Should I do the case study on myself or somebody else?

Question

In my psychology class, Systemic Approach to Adolescent Problems(Graduate level) we are to present a case study and my topic is adolescents and coming out of the closet. I'm going back and forth on whether I want to present myself(when I was an adolescent) as the case study or do my girlfriend. We also have to talk about the family structure and all. I'm not really UNcompfortable doing it on myself and I think it would be easier and more beneficial for the class to get the idea first hand on how it was for somebody coming out of the closet. Is this a good idea or should I just present it on my girlfriend (let her remain anonymous ofcourse). It would take SOME pressure off myself. I seriously have no idea what to do.

HELP!? Any suggestions?

my girlfriend gives me full permission.

This is a class presentation

excuse me Pandora the Cat, i see your point but your predictions on my intenions of this presentation is completely wrong. There is no "sick need of validation." I pray for the good of others that a field in psychology is not your career.

Answer 1

if your girlfriend gives you permission, then do her...whay? because it is impossible to be truly objective when diagnosing and analyzing yourself.

Answer 2

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER do a case study on yourself!!!!!!

You will never be able to be completely objective. You have a conflict of interest.

We all have this pesky little thing called self-preservation. It's the belief that all we think/do/say/believe is correct/right/justified/blameless, and that we have good reasons for our choices, behavior, opinions, and that our priorities, needs, motivations, and views trump those of all others.

Your exhibitionism about your own private life indicates an extreme need for approval. It also indicates anxiety and insecurity. Keep your personal life, private. And do not destroy the intimacy, loyalty, and trust you have in your relationship.

We all know how controversial certain topics are. Your grilfriend may not appreciate your broadcast of her involvement with you, and I think you know that. You do, because you would "let her remain anonymous, of course" which is a large part of why people stay in the closet.

Save your intimate personal confessions for your partner or a support group. Don't do this report about yourself. You will shoot yourself on the foot if you do.

Your lack of motivation to make the effort to do an actual case study by using the correct and appropriate channels, indicates not only a lack of unerstanding about psychology, and some sick need for validation.

It would be easy to report on what I would do in a situation, but it would take actual EFFORT to go out there and do a survey on various people on what THEY would do in a situation. And it would take an UNDERSTANDING and APPRECIATION for the methods that are designed to produce OBJECTIVE and accurate results.

Choose a different topic, or use that one, vowing to do the same research and work everyone else is doing to give an accurate and objective account.

If I were a Psych instructor, I would fail anyone who used their own self-analysis as an assignment unless I specifically gave them a self-analysis assignment.

Quit making it all about you. Psychology is both an art and a science, and requires objectivity. Do not inject your own life into the study.

Pressure is a challenge to learn, improve, and overcome something. Seek assistance from your instructor or classmates.

Answer 3

On yourself would be great! Just be aware, it's very difficult to be honest about yourself, and will require a great deal of soul searching; but is very effective if you can do that. Best of luck on your project!

Answer 4

Write about someone else and try to justify some of your conclusions with your onw experience. Or you can project some of yourself to your girlfriend.