Mr. Pantelis is a 32-year-old gentleman who has been living in a psychosocial rehabilitation unit (sheltered apartment) since October 2018. He went there after his involuntary hospitalization, due to a suicide attempt, at a Psychiatric Hospital where he was diagnosed with manic disorder. He works in protected work in the evenings as a catering waiter and likes to work out in the mornings.
Mr. George, a 45-year-old gentleman, diagnosed with schizophrenia, has been living in the sheltered apartment for 10 years, working as a cleaner at a cleaning service in the late afternoon hours, and likes to sit at home and relax in the mornings. He calms down by reading his book, drinking his coffee and smoking (admits of being a frantic smoker).
Mr. Pantelis and Mr. George are sleeping in the same room. They also have two other men roommates, aged 55, in the protected apartment who attend a Day Care Center.
Coexistence could be described as calm and harmonious, without particular problems. Each of the tenants adheres to their own routine. They have split up the housework and each has his own outdoor program.
But lately, Mr. Pantelis and Mr. George have been in constant dispute over the fact that Mr. Pantelis complains that he cannot follow the daily exercise program he does at home because Mr. George smokes constantly and the atmosphere at home is stuffy.
Mr. George constantly says nervously: «I am here long before you came, I will not change my habits for you, this is my home, stop acting like a baby all the time!»
In their latest quarrel, Mr. Pantelis addressed Mr. George by mocking him: «this is my home too, you’re going to get cancer, you crazy monkey!»
After that fight, Mr. Pantelis had stopped exercising and stopped talking to his roommate, whilst Mr. George kept smoking every day with a sad look on his face and told the other two roommates that he is sorry, but he won’t apologize to him!
Theoretical background
Aggression type
Verbal aggression, escalating into relational aggression.
Emotions: anger, disgust
Coping: functional coping strategies
Questions and answers
1st Question
At what point in the scenario do you find that the protagonist was a victim of violence? To what kind of violence does the scenario refer to?
1st Answer
Mr. Pantelis was being a victim of emotional violence every time Mr. George was smoking (although he knew that it was irritating for his roommate), and he suffered from verbal violence when he was told that he was acting “like a baby” and when it was said that this is Mr. George’s home.
Mr. George has been verbally attacked when said to him: "you’re going to get cancer, you crazy monkey!"
2nd Question
Do you think that the thoughts, the actions, the feelings and the attitudes adopted by the protagonist of the scenario helped him/her to cope with this situation? Are there any alternative ideas?
2nd Answer
Mr. Pantelis should have fought for his right; he shouldn’t have stopped training neither stopped talking to his roommate as an act of protest.
On the other hand, Mr. George should apologize to his roommate after he realized he was wrong.
Both of them should act with a greater sense of solidarity and humanity, friendship and understanding. Talking is always the best way to deal with misunderstandings
3rd Question
What other interventions and actions could further help the protagonist to deal with this incident and with any potential similar incidents in the future?
3rd Answer
Mr. Pantelis should work on his self – esteem and be more confident in defending himself. He should also be more careful when referring to others about health matters.
Professionals should encourage him and help him cope with his shy character in order to find ways of dealing with issues like these.
Mr. George should not be so rude and so strict when someone has different views about a matter such as smoking. He should also apologize when feeling like and not avoiding because of his pride.
Professionals should help him by making him realize the importance of reducing smoking for his wellbeing as well as the others, trying to raise awareness of his roommates particularities and how to express his feelings when necessary.