Capella University: PSYC-FP2800 Case Study of Tony's Sexual Problems

This case study examines Tony's sexual problems, stemming from past sexual harassment, through the lens of psychodynamic theory, particularly Freud's structural model of personality (id, ego, and superego). The analysis highlights the role of the unconscious will in shaping these issues and how past trauma acts as a predisposing factor. The study emphasizes the importance of ethical standards, specifically beneficence and non-maleficence, in guiding professional behavior when dealing with victims of sexual harassment. It proposes psychoanalytic therapy and counseling services to help Tony heal from his past experiences and develop a healthy understanding of his sexuality. The conclusion stresses the need for individuals suffering from sexual disorders to voice their problems and the importance of professional conduct and compassion in supporting them. References include works by Barth et al. (2016), Freud (2016), and Jagsi (2018).

Running head: SEXUAL PROBLEMS
SEXUAL PROBLEMS
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

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Sexual Problems
Scenario 2-Tony
Sexual problems can be referred to as a disorder, that is displayed by some people, while
thinking about sex or other erotic actions. The case study chosen for the analysis is about Tony.
One of the relevant theory, that can be thought off, regarding Tony’s case is psychodynamic
theory. Tony has been sexually harassed by other boys. According to the Psychodynamic theory
proposed by Sigmund Freud, there are three psychosexual phases in person’s life- which is id,
ego and super ego. Most of the signs that are used for defining the psychodynamic have no
strong biological base.
The victims of sexual harassment cases find it hard to move on with their life. The
traumatizing the experience haunts them forever. They suffer from guilt, and often considers
themselves to be responsible for whatever has occurred. They often cringe, remembering what
they have experienced (Barth et al., 2016). However, Sigmund Frued have argued that signs and
symptoms cannot be regulated by the “conscious will” and are sometimes regulated by the
conscious will. The unconscious will can sometimes act in compliance or against the conscious
will (Freud, 2016). The theory of Psychodynamics can be successfully applied to Tony’s case as
the sexual problems created in Tony, might be guided by his unconscious will. Ton’s previous
experience of sexual harassment and molestation is acting as the predisposing factor for the
development of sexual disorder.
According to Freud’s psychosexual model, people are normally raised with Id,
which can be considered as an element that deals with human pleasure. It assist an individual to
understand their own needs, desires and pleasures. This includes the normal physiological needs

2SEXUAL PROBLEMS
like food (Freud, 2016). Hence, it is “Id” that an individual grows with. Freud has emphasized on
the interaction of an individual with the environment that he is living in. Tony’s case of sexual
assault indicates towards the fact that a negative interaction between Tony and his ambience has
occurred. An individual’s ego is likely to be affected, if he/she has faced shocking or
traumatizing experience in life. This due to the fact, that ego is based on the principle of reality
associated with the personality and real life experience of a person (Barth et al., 2016). Hence, it
is clearly evident that Tony’s ego was affected, due to which he face challenges while indulging
in intimate relationships and sexual matters.
While analyzing Tony’s case, it is necessary to look at the importance of ethical
standards in guiding professional behaviors. Ethical standards can be considered as sets of
principles that has been established to promote values like trust, good behavior, kindness and
fairness. Professional ethics are proposed by the founders of organization for communicating the
underlying moral values. It provides a framework, which can be used as a reference for taking
decisions. As stated by Freud (2016), professional behaviors refers to communication, attitudes
and the way an individual perceives other individuals in the society. Two ethical principles that
can be applied to Tony’s case is the principle of beneficence and non-maleficence. These two
ethical standards are normally used for patients who had been distressful (Jagsi, 2018).
Beneficence means doing good to someone and non-maleficence states that an individual should
not be harmed. Here, any interventions taken for Tony should not be disproportionate to the
benefit of the treatment. Tony can be subjected to psychoanalytic theory. This therapy needs to
be carried out by a registered therapist having expertise in this field. Failure to adhere to the
ethical standards can bring about psychological distress to the patient (Freud, 2016).
Psychological torture is lethal and its impact is always not understood well by the victim. Hence,

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victims must open up with their grievances of any psychosocial crisis, so that they can be
assisted on time.
It is necessary that the professionals adhere to the ethical standards of beneficence
and non-maleficence, while dealing with individuals who have underwent through a malice, such
as sexual harassment (Jagsi, 2018). Individuals who are subjected to malice should be treated
with compassion, mercy and in a dignified manner, thus adhering to the ethical principles of
beneficence and non-maleficence (Barth et al., 2016). A non-hostile atmosphere of compassion
should be created. Tony should be subjected to a series of counselling service, such that his
previous scars are healed and he becomes aware of and content with his own sexuality.
In conclusion, it can be stated that individuals who had been suffering from sexual
disorders or have faced sexual harassment should develop their voice and come up with their
own problems. Failure to do so, can develop psychological disorders in future. It is necessary to
display appropriate professional conducts and compassion while dealing with victims of sexual
harassment.

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References
Barth, S. K., Kimerling, R. E., Pavao, J., McCutcheon, S. J., Batten, S. V., Dursa, E., ... &
Schneiderman, A. I. (2016). Military sexual trauma among recent veterans: Correlates of
sexual assault and sexual harassment. American journal of preventive medicine, 50(1),
77-86.
Freud, S. (2016). Edição standard brasileira das obras psicológicas completas de Sigmund
Freud. Imago editora.
Jagsi, R., (2018). Sexual harassment in medicine—# MeToo. New England Journal of
Medicine, 378(3), 209-211.