
(Mason & et.al., 2019). A variety of self – discrepancies are depicted in the form of a
variety of negative psychological situations. These find their association with various
types of discomfort. Considering Karen’s case, it can be analysed that the standards that
she would have set for herself would have made her more conscious about how others
would judge her.
Section 3: Intervention
Interventions to address specific issues such as depression and social anxiety disorder,
can be understood to be highly essential where adopting optimum therapies, and larger specific
activities for relaxation will reduce Karen concerns. Adopting cognitive behavioural theory, will
enable situational analysis of further new ways to reduce depression and indulge in activities for
extended improvement rise informatively. Another theories such as behaviourist theory and
exposure theory, will also enable intervention theory to be further synchronized in strengthening
new creative activities. It provides reduce intense psychological and emotional symptoms, which
enables to determine improvement in behavioural goals within longer time period. The practical
implementation of various theories and significant optimum standards further plays keen role in
enhanced oneness based on extended criteria for extended determined parameters (Dimmick &
Callahan, 2021). Cognitive behavioural therapy : Karen by adopting cognitive behavioural therapy, will
be able to gain confidence and improvise further extended abilities by taking up new
activities for recreational enhancement. Cognitive behavioural therapy, signifies Karen
need to take active part in academic discussions for increasing confidence which will
make her stress level decrease. Also cognitive behavioural therapy personifies focus on
getting indulged in activities such as relaxation, meditation, mindfulness practices and
visualization for strengthened improvised abilities. Cognitive behavioural therapy also
signifies that developed competitive abilities within performance benchmarks need to be
enhanced on, for primitive enhanced goals' expansion. It can be also found that cognitive

theory will practically enhance Karen aptitude creatively, and also reduce individual
differences within psychological perspectives (Freedhei & Weiner, 2021). .Riva, G.
(2022). Stress, anxiety within specific personality can be lowered by taking up cognitive
behavioural therapy aspects where it will improvise Karen stress levels. Practical
implementation of cognitive behavioural therapy, aims to further determine new
engagement aspects actively. The factors connected to develop untapped specifics based
on extended determinants, where Karen has been facing issues related to academic
performance goals. Behaviourist theory: The behaviourist theory can be analysed to be classical
conditioning aspect, where depression is identified through associated stimuli factors
with negative emotional states. By implementing social learning theory, it can be
understood that observation, imitation and reinforcement further builds new platforms
engagement creatively for person to gain confidence. This further also can be analysed
that behaviourist theory signifies adopting new practices as per specific individual
behaviour, will enable Karen to further be confident. By taking up activities such as
taking therapies and personalities enhancement sessions, will improvise further social
interaction abilities on extended time period. The analysis and implementation as per
behaviourist theory, has been found to be also one of the major parameter where
behavioural theory further synchronize specific advancement to be worked on. Exposure therapy : This can be analysed as one of the most effective way to bring
change in behaviours associated with social anxiety issues, and various depressive
situations. By taking up practical implementation of exposure therapy, Karen will be able
to indulge in social activities with increased enthusiasm. It works by reducing anxiety
issues, and creating positive exposure for individual to combat feeling of anxiety. As
Karen experiences significant amount of stress about university studies and rarely goes to
lectures, there is further improvement needed by taking up interactive sessions (Davey,
2021). Exposure therapy signifies that by attaining new working benchmarks practically
develop related to advanced working dynamics, Karen will be able to get over her social
anxiety disorders. Taking up exposure therapy, and practising extended new creative
activities will build up confidence further in individuals for strengthened improvised
awareness specifically. By taking exposure therapy, new creative advancement in social

behavioural aspects have to be also worked on for longer time growth evolvement. The
exposure therapy also increases oneness, specifically signifies competitive benchmarks
among new behavioural oneness diversely on extended time period goals.
 Psychological theory: It can be analysed as system of ideas, where certain aspects
connected to human behavioural parameters where human behavioural factors are
assessed. Karen therapies need to also include mindful meditation, where this will further
develop appropriate psychological wellness to be further worked on for creating positive
optimized rise in behaviour. The practical implementation of psychological theory,
signifies best determined aspects for practical diverse expansion strategically on wider
levels. It can be also analysed that Karen shall be further taking up interactive sessions,
take up active learning programmes for strengthening her confident aptitude on extended
levels. As her interest in social activities has been declining, enhanced rise on new
determined parameters has been found to be also highly essential for structural growth
affirmatively. Practical implementation of innovative therapies such as interactive
therapies, will determine extended well-developed self-interest towards diverse activities
for Karen. This can be also analysed that Karen need to be given therapies connected to
developed significant working specifics for improvised wellness in relation to attitude for
gaining further improved vision worked on (Davey, 2021).
For gaining information attained from Karen regarding her problems faced within
behaviour, primary research method will be used on for gathering data to evaluate proposed
interventions further. It can be analysed that specific observational trial research design will be
implemented for evaluating issues in behaviour of Karen, for strengthening vital engagement in
terms of practical theories further for competent rise on wider levels ( Corey, Moulton &
Muratori, 2021). Also one-to-one interviews is one of the another specific method, to be used on
for proposed intervention analysis on extensive levels for improvised behavioural goals
specifically. The usage of observational trial and interviews will enable Karen issues to be
identified effectively, and further critically grasp up optimum specific paradigms based on
extended technical criteria.
Proposed interventions, will be also done to prioritize new benchmarks dynamically on
further critical arenas for viable extended new working. It can be also understood that
behavioural primary research holds importance for gaining information about Karen directly,

which will be also specifically resourceful on wider levels. Also taking up one-to-one interview
sessions, will improvise therapies and creative activities to be synchronized for larger time
period based on extended levels. There has been also specific efficacy evolved on, where prime
focus related to competent significant expansion will be evolved on for Karen to develop proper
optimum recovery with timely optimum response. It can be also analysed that Karen significant
active interaction related with clinical psychology perspective have to be also operatively
analysed, for extending new confident abilities profoundly (Bellido-Esteban and et.al, 2021).
There has been also specific aspects connected, based on proposed goals further determining
wellness based on extended determinants for improvising Karen aptitude towards academics.
Primary method of research, will also enable authentic information to be optimized on for
extended new range of technical expansion based on behavioural parameters.
AIM: To evaluate proposed interventions of cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure
therapy.
Research questions
 What is the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in treating patient discussed in
case study ? What is the effectiveness of exposure therapy in treating patient discussed in case study ?
Research design and methods to gather data to evaluate the proposed intervention
There are four types of research design, which are qualitative research, descriptive,
correlation and experimental research. For determining effectiveness of chosen interventions,
descriptive research design will be used. This is justified as this research design will enable to
gain in depth information from patient and health professional. Also, descriptive research design
will enable to gain accurate information regarding improvement in patient health condition after
therapies sessions.
Reseach type: There are two types of research which can be segregated into quantitative
research type and qualitative research type. For recent study, qualitative research type will be
used as it will enable to grasp easy understanding on findings about patient healthcare condition.
By implementing qualitative research type, there will be significant focus on prioritizing the best
data to be collected in effective format from patient and healthcare professional.

Data collection : There are two types of data collection methods which are primary data
collection method and secondary method. For recent research, primary data will be collected
through interview method as it will enable to gain informative and direct information about
patient healthcare recovery from therapy sessions. Interview will be conducted from patient and
healthcare professional involved in treatment. The secondary data on other hand, will be
obtained from resourceful data published on internet, which will further enhance research to be
developed in proper format. This will include journals, article and books.
Data analysis: There are two types of methods under data analysis, which are qualitative and
quantitative. For recent research, qualitative method will be taken as it will enable patient health
condition to be assessed in proper format.
CONCLUSION
The study has shed in depth light on varied working factors on parameters such as
individual differences and wellness goals, for dynamic aptitude based on extended determinants
within longer time period. The report also summarized Karen case study where individual faces
decline in social interaction abilities, and stress options based on extended determined wellness
based on optimum specific rise. Also, study has been found to be also conclude various theories,
and significant new range of interventions for improvising recovery from depression. It can be
also concluded that research has shed in depth light on clinical awareness, about psychology
aspects connected to determine extended new range of working vision.

REFRENCES
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