13/12/2021, 20:07 myModules : PYC4808-21-Y1 : F/Back Ass 5
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PYC4808-21-Y1 / F/Back Ass 5
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F/Back Ass 5
Assignment 5 Feedback
Read the following case study, and answer questions 1-3 below.
Case Study:
Portia is a 26-year-old medical student, who is currently completing her internship at Baragwaneth
Hospital. Since she started her long work hours, she has developed insomnia. The lack of sleep has
started impacting on her performance at work, and her supervisor referred her to a psychologist to assis
with possible stress, and the triggers for the insomnia.
Tobias, the psychologist, suggested that she try listening to soothing music, take a hot bath before going
to bed, and limit screen time 1 hour before bed. After 2 weeks, Portia’s insomnia did not get any better.
Tobias then suggested that when she cannot sleep, instead of trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up
and clean the house.
Question 1:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘listen to soothing music, take a hot bath before going to bed,
and limit screen time 1 hour before bed’ can best be described as:
1. Perturbation
2. First order change
3. Second order change
4. Maintaining the status quo
The correct answer is alternative 2, first order change.
Explanation: The psychologist’s initial intervention was based on a logical solution to the problem which
did not challenge the rules of the system. First order change is consistent with the rules of the system,
and does not alter the underlying organisation of the system. Therefore, the solution of listening to
soothing music and taking a hot bath before bed, is an attempt to address Portia’s symptoms instead of
addressing the systemic organisation that gives rise to her symptoms.
Question 2:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘instead of trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up and clean
the house’ can best be described as:
1. First order change
2. Second order change
3. Reductionistic
4. Modernist
The correct answer is alternative 2, Second order change.
https://mymodules.unisa.ac.za/portal/site/PYC4808-21-Y1/tool/94ce7e2d-3996-43f3-aacc-dcbb9691eb84 1/8
myModules
myAdmin
PYC4808-21-Y1 / F/Back Ass 5
F/Back Ass 5
F/Back Ass 5
F/Back Ass 5
Assignment 5 Feedback
Read the following case study, and answer questions 1-3 below.
Case Study:
Portia is a 26-year-old medical student, who is currently completing her internship at Baragwaneth
Hospital. Since she started her long work hours, she has developed insomnia. The lack of sleep has
started impacting on her performance at work, and her supervisor referred her to a psychologist to assis
with possible stress, and the triggers for the insomnia.
Tobias, the psychologist, suggested that she try listening to soothing music, take a hot bath before going
to bed, and limit screen time 1 hour before bed. After 2 weeks, Portia’s insomnia did not get any better.
Tobias then suggested that when she cannot sleep, instead of trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up
and clean the house.
Question 1:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘listen to soothing music, take a hot bath before going to bed,
and limit screen time 1 hour before bed’ can best be described as:
1. Perturbation
2. First order change
3. Second order change
4. Maintaining the status quo
The correct answer is alternative 2, first order change.
Explanation: The psychologist’s initial intervention was based on a logical solution to the problem which
did not challenge the rules of the system. First order change is consistent with the rules of the system,
and does not alter the underlying organisation of the system. Therefore, the solution of listening to
soothing music and taking a hot bath before bed, is an attempt to address Portia’s symptoms instead of
addressing the systemic organisation that gives rise to her symptoms.
Question 2:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘instead of trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up and clean
the house’ can best be described as:
1. First order change
2. Second order change
3. Reductionistic
4. Modernist
The correct answer is alternative 2, Second order change.
https://mymodules.unisa.ac.za/portal/site/PYC4808-21-Y1/tool/94ce7e2d-3996-43f3-aacc-dcbb9691eb84 1/8
