Michael is a 40-year-old airline pilot who has recently begun to experience chest pains. The chest pains began when Michael signed his final divorce papers, ending his 15-year marriage. He fought for joint custody of his two children, ages 12 and 10, but although he wants to be with them more frequently, he only sees them every two weeks. This schedule is, in great part, a result of his employer's announcement that budget constraints would result in layoffs. Michael worries that without his job he will be unable to support his children and lose the new townhouse that he purchased. Michael's chest pains are becoming more frequent and he fears that he may be dying.
3. How might Michaels's situation illustrate adjustment? How might this situation become an opportunity for personal growth?
4. What defensive coping methods are Michael using? What active coping methods might be healthier for Michael to use? Explain why you would recommend these methods.
5. Select one theory of personality and use this theory to tell Michael how this theory explains his situation.
7. What relationship factors or considerations might be influencing Michael's problems?