saint psy325 Virtual Pregnancy-

28 Jun saint psy325 Virtual Pregnancy-

Question
PSY 325 – Virtual Pregnancy: The Project that Delivers

This project was originally developed by Shalynn Ford in 1999 and has been adapted for the purposes of

this course. A full description of the project can be found in the reference below:

Benjamin, L.T., Nodine, B.F, Ernst, R.M, & Broeker, C.B. (Eds.). (2002). Activities handbook for

the teaching of psychology (Vol. 4). Washington, DC: American Psychological Foundation.

Concept

The purpose of this activity is to provide students the unique opportunity of experiencing a hypothetical

pregnancy and its attendant costs (primarily financial but including emotional, psychological, and lifestyle

costs as well). The idea behind this exercise is to give students practical experience, information, and

insight into the daunting task of seeing a pregnancy through from conception to delivery. This activity will

last the entire semester.

Instructions

Each student will select a hypothetical pregnancy vignette from the list of five below. You are to calculate

the costs of hospital charges, layette items, maternity clothing, and other miscellaneous items that you

think you will need for your pregnancy and delivery. After you make a list of these items, begin making the

necessary contacts via telephone calls, emails, or community visits to the pregnancy-related agencies.

You should keep a log (organized in a narrative fashion) of each contact person by name, title, agency,

and telephone number or email address. In addition, you will need to record the exact dollar amount or

cost range of items and services. For the purpose of this exercise, you are to assume that no friends or

family members will “bail you out” and that neither adoption nor abortion is an option. In addition, keep a

journal by recording thoughts and feelings as your virtual pregnancy progresses. For example, you might

write about how being pregnant has changed your lifestyle or your relationship with others. Please

contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Deliverables and due dates

1. Vignette selection: Submit by email to the instructor no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of

Module 2.

2. Project materials: Submit to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7.

a) Log detailing prices of items needed and contact information.

b) Journal detailing thoughts and feelings you have about the pregnancy including answers to

“thoughts to keep in mind.”

Grading

The project will be graded in two parts for a total of 100 points—50 points for the log detailing the contact

and pricing information, and 50 points for the journal portion. Past students have included a baby registry

from a department store detailing items needed for the baby. In the journal, participants should take on

the role of the vignette and include short entries regarding important stages of the pregnancy (first

doctor’s visit, first sonogram, etc).

Vignettes

1. Forget me not

You are 15 years old and forgetful, especially when it comes to contraception. Unfortunately, your

forgetfulness, combined with a healthy dose of hormones, has led to an unplanned, unexpected, and

unwanted pregnancy. However, you were raised to take responsibility for your actions, so you will do

your best to see this pregnancy through to the end. What will you do now?

Thoughts to keep in mind:

? You are a minor (find out the legalities involved).

? Your education may be interrupted. Is continuing or going back to school a consideration?

? You may be eligible for special help, given your age.

? Unless this was a divine act, there is a father involved. What’s his story? What are his legal

rights and responsibilities?

2. I’ll be missing you

You are 27 years old, single, and employed full time (without health insurance coverage). Your

annual salary is $18,000. Your long-time boyfriend has made it perfectly clear he does not like kids.

You do, which is good because as luck (and lack of planning) would have it you will be getting the

opportunity to satisfy your maternal urge in about eight and a half months. What is your course of

action?

Thoughts to keep in mind:

? You are employed, but without insurance.

? You are too old to be eligible for much in social services.

? The father says he will not help.

3. Oh, what a tangled web we weave

You are 36, the mother of two school-age children, and stuck in a dead-end marriage. You’ve

considered leaving and recently did for three months. During your sabbatical from marriage

monotony, you met a wonderful man, also unhappily married. One thing led to another, and suddenly

you find out there will be a seven-pound addition to your problem marriage. You are in love with

someone else, have no marketable skills, seem unwilling to make it without a man, and are afraid of

losing the two children you already have. You’ve got a lot on your mind. One thing is not an issue—

you will have this baby. Now what?

Thoughts to keep in mind:

? Your age will probably make certain expensive prenatal tests mandatory.

? Several thorny legal issues need to be resolved.

? You need to establish your priorities.

4. Just when you thought it was safe

You are 44 and free. Your children are safely in college. Your husband is at the top of the corporate

heap. Life is good. Your consulting work provides you with a real sense of accomplishment. You

never regretted that tubal litigation you had 18 years ago. In fact, you never gave it a second thought.

Recently, at your annual checkup, you received the shock of your life—the clips slipped and you have

involuntarily been drafted back into the baby stroller brigade. How will you handle this?

Thoughts to keep in mind:

? Your age may have an impact on your pregnancy.

? You and your family will face lifestyle changes.

? The pregnancy may cause you to have special health concerns.

5. Just say no

You are a college-student (any age) who is the first and only member of your family to have the

opportunity to attend a prestigious university on scholarship. The heat is on. Pressure from parents,

peers, and professors keep life simmering on miserable. Then you meet him. He is every wonderful

thing you have ever dreamed of. He has the potential to make you happy. He is forever. And all he

asks of you is to “prove” your love. You do. Then unexpectedly you are forced to learn a painful

lesson about mistaking kisses for contracts. He is gone. But he’s left a part of himself behind with

you. You are confused, hurt, angry, and to top it all off you’re also two months pregnant.

Thoughts to keep in mind:

? The age you select will somewhat frame your options.

? The father may or may not be legally accountable for financial assistance with this

pregnancy.

? Your goals as a college student and the level of investment your family has in your success

may need to be reassessed.

Timeline for completing the project

You should begin right away! Do not procrastinate! This project will move rapidly since you will be

experiencing pregnancy and birth of the baby. Keep in mind that you need to keep a log of expenses and

contacts as well as write a journal. Ideas for the journal are found below.

Module/week 2

Choose a vignette and submit your choice to the instructor by email. It is a good idea to start writing in

your journal and making contacts this week.

Hints for journal: You just found out you are pregnant. How do you feel about the pregnancy? What are

your plans? Who will be your doctor? What do you do at the first appointment? What symptoms are you

experiencing? Weeks 2-3 represents the first trimester.

Module/week 3

Hints for journal: The first trimester is continuing. Think about resources that you might need, such as

insurance or WIC. What questions do you have at this point of the pregnancy? Where do you find

answers? When will you tell people about the pregnancy?

Module/week 4

You are now in the second trimester.

Hints for journal: During week 4, you can begin learning about the second trimester and incorporate this

into your journal. The second trimester will last from week 4 to week 5 of class. What changes can you

expect this trimester? What are doctor’s appointments like? How much is the pregnancy costing you so

far? What contacts have you made? Have you registered for any baby items?

Module/week 5

Second trimester continues.

Hints for journal: How is the baby developing? Are there any necessary tests that must be performed

during this trimester?

Module/week 6

You are now in the third trimester.

Hints for journal: What changes have you experienced? Are you exercising? How do you feel? What type

of birth experience do you want? Have you had a baby shower? What are your fears?

Module/week 7

The end of the third trimester! The baby is born! You will submit the completed project to the instructor.