Carl's Case Study

Carl’s sense of being an underachiever most likely stems from many different factors during his upbringing. He appears to struggle with motivation and self-esteem to break out of the label that has been given to him by his doctor, peers, and his teachers. Because his father is not in his life he seems to have taken on his identity that his mother has told him about. “For many adolescents, this question begins with the process of individuation the development of self or identify that is unique and separate” (Hutchison, E. D. 2015). Carl appears to be comfortable in this role as it is the only thing that he can relate too. Furthermore, Carl’s mother appears to tolerate this identity and reinforces the behavior letting him pretty much do what he would like to do. She let Carl continues to …show more content…
“Peer relationships are a fertile testing found for youth and their emerging identities. Many adolescents seek out a peer group with compatible members and inclusion or exclusion from certain groups can affect identify and overall development” (Hutchison, E. D. 2015). In Carl’s case he identifies with the “heads” who support him in a social circle. His social system promote the use of substances and there is a give and take within the dynamic. This social consequences of Carl’s peer label is his continued use of substances, which can lead to legal issues that can affect his future. In addition, Carl’s underachiever identity can also be related to his peer social circle. Since many adolescents tend to be attracted to peers who have the same values and beliefs. Carl runs the risk of continuing do poorly in school and settling for low grades, and motivation, which can also prevent him from achieving a better future for himself. Furthermore, these social groups can also promote negative health issues such as smoking, dietary habits, and high risk