Case Study: Jamaal

Jamaal is a 19-year-old college student and Division 1 athlete who has scheduled an appointment with a counselor at the College Counseling Center. His intake form indicates that he grew up in a single-parent home in an inner-city environment and describes himself as multiracial.

Session Overview:

- Initial Concerns: Jamaal reports experiencing anxiety. He shares that he has had a successful football season so far, with professional football team scouts expected to attend some of his upcoming games. While excited about the prospect of a professional career, Jamaal fears he may not perform well enough to be drafted.

- Efforts to Prepare: Jamaal is working out extra hours and watching his diet to prepare for the scouts. Despite these efforts, he is concerned about his performance.

- Performance Enhancers: Jamaal confides that his coach has provided him with "something to enhance his performance." He worries that without these enhancers, he won't be at his best. However, he is also concerned that getting caught using them could end his professional career before it starts.

- Pressure from Coach: Jamaal feels pressured by his coach to use performance-enhancing drugs. He fears disappointing his coach but questions whether the coach is acting in his best interest or simply aiming for team wins to boost his coaching status.

- Dilemma and Worries: Jamaal feels stuck between not wanting to use banned substances and wanting to perform well, please his coach, and impress the scouts. He has considered reporting the coach's coercion but fears losing his career opportunity, being labeled a snitch, losing his scholarship, and having to drop out of college.

- Emotional Strain: Jamaal's thoughts are consumed by these worries, and he wishes to learn how to manage his anxiety better.

Counseling Goals:

- Help Jamaal explore his options regarding the coach's pressure.
- Support Jamaal in addressing his anxiety and performance concerns.
- Assist Jamaal in making informed decisions about his future in sports and education.

This case study presents several complex ethical and psychological issues, including the pressures faced by student-athletes, the potential for abuse of performance-enhancing drugs, and the power dynamics between coaches and athletes. Here's a breakdown of some key considerations and steps that could be taken to address Jamaal's situation:

1. Establishing Trust and Confidentiality: It's crucial for the counselor to establish a trusting and confidential relationship with Jamaal. He needs to feel safe expressing his concerns without fear of judgment or repercussion. The counselor should assure Jamaal that their conversations are confidential unless there is an immediate risk of harm to himself or others.

2. Assessing Mental Health: Jamaal's anxiety and feelings of being stuck between conflicting pressures indicate the need for a thorough mental health assessment. The counselor should explore Jamaal's thoughts and emotions in greater depth to understand the extent of his distress and any underlying issues such as depression or self-esteem issues.

3. **Educating about the Risks of Performance-Enhancing Drugs**: Jamaal needs to be informed about the potential health risks and legal consequences associated with using performance-enhancing drugs. The counselor should provide him with accurate information about the dangers of such substances, including physical health complications and the risk of addiction.

4. Exploring Alternatives to Drug Use: Jamaal should be encouraged to explore alternative strategies for enhancing his performance that do not involve drugs. This may include focusing on proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mental preparation techniques. The counselor can also help him develop coping skills for managing performance anxiety and stress.

5. Addressing Coercion and Power Dynamics: Jamaal's concerns about feeling coerced by his coach raise serious ethical and potentially legal issues. The counselor should discuss the importance of autonomy and personal integrity with Jamaal, emphasizing that he has the right to make decisions about his own body and future. Additionally, the counselor can explore ways to address the power dynamics between Jamaal and his coach, including potential avenues for reporting the coach's behavior while minimizing the risk to Jamaal's future career and education.

6. Supporting Decision-Making: Ultimately, Jamaal will need to make difficult decisions about his future. The counselor should support him in weighing the potential consequences of his choices and help him develop a plan for moving forward that aligns with his values and goals. This may involve seeking support from trusted individuals, such as family members, mentors, or other professionals within the college or athletic community.

7. Advocating for Ethical Conduct: The counselor should emphasize the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in sports and encourage Jamaal to prioritize his long-term well-being and values over short-term gains. This may involve challenging societal norms and pressures that prioritize winning at any cost and advocating for systemic changes within the sports community to promote fair competition and athlete well-being.

Overall, addressing Jamaal's situation requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach that considers his mental health, values, and future prospects. The counselor plays a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and advocacy to help Jamaal navigate these complex challenges and make informed decisions that are in his best interest.