HLSC111: The Person, Health and Wellbeing

Assessment Task 2: Written Assignment – Case Study Analysis

• Weighting: 40%

• Word Count: 1,500 words (+/- 10%)

• Due Date: Week 8 (Check local campus timetable)

• Format: Essay format (APA 7th or Harvard – check specific campus guide)

Assignment Overview

For this assessment, you are required to demonstrate your understanding of the “whole person” by applying key health frameworks to a specific case study. You will analyze a patient’s health status not just biologically, but through the lens of their psychological state, social environment, and lifespan development stage.

This is your opportunity to show that you can look beyond the symptoms and see the human being. We want you to explore how factors like resilience, social determinants of health (SDOH), and developmental milestones interact to shape this person’s experience of health and illness.

The Task

Select one of the provided case studies (available on the Learning Management System). Using the Biopsychosocial Model as your primary framework, write an academic essay that addresses the following:

1. Biopsychosocial Analysis: Identify and discuss the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to the person’s current health status. How do these factors overlap?

2. Lifespan Development: Analyze the person’s current developmental stage (using a theorist like Erikson or Piaget). Are they meeting the expected milestones? How does their illness impact their development?

3. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): Critically analyze two key social determinants (e.g., housing, education, socioeconomic status) affecting this person.

4. Resilience & Recommendations: Discuss the role of resilience in this person’s journey. What strengths do they have? Suggest two evidence-based strategies to support their wellbeing.

Suggested Essay Structure

1. Introduction (approx. 150 words)

• Briefly introduce the chosen case study (the person).

• Define the Biopsychosocial Model and its relevance to person-centred care.

• Outline the scope of your essay (what you will argue/discuss).

2. Biopsychosocial Analysis (approx. 400 words)

• Biological: What are the physical symptoms or chronic conditions?

• Psychological: How is the person coping mentally? Are there signs of stress, anxiety, or cognitive changes?

• Social: Who is in their support network? Do they have family, friends, or community connections?

• Tip: Don’t just list these—explain how the biological impacts the psychological (e.g., chronic pain causing depression).

3. Lifespan Development (approx. 300 words)

• Identify the person’s life stage (e.g., Late Adulthood).

• Apply a developmental theory (e.g., Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages).

• Discuss if the person is facing a crisis (e.g., Integrity vs. Despair) and how their health condition complicates this.

4. Social Determinants of Health (approx. 350 words)

• Select two determinants relevant to the case (e.g., Access to Health Services and Social Support Networks).

• Use evidence (statistics or literature) to explain why these determinants are crucial for this specific individual.

• Example: “Research shows that isolation in elderly populations increases mortality risk by…”

5. Resilience and Recommendations (approx. 200 words)

• Define resilience in the context of health.

• Identify internal or external strengths the person possesses.

• Propose two practical, non-medical strategies (e.g., joining a community group, mindfulness training) to enhance their wellbeing.

6. Conclusion (approx. 100 words)

• Summarize your main points.

• Reiterate the importance of viewing the patient holistically rather than just treating a disease.

• No new information here.

Marking Criteria (Rubric Summary)

• Content (40%): Depth of analysis using the Biopsychosocial model and accurate application of lifespan theory.

• Critical Thinking (30%): Ability to link SDOH to the specific case study and provide logical, evidence-based recommendations.

• Evidence (20%): Use of high-quality, peer-reviewed literature (mostly within the last 5-7 years).

• Academic Literacy (10%): Clarity of writing, structure, grammar, and correct referencing technique.

Essential References & Learning Resources

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2024). Australia’s health 2024: data insights. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au

2. Germov, J. (2019). Second opinion: An introduction to health sociology (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.

3. Liamputtong, P. (2019). Social determinants of health. Oxford University Press.

   • Why use this: Perfect for the SDOH section of your essay. It breaks down complex determinants into easy-to-understand concepts.

4. Marmot, M. (2020). Health equity in England: The Marmot review 10 years on. The BMJ, 368, m693. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m693

5. Ungar, M. (2019). Designing resilience research: Using multiple methods to investigate risk exposure, promotive and protective processes, and contextually relevant outcomes for children and youth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 96, 104098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104098