Rational Choice Case Study

In this case study, Laura and Danny have had significant changes in their lives. Laura has now left with the children and planning on moving with them to El Paso, Texas in a month. She has also filed for divorce from Danny. While Laura is making positive improvements to her life she is still concerned for Danny. She goes to collect what’s left of her belongings when she finds Danny in a state of panic. Danny has let himself go at this point. He started consuming alcohol, has not found a job, and is living with no electricity. Kid decides to pay Danny and Laura a visit and he quickly realizes Danny is in trouble. Danny begs for Kid’s assistance in order to help him start a new life. Danny is worried that he will end up alone and homeless

The main idea of this perspective is that people make goal-directed decisions based on their rational thinking. (Hutchison, 2015) In this case study, rational choice perspective is used by Laura, Danny, and Kid. Each member provides a strong example of rational choice based on their own self-interest.

The first example that involves using the rational choice perspective is when Laura decides to move back home to El Paso with the children. She based her decision on her own personal goals and values. She feels as though she belongs to the community in El Paso and that is where her family is. She did not want her children to forget about the Mexican American heritage they are a part of. Laura’s goal in this decision is to make a better life for herself and her children.

The second example of when this case study involves the rational choice perspective is when Danny lied to Laura about having the job at GM. Danny used his rational thinking that if he told Laura he had a good job, that she would stay with Danny. Danny was desperate at this point and attempted to make Laura and the children stay. In his mind, he had to lie in order to gain his reward. He believed that the benefit of him saying he had a job would make his marriage

I would encourage Danny to attend AA meetings, seek employment opportunities and encourage Laura to attend family sessions with Danny. CBT focuses on the here and now problems and I find that these are the areas that Danny needs most help on. In order for Danny to begin his path to sobriety, I would assist him in finding AA meetings near his community. By attending those meetings, Danny would receive positive feedback from group members and have a good source of support. By compiling a list of job opportunities in St. Charles, I would assist Danny in choosing a job that best suits him. Having Laura attend family therapy with Danny would be most beneficial to their relationship. In these meetings they could focus on how to deal with their divorce and how they are going to handle living separately. Incorporating Laura is crucial to Danny’s