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Cheryl External Environment

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As overemphasized in chapter three, in order for social workers to be well informed of clients' conditions, they must understand the dimensions of human biology. All presented case studies show how the interactions between the biological/illness referred as interior (Proximal) environment and the exterior environment (Distal), are key determinants of human behavior (Hutchison, 2015, p. 84). Additionally, the approach of examining provided case studies through the lenses of biological systems provide social workers a better understanding of clients' needs. This is particularly important when assessing what are the "right" resources for clients under given conditions or circumstances. Indeed, dysfunctions in human biology can have significant impacts on a person's life.
Moreover, Cheryl's case study greatly illustrates how exterior (Distal) environment can be greatly impacted by interior (Proximal) environment malfunctions. Cheryl suffers from traumatic brain injury or TBI as a result of direct head contact with an explosive device (p.80). After this traumatic event, Cheryl's social and cognitive abilities have been affected. For example, Cheryl experiences difficulties remembering recent events from which can be deducted that her temporal lobe was affected. In this case, understanding the functioning of the nervous system can …show more content…

As stated by Engels, 1892 & Speybroeck, 2010, poor health outcomes have been mainly correlated with low income, low education, unsanitary housing, inadequate health care, unstable employment and unsafe physical environments (p.111). Unfortunately, socioeconomic status is often used to determine the type of medical care someone gets. For instance, people living in low-income neighborhoods have limited access to 'adequate' medical care, which is the opposite experience for those residing in upper-class

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