PEPSI Screening 1

PEPSI Screening

Arielle Brooks

EDU 220
PEPSI Screening 2

Abstract

This paper is a study of a 17 year old male based on Physical, Emotional, Philo-

sophical, Social and Intellectual Health. Observations on behavior and recommenda-

tions for improvement are made based on the findings.

PEPSI Screening 3

PEPSI Screening: Calvin Brooks

The student I am observing is my youngest brother, Calvin Brooks, age 17.

Calvin attends Arbor View High School, which is a relatively affluent high school. Calvin

is caucasian, tall, and muscular for his age. Calvin’s parents have joint custody of him

so he bounces back and forth between downtown and northwest Las Vegas. Calvin’s

mother is a middle class bartender, his father is an upper middle class political consul-

tant. Both parents are remarried and Calvin has a good relationship with both of his

stepparents. Calvin’s parents have an excellent co-parenting relationship and are in

constant communication about his grades, extracurricular activities and social functions.

Calvin works part time at a car dealership, where he can stay as long as he keeps a 3.0

or higher GPA.

Calvin is physically in very good shape. He plays basketball for his high school

and works out several times a week. Calvin is 6’0 and may keep growing. Boys in pu-

berty may continue to grow well after graduation. (Snowman, McCown) Calvin is in the

65th percentile for his age height wise.(www.cdc.gov ) Calvin is sexually active and

uses protection. In 2015, 41% of high school students reported having sexual inter-

course, (http://recapp.etr.org) so this behavior is not irregular. I observed Calvin playing

basketball and noticed that he has above average skills and was able to keep up with

other boys his age and older. Calvin has no allergies or developmental disabilities.

Calvin was breast fed as an infant which is recommended by the World Health Organi-

zation as the healthiest way to feed a baby. (www.who.int) Calvin has had no major ill-

nesses or hospitalizations throughout his life. Calvin frequently indulges in candies,

cakes, and other sweets, but as of his last physical examination, there are no health is-
PEPSI Screening 4

sues stemming from his diet. Calvin’s mother cooks him healthy meals, but says she

can’t control what he spends his money on and wishes he would stick to the healthy

eating habits she has tried to instill in him.

Emotionally, Calvin is very closed off and doesn’t always communicate how he is

feeling. The behavior seems like typical teenage boy behavior, since it’s not as socially

acceptable for boys to show how they are feeling. (www.asmfmh.org) Although students

who engage in substance abuse are more likely to drop out, (Snowman, McCown)

Calvin uses marijuana with his friends regularly and doesn’t seem to be suffering any

emotional effects. Calvin will be graduating on time and with honors. Calvin does not

drink alcohol, unlike 33% of his peers. (www.cdc.gov) When asked about his general

mood and happiness levels he reports being happy with his life. Calvin rarely lashes out

at his parents and generally has a good relationship with both parents, although he re-

ports feeling closer to his Mother than to this Father. Calvin makes friends easily and

feels that he can count on his friends to be there for him in times of emotional stress.

Calvin has a girlfriend that he has been with for almost four years and he plans on mov-

ing away with her to Washington for college. Calvin enjoys spending time alone listening

to music and playing video games.

Calvin’s philosophical values are a bit concerning, although within the realm of

normal behavior. Calvin confided to me that he sneaks out often to see his friends and

his girlfriend, which shows a lack of morals. Calvin’s mother told me that she doesn’t

know how to deal with the sneaking out other than grounding him, but he continues to

sneak out when he is grounded. Calvin has also been grounded several times for con-

tinuing to use marijuana is his parents’ home. Neither one of his parent uses or con-
PEPSI Screening 5

dones the use of marijuana. Long range goals, beliefs and values are influenced by

parents, (Snowman, McCown) so hopefully it’s just teenage rebellion and not indicative

or more problematic behavior. Although parents influence long term values, students

can be influenced by peers more in the short term (Snowman, McCown), this may be

another reason for the “bad” behavior. While Calvin gets into trouble at home, he has

never faced any trouble at school, is very well behaved in his classes, and is not truant.

Throughout much of Africa, Asia and the Middle East large majorities feel that faith in

God is a necessary foundation for morality and good values. (http://www.pewglobal.org)

Calvin has been raised atheist his whole life and has not attended church, so this may

be a reason his value structures are a little non traditional. Although Calvin sneaks out

and lies, he knows that what he is doing is wrong and doesn’t try to justify the behavior,

showing that he knows right and wrong, but just chooses not to abide by it.

Socially, Calvin has no issues making friends. He has a core group of friends he

has known since elementary, and it has continually grown through out the years. Calvin

is good looking and good at sports and seems to be one of the “cool” kids. Calvin has

never been bullied and has also never bullied other students. Calvin has never been in

a fight with another classmate. Like 92% of his peers, Calvin goes online daily.

(www.pewinternet.org) Calvin does much of his social interaction online, but also likes to

stay up to date with news via his social media and follows many news sites. Calvin is

looking forward to college and the social freedom it brings. Like 16% of his peers,

(Snowman, McCown) Calvin has an after school job. He enjoys the financial freedom,

but misses out on being more social with his friends. Calvin will continue to work part

time while in college.

PEPSI Screening 6

Intellectually, Calvin is very intelligent. He performs well academically and scores

high on tests. Calvin’s GPA is 3.5 and he scored 27 on his ACT. He is extremely self

disciplined with his homework, and rarely gets below a B. When talking to him, it’s easy

to carry on an “adult” conversation. He scored high on his ACTs, and is well within the

acceptance range of all the colleges he is looking at. Cognitively, students Calvin’s age

start to engage in more political thoughts, (Snowman, McCown) and he seems very en-

gaged in the political process. He even volunteered on the Hillary Clinton campaign,

and is a very outspoken critic of Donald Trump. His favorite subject is History, like 10%

of his peers. (news.gallup.com)

Calvin seems to be doing well on most fronts. Physically, my recommendation

would be for him to continue to play basketball, because it seems to keep him healthy

and give him an activity to engage in so he doesn’t get into trouble. Another physical

recommendation would be to eat a healthier diet. Even though Calvin is not suffering

the effects of a bad diet now, it could catch up with him later on. Emotionally, my rec-

ommendation is just to keep an eye out for depression and other mental health issues

that surface during teenage years. That doesn’t seem to be a huge concern for Calvin,

but it is always beneficial to be aware of these issues and keep a close eye to treat

them if they do pop up. Also, keeping an open line of communication is emotionally

beneficial for children. Philosophically, my recommendation is to continue to punish

Calvin when he breaks rules. Consistent rules and consequences are the best way to

establish what is expected. Unfortunately, teenagers will likely test boundaries and

break rules no matter what. However, it does seem that Calvin is being given consistent

guidelines and punishments. Socially, continuing to spend time and play basketball with
PEPSI Screening 7

friends is beneficial. If any social issues arise, a mentor could be beneficial. Intellectual-

ly, continuing to take AP/Honors classes so that Calvin stays challenged and preparing

him for college courses is key.

PEPSI Screening 8

50 is Average.

100

75

50

25

0
Physical Emotional Philosophical Social Intellectual
PEPSI Screening 9

Works Cited

Snowman, J., & McCown, R. R. (2015). Psychology applied to teaching. Belmont, CA:

Wadsworth.

CDC.gov (2000, May 30). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/

growthcharts/data/set1clinical/cj41l021.pdf

WHO.int (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from http://www.who.int/features/fact-

files/breastfeeding/facts/en/

CDC.gov. (2016, October 20). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/

alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

ReCAPP.etr.org. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from http://recapp.etr.org/recapp/

index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.StatisticsDetail&PageID=555 http://www.asmfmh.org/re-

sources/publications/normal-teenage-behaviour-vs-early-warning-signs-of-mental-ill-

ness/

Normal teenage behavior vs. early warning signs of mental illness. (n.d.). Retrieved De-

cember 13, 2017, from http://www.asmfmh.org/resources/publications/normal-teenage-

behaviour-vs-early-warning-signs-of-mental-illness/
PEPSI Screening 10

Views of Religion and Morality. (2007, October 4). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from

http://www.pewglobal.org/2007/10/04/chapter-3-views-of-religion-and-morality/

Lenhardt, A. (2015, April 9). Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015. Re-

trieved December 13, 2017, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-

media-technology-2015/

Ray, J. (2003, April 22). A Report Card on Teens' Favorite Subjects. Retrieved Decem-

ber 13, 2017, from http://news.gallup.com/poll/8248/report-card-teens-favorite-subject-

s.aspx