Submit a proposal/research plan for single-subject evaluation for your work with your chosen client. Identify the problem that you will target, the outcomes that you will measure, the evidence-based intervention, and the evaluation design. Include the following sections:

Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Setting and Intervention
Expected Results
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Single-Subject Design Study
Student Name
Walden University
SOCW 6311: Social Work Practice Research II
Instructor Name
Month XX, 20XX
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Single-Subject Design Study
Introduction
This section should include the problem and the specific question being addressed.
Explain or rationalize why it is interesting or important to address the question.
Literature Review
Describe what is already known about the research question or problem being addressed.
Include at least two peer-reviewed research articles, outlining the research design, sample,
sample size, intervention, results, etc.
Methodology
Explain what techniques you plan to use to address the problem of interest and, where
possible, justify why your approach may be superior. Remember to write your paper using future
tense.
Typically, the Methodology section includes: (1) research design, (2) sample technique,
(3) sample size, (4) criteria for inclusion in the study, (5) recruitment process, (6) data collection,
(7) data analysis, and (8) validity and reliability. Because your focus here is single-subject
research, tailor your methodology to fit. In other words, adjust the parameters for your single
client.
Setting and Intervention
First, describe the setting where the single-subject study will occur (e.g., the agency,
community, etc.). If using an A-B-follow-up design, state clearly when and how you will collect
the information and specifically what you are measuring. Will you include a baseline, before the
intervention? In the intervention stage (B), specify what the intervention will be and how long it
will last before the follow-up stage for measuring outcomes or results. Discuss whether the
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intervention will cease (or not) so that you can measure the outcomes or results. Specify the
instruments to be used and the questions to be asked.
Expected Results
In this section, describe the anticipated results (study has not yet be conducted) and
possible limitations of your study, followed by a brief discussion about the potential impact of
the study on future research, practice, or policy.
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References
(Note that the following references are intended as examples only.)
American Counseling Association. (n.d.). About us. https://www.counseling.org/about-us/aboutaca
Anderson, M. (2018). Getting consistent with consequences. Educational Leadership, 76(1), 26–
33.
Bach, D., & Blake, D. J. (2016). Frame or get framed: The critical role of issue framing in
nonmarket management. California Management Review, 58(3), 66–87.
https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.3.66
Burgess, R. (2019). Rethinking global health: Frameworks of Power. Routledge.
Herbst-Damm, K. L., & Kulik, J. A. (2005). Volunteer support, marital status, and the survival
times of terminally ill patients. Health Psychology, 24(2), 225–229.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225
Johnson, P. (2003). Art: A new history. HarperCollins. https://doi.org/10.1037.0000136-000
Lindley, L. C., & Slayter, E. M. (2018). Prior trauma exposure and serious illness at end of life:
A national study of children in the U.S. foster care system from 2005 to 2015. Journal of
Pain and Symptom Management, 56(3), 309–317.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.06.001
Osman, M. A. (2016, December 15). 5 do’s and don’ts for staying motivated. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/5-dos-and-donts-forstaying-motivated/art-20270835
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.).
Wiley.
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Walden University Library. (n.d.). Anatomy of a research article [Video].
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/tutorials#s-lg-box7955524
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Writing literature reviews in your graduate
coursework [Webinar].
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate#s-lg-box-18447417
World Health Organization. (2018, March). Questions and answers on immunization and vaccine
safety. https://www.who.int/mongolia/health-topics/vaccines/faq
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Evidence-Based Practices for Managing Mental Health
Name
Institution
Course
Professor
Date
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Evidence-Based Practices for Managing Mental Health
Veterans experienced significant challenges after their service since they could face
employment issues, health problems, and struggle to access their benefits. The ever-changing
faces of the military and its services mean veterans require appropriate support for their physical
and mental support. The case study highlights veterans and their families’ significant challenges
after spending more time in war zones. The two primary issues necessary for intervention are
alcohol abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Jake, an Iraq War veteran, has shown
significant challenges after returning home since he consumes alcohol every evening and during
weekends. Besides, Jake’s psychiatrist diagnosed him with PTSD, which has affected his life and
relationship with his family. The primary need to develop interventions for the issues is its effect
on the individual and the family. For instance, Jake has experienced heart palpitations, difficulty
sleeping, and moodiness. The problems have extended to the family since they have isolated
themselves after Jake’s behaviors of increased alcoholism. Besides, Jake’s behaviors affected his
relationship with his son, highlighting the need to develop appropriate interventions to keep the
family united.
Contingency management is the best intervention for Jake’s alcohol abuse. The approach
uses positive reinforcement for individuals who abstain from alcohol and substance use. Glasner
and Drazdowski (2019) state that the contingency management approach could be based on
operant conditions where individuals receive incentives for achieving their goals. Therefore,
clients can improve their future behaviors knowing they will receive incentives. Glasner and
Drazdowski (2019) found that the intervention increases positive outcomes due to minimized or
discontinued alcohol use and provides incentives for individuals who experience challenges in
early interventions. The increased effectiveness and usage of contingency management, as
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advocated for by scholars, show that the approach is evidence-based and should be implemented
in Jake’s case. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is the appropriate intervention for PTSD
since it is trauma-focused and focuses on informed emotional processing theory and social
cognitive theory. Watkins, Sprang, and Rothbaum (2018) stipulate that the therapy assumes that
veterans seek to make sense of their experiences, which results in distorted cognitions about
themselves, their families, and the world. The importance of considering the approach centers on
allowing for cognitive memory activation and identifying maladaptive cognitions arising from
traumatizing instances (Grady, et al., 2018). Watkins, Sprang, and Rothbaum (2018) found that
the therapeutic approach shifts individual perceptions toward accommodation and allows
individuals to develop positive change. The interventions are significant to Jake’s case since they
provide the foundation for success.
Both interventions have shown their efficiency in treating and managing conditions. For
instance, Glasner and Drazdowski (2019) used the systematic review approach to highlight the
different evidence-based behavioral treatments for alcohol use disorders. The sampled
interventions are contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based
treatments, motivational interventions, and family therapies. Findings from the article center on
the selected approach in the paper and include the increased effectiveness of minimizing
substance use among individuals who engage in contingency management. For instance, Glasner
and Drazdowski (2019) found that the common incentives include multiple items depending on
individual needs since counselors could customize them to appeal to clients. Most preferred
incentives are vouchers that reward clients and encourage them to minimize or eliminate alcohol
use.
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Watkins, Sprang, and Rothbaum (2018) used systematic reviews to understand the
different methodologies for treating and managing PTSD after the 2017 guidelines. The sampled
population is adults who agreed to the 2017 guidelines. Findings include the therapeutic
approach drawing on informed emotional processing theory and social cognitive theory to
provide individuals a foundation for success and avoid substance use. CPT’s initial perceptions
and focus centered on treating rape survivors but has grown to other forms of traumatic instances
among diverse populations. The treatment’s effectiveness is evident in treating veterans and
sexual assault survivors since individuals experience significant reductions in depression, PTSD,
and anxiety.
The interventions suit the case since they highlight the significant challenges individuals
face in different instances after leaving their military services. For instance, Jake has shown
significant challenges after his services since he experiences alcohol abuse and PTSD. The
increased challenges require appropriate measures to ensure individuals cope with the growing
mental health challenges. Glasner and Drazdowski (2019) state that individuals require
incentives from the contingency management approach to enhance effectiveness in customizing
approaches and enhancing better development among individuals with substance use disorders.
The approaches psychiatrists use in contingency management include incentives such as
vouchers that could encourage individuals to become supportive of their purposes and succeed in
their endeavors.
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References
Glasner, S., & Drazdowski, T. K. (2019). Evidence-based behavioral treatments for substance
use disorders. The Assessment and Treatment of Addiction: Best Practices and New
Frontiers, 157-166. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-54856-4.00010-9
Grady, M. D., Wike, T., Putzu, C., Field, S., Hill, J., Bledsoe, S. E., . . . Massey, M. (2018).
Recent social work practitioners’ understanding and use of evidence-based practice and
empirically supported treatments. Journal of Social Work Education, 54(1), 163-179.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2017.1299063
Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2018). Treating PTSD: A review of
evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12,
258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258
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Jake Levy
SOCW 6311
Jake Levy (31) and Sheri Levy (28) are a married Caucasian couple who live with their
sons, Myles (10) and Levi (8), in a two-bedroom condominium in a middle-class
neighborhood. Jake is an Iraq War veteran and employed as a human resources
assistant for the military, and Sheri is a special education teacher in a local elementary
school. Overall, Jake is physically fit, but an injury he sustained in combat sometimes
limits his ability to use his left hand. Sheri is in good physical condition and has recently
found out that she is pregnant with their third child.
As teenagers, Jake and Sheri used marijuana and drank. Neither uses marijuana now
but they still drink. Sheri drinks socially and has one or two drinks over the weekend.
Jake reports he has four to five drinks in the evenings during the week and eight to ten
drinks on Saturdays and Sundays. Neither report having criminal histories.
Jake and Sheri identify as Jewish and attend a local synagogue on major holidays.
Jake’s parents are deceased, and he has a sister who lives outside London. He and his
sister are not very close but do talk twice a year. Sheri is an only child, and her mother
lives in the area but offers little support. Her mother never approved of Sheri marrying
Jake and thinks Sheri needs to deal with their problems on her own. The couple has
some friends, but due to Jake’s recent behaviors, they have slowly isolated themselves.
Intake and Assessment
The social worker’s first encounter with Jake was at an intake session at the Veterans
Affairs Health Care Center (VA). During this meeting, Jake stated that he came to the
VA for services because his wife had threatened to leave him if he did not get help. She
was particularly concerned about his drinking and lack of involvement in his sons’ lives.
She told him his drinking had gotten out of control and was making him mean and
distant. Jake had seen Dr. Zoe, a psychiatrist at the VA, who diagnosed him with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Zoe prescribed Paxil to help reduce his symptoms
of anxiety and depression and suggested that he also begin counseling.
During the assessment, Jake said that since his return to civilian life 10 months ago he
had experienced difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, and moodiness. He told the
social worker that he and his wife had been fighting a lot and that he drank to take the
edge off and to help him sleep. Jake admitted to drinking heavily nearly every day. He
reported that he was not engaged with his sons at all and he kept to himself when he
was at home. He spent his evenings on the couch drinking beer and watching TV or
playing video games. When Jake’s options for treatment were discussed, he expressed
fear of losing his job and his family if he did not get help. Jake worked in an office with
civilians and military personnel and mostly got along with people in the office. Jake
tended to keep to himself and said he sometimes felt pressured to be more
© 2022 Walden University, LLC. Adapted from Plummer, S. -B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014).
Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
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communicative and social. He was also very worried that Sheri would leave him. He
said he had never seen her so angry before and saw she was at her limit with him and
his behaviors.
Based on the information Jake provided about his diagnosis and family concerns, he
and the social worker agreed that the best course of action would be for him to
participate in weekly individual sessions and a weekly support group that was offered at
the VA for Iraq veterans. The social worker then offered a referral for couples
counseling at the local mental health agency. The social worker also printed out a list of
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in his area if he decided he wanted to attend in
order to address his drinking. He would continue to follow up with Dr. Zoe on a monthly
basis to monitor the effectiveness of his medications.
Sessions
During the following session, the social worker spent time explaining his diagnosis and
the symptoms related to PTSD. Jake said that he did not really understand what PTSD
was but thought it meant that a person was “going crazy,” which at times he thought
was happening to him. He expressed concern that he would never feel “normal” again
and said that when he drank alcohol, his symptoms and the intensity of his emotions
eased. The social worker explained to Jake that PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that
develops after a person has experienced an event that results in psychological trauma.
The event may involve the threat or perceived threat of death to oneself or to someone
else. The social worker also explained that the disorder is characterized by reexperiencing the traumatic event, including the symptoms of increased arousal, and by
the desire to avoid stimuli associated with the trauma. They discussed how Jake’s
behaviors fit into this cycle of hyperarousal and avoidance, including his lack of sleep
and irritability and the isolation and heavy drinking. He talked about always feeling
“ready to go.” He said he was exhausted from being alert and looking for potential
problems around him. He told me he always felt on edge, and every sound seemed to
startle him.
He shared that he often thinks about what happened “over there” but tries to push it out
of his mind. It is the night that is the worst as he has terrible recurring nightmares of one
particular event. He said he wakes up shaking and sweating most nights. He then said
drinking was the one thing that seemed to give him a little relief. The social worker gave
him a handout on PTSD and reviewed the signs and symptoms. Jake seemed relieved
to receive the information. The social worker conveyed that naming the issue or concern
was often helpful in the healing process. During the first few sessions, the goal was to
help Jake feel safe and validate his feelings. As such, the social worker consistently
assessed his feelings of safety, including any potential suicidal ideation. Jake was
reluctant to attend AA at that time, so he and the social worker began monitoring his
drinking and his behaviors after several drinks.
© 2022 Walden University, LLC. Adapted from Plummer, S. -B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014).
Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.