Question

Biographical inventory, cumulative records, anecdotal information, autobiography, journals and diaries, and genograms are types of records and personal documents that can be useful in the assessment process. Describe how each one can be used in a clinical setting and what information it might be able to yield for the clinician.

Minimum- 300 word count

Answer 1

Biographical inventories - It is useful in getting detailed information about a client right from birth. All the details such as demographics, family background, education, personality, crimes and issues etc will be available in the inventory.

Cumulative records - These refers to documents from school, place of work, medical records. It enriches understanding of the person.

Anecdotal information - It refers to the subjective comments about a person's routine actions and behavior present in the clients records. This record helps to understand atypical behaviour of a person.

Autobiography- In this, the client writes about his own life. It can be seen as a projective test.

Journals and diaries - Writing a journal which records everyday thoughts, actions and dreams. It is useful to see if there is any patterns and suppressed desires.

Genogram - it is a family relationship chart of the client and its history. This information is crucial during treatment.