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BIO-PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENT
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Angela Bell
February 8, 2014
SW 3020
Bio-Psychosocial Assessment

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Introduction
In this paper I will be discussing the information gathered from a Bio-Psychosocial
assessment. The participant for the assessment was retrieved from a neighborhood community
center that I have done community service work with in the past. To obtain my participant I
contacted the centers activity coordinator and she then invited me to come in and meet with some
of the individuals there. From there I found an individual that was willing to participate. My
participants name was Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson. In the assessment I asked Mrs. Jackson a mixture
of day to day and invasive questions. Before I proceeded with the interview, I forewarned her
that some of the questions were very personal and if she felt uncomfortable at any time to please
let me know.
History
Mrs. Jackson is a 72 year old Caucasian woman born and raised in Detroit, MI. When
asked about her current issues, she identified transportation as being an issue. Mrs. Jackson is
currently wheel chair bound after having a stroke 12 years ago. As a result of the stroke she has
right side paralysis. She goes on to mention that while she uses public transportation, it is not
always very reliable with time.
Family of Origin
Mrs. Jackson was born in 1942 to John and Ellen Smith. At the time of her birth her
father was 22 years of age and her mother 19 years of age. Mrs. Jackson has two younger
siblings, a set of identical twin boys Jeffery and Joshua. Jeffery and Joshua were born 2 years
after Elizabeth making them 70 years old. While twins were not necessarily in the plan for Mr.
and Mrs. Smith, both pregnancies were planned. Their parents never divorced and died at home.

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Mr. Smith died at the age of 80 from a heart attack and Mrs. Smith died 6 years later of natural
causes. She recalls being brought up in a very loving environment. Her father worked at a factory
and her mother stayed home with the children. She made their clothes, cooked their meals and
took care of home. Mrs. Jackson does not recall any abuse in the home.
Developmental History
Mrs. Jackson recalls being a full term baby weighing in a 6lbs 11 oz. when she was born.
She was born from a natural vaginal birth and breast fed for the first few months. In regards to
developmental milestones she recalls being told that she began walking just before her first
birthday. Her first word was eat! She does not remember being told of any developmental delays
or advancements. She considered herself to be a normal baby.
Health History
Mrs. Jackson was a fairly healthy child. She had the chicken pox as a child and
remembers breaking her thumb at age 15. As an adult she has been diagnosed with high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, seizures and depression. At the age of 60 she had a stroke leaving her
paralyzed on her right side. She has maintained a healthy weight throughout her life. Her first
menstrual cycle was at 13 years old and began menopause at age 64.
Relationship/Sexual History
She did not have very many friends growing up. She recalls having one best friend in
grade school but she moved away. She currently has several friends including neighbors and
other seniors at the center. Her father did not allow her to date until she was 17 years old. She
identifies as being a heterosexual female. Mrs. Jackson first sexual experience happened when
she was 18 years old. She does not recall having any issues with her ability to enjoy sex. She is

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currently not sexually active. Mrs. Jackson married once to Willie Jackson in 1970. The two
were unable to have children and never investigated the reason behind the infertility. Mrs.
Jackson became a widow in 2010.
Family of Creation History
Mrs. Jackson and her husband never had any children. They enjoyed the company of each
other until he expired. He was a college educated man. He studied at the University of Michigan.
Religious History
Mrs. Jackson was raised Lutheran but never practiced religion as an adult. She does not
consider it of grave importance. As a child religion was forced onto her and she vowed as an
adult she would live life freely.
Educational History
Mrs. Jackson recalls always achieving high marks throughout grade school. She earned a
degree in music from the University of Michigan. She believes that she is very intelligent in
areas outside of her degree and that she is a very well rounded person.
Employment History
Growing up Mrs. Jackson was responsible for domestic duties. When she became old
enough she was responsible for keeping the kitchen cleaned and helping her mother with dinner.
She also helped with laundry and looking after her brothers. In her adult life she worked at an ice
cream shop during college and once she graduated she worked as a music school teacher. She
worked as a music teacher in the elementary school setting for 25 years and also gave private
lessons. She recall making a nice living and has no complaints about her career.

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Strengths
When asked of her strengths and talents she mentions that she is musically inclined and
has a great memory. She mentions her optimism as a strength. She always tries to look on the
brighter side of any situation.
Conclusion
The process of finding someone to participate in the assessment was a fearful experience.
I thought that I would certainly get turned down numerous of times. Fortunately for me I was
introduced to Mrs. Jackson. Conducting the Bio-Psychosocial assessment on Mrs. Elizabeth
Jackson was a very rewarding experience. This assessment pointed out to me that there are so
many important details in an individuals life that either the client or the worker may look over
on a day to day basis. Therefore when dealing with a new client it is best to do the assessment so
that all bases are covered.