ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
, PYC4808
Assessment 3
Alternative Exam
Due Date: 17 September 2025 09h00 (No extensions can be granted for an exam)
Instructions: Read the case study below, and answer the questions that follow. Answer all
questions.
Requirements: This is an individual exam. Please remember that work submitted by students has
to be their own work and students are not allowed to be assisted by somebody
else or to assist fellow students in formulating their responses. A "passive digital
footprint" is a data trail you unintentionally leave online. For every one of your
online actions—positive or negative, deliberate or unintentional—there is a
permanent record. This serves as notification that similar to any other
examination, any activity during an online examination can be considered by the
University to determine if any of the rules have been contravened. By writing this
exam paper, you acknowledge the above, and consent for the University to review
all online and social media platforms in the event that there is a suspicion of
cheating. By writing this exam paper, you agree and declare that this is your own
work, and that you have not copied answers from elsewhere, or been assisted in
any way in the exam. You will only have ONE opportunity to submit your
responses, so make sure that you submit the correct document. Include a
plagiarism declaration in your assignment (refer to additional resources). Also
include a cover page, table of contents, and reference list. Remember, NO
EXTENTION CAN BE GRANTED.
Technical requirements: Use Times New Roman (size 12) or Arial or Calibri (size 11). Remember to
include in text references and a reference list. Referencing should be done
according to APA 7th edition guidelines. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and can
lead to disciplinary action. Your assignment will be put through Turnitin.
Remember, you will only have ONE opportunity to submit your document, so you
will not be able to correct any answers once you have submitted. If plagiarism is
detected, you will receive a mark of 0 for your assignment. If your assignment is
not referenced at all, you will also receive a mark of 0 and your answers will not be
marked. Referencing that is only partially done will be penalised. Under NO
circumstances can AI be used to generate your answers. You as the student need
to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge to the given case.
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, Case Study: The Jackson Family
Background:
The Jackson family consists of three generations: the grandparents (George (71) and Evelyn Jackson
(65)), their son (David Jackson, 45), his wife (Laura Jackson, 41), and their two children—Jake (17)
and Lily (13). Laura’s father, Peter, is 70 and lives in a retirement village. Her mother passed a year
ago, at age 68. The family lives in a suburban area in Pinetown. Jake was referred to psychotherapy
by his school counsellor due to signs of depression, declining academic performance, and increasing
social withdrawal over the past six months.
Jake, currently in matric (grade 12), had previously been a high-achieving student and athlete.
However, over the past 6 months, his grades have dropped significantly, he has quit the cricket
team, and has become increasingly isolated. He spends most of his time in his room, gaming or
sleeping, and has little interaction with family or peers. Jake has also expressed feelings of
hopelessness and meaninglessness. He denies suicidal ideation but reports chronic fatigue and
difficulty concentrating. His parents, David and Laura, brought him to a family therapist at the urging
of the school, although David initially expressed scepticism about psychotherapy.
Family History:
George Jackson (71) is a retired military officer, emotionally reserved, highly disciplined, and
authoritative. George had little involvement in raising his children emotionally but emphasised
obedience, order, and achievement. Evelyn Jackson (65) was always a stay at home wife and mother,
more emotionally expressive than George but often deferential to his authority. She took on the
emotional caretaking of the children but struggled with anxiety and chronic health issues. George
tended to make the rules in the family, with little resistance from Evelyn.
David Jackson (45) is an only child, and is a mechanical engineer, is pragmatic and focused on
problem-solving, often emotionally distant. He grew up striving to meet his father's standards and
rarely received praise or emotional validation. David has a perfectionistic streak and struggles with
expressing emotions. Laura Jackson (41) is a schoolteacher. She is warm and nurturing but tends to
over-function in the family, often absorbing the emotional needs of her children and spouse. Laura
comes from a family with a history of enmeshment and covert emotional loyalty. She is often the
mediator in family conflicts and takes on the role of peacekeeper.
Jake Jackson (17) is described as highly sensitive and introspective, with a history of perfectionism
and high achievement. He is labelled as the “family’s “golden child” until recently.
Lily Jackson (13) is outgoing, socially active, and does well in school. Appears well-adjusted but often
makes dismissive comments about Jake’s “moodiness” and seems to have adapted to being the
"easy child."
Family History & Dynamics:
David grew up in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, particularly by his father
George. As a result, David learned to suppress his feelings and channelled his energies into academic
and career success. His relationship with George remains emotionally distant; George often criticises
David for being “too soft” with his own children. Evelyn, though more emotionally available, was
often consumed with her own anxiety and health issues and relied heavily on David for emotional
support.
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