Is Something Wrong with Michael? Michael is a freshman and a computer science major at a Mid-Western Public University. He was a good student in high school and was competitively selected at this...

Is Something Wrong with Michael?

Michael is a freshman and a computer science major at a Mid-Western Public University. He was a good student in high school and was competitively selected at this university. He lives in a dorm. This is his first semester, and he is taking 15 credits. He has been away from home for the first time. He likes being away from home and enjoys his freedom. He has a small circle of friends from high school who are at the same university with whom he likes frequently socializing. He eats all his meals at the university cafeteria. He has gained some weight since he joined the university, a development he does not like. He took his midterm exams last week and did not do well on them. He barely passed three courses and marginally failed two others. He is worried about his assignments, final exam, and grades this semester. Please reflect on the following questions on behalf of Michael.

Questions for Discussion

1. Is something wrong with Michael?

2. Is Michael stressed? If so, what are his stressors?

3. Does Michael need any help?

4. What resources may be available to Michael at the university?

5. What can Michael do to better his situation?

6. What can his friends do to better Michael’s situation?

7. What stress-management approaches would you recommend to Michael and why?