How to Prepare MAPC Case Study Report (Clinical / Counselling / I-O)

A well-written case study report is an essential part in the IGNOU MAPC programme. What you specialize in is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial & Organisational Psychology (I-O), case studies are an integral aspect of learning through practical. A lot of students are stressed out because they are unsure how to compose a case in a professional manner, what to include, and what level of detail is needed. This guide shows how to make a neat, clear and well-structured case study report for MAPC and step-by step.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A case study provides a complete report of your interaction with a customer, employee, or research participant. It illustrates how you can gather information or observe behaviour, learn about the psychological aspects and apply your knowledge in real life situations. IGNOU asks students to compose research papers based on their actual experience with clients in working in a practical setting or in supervised sessions.

A complete case study includes the person's background, presenting problem, assessment tools used to assess the problem, observations, counselling or intervention, and the outcome.

2. How Many Case Studies Do You Need to Prepare?

This will usually depend on your field of expertise and supervisor's directions. An accepted practice is:

Specialization

Recommended No. of Case Studies

Clinical Psychology

3-5 cases

Counselling Psychology

3-4 cases

Industrial & Organisational Psychology

2-3 individual cases + 1 organisational case

If your workplace offers more opportunities, you may write more. However, quality matters more than quantity.

3. Before Writing the Case Study - Collect the Right Data

Do not start writing immediately. Start by collecting and storing information in your diary or notebook as you work with the client.

The first information you should collect:

Personal details (name or code, age, gender, education as well as family background)

Observation notes

Conversation summary

Behavioural signs and emotional signals

Assessment instruments and conclusions

Intervention or counselling method used

Sessions progress

Keep your notes tidy and up-to-date. This will assist you in preparing an easy final report.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here's a very simple structure that can be used in Counselling, clinical and I-O cases. It is possible to modify the data as required in accordance with your expertise.

A) Basic Information

Customer Code or Initials (Do not write the complete name to ensure confidentiality)

Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status

Sessions last for a certain amount of time (Date of the first session up to the end of the session)

(if applicable) (if the case is applicable)

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Explain the main issue as expressed by the client. Write the issue in simple language.
Example: "The client reported difficulty sleeping, constant worry, and loss of interest in daily work."

C) Background Information

Briefly describe your personal background with respect to:

Family history

Education and learning

Social relationships

History of mental and medical conditions

Significant life experiences

Academic or work-related status (for I-O: include your job title and workplace)

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

Body language Tone of voice eye contact

Physical appearance

A state of emotional turmoil (sad and anxious, confused or irritated)

Interaction with counsellor, participation in motivation

E) Assessment Tools Used

Write down the psychological tests or the techniques used.
Examples:

Clinical/Counselling: MSE, BDI, HAM-A, 16PF, SCL-90, Family Environment Scale, etc.

I-O: Job Satisfaction Scale, Stress Scale, Workplace Motivation Scale, Interviews, Surveys

Include a purpose, scoring pattern and the results. Display results in a small table, if required.

F) Case Formulation

It is a summary of your understanding and analysis of the matter.
It should contain the following hyperlink:

Client history

Observed behaviour

Test results

Psychological explanation

Write 2-4 paragraphs showing how the pieces are connected.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Write about the activities you took part in during the sessions:

Model of therapy or treatment that is used (e.g., CBT, Person-Centred therapy, REBT Behavioural change, Career counselling, Relaxation, Group counselling, etc.)

Brief summary of each session: objectives, activities and response from the client

In I-O cases, intervention can be:

Therapy for stress related to work

Communication training

Time management techniques

Feedback sessions

Modification of workplace behaviour

H) Outcome and Progress

Provide details of how the client did or didn't change after sessions:

The reduction in symptoms

Better coping skills

Improvement in thinking or behaviour

Client feedback

If there was limited progress If there was a lack of progress, make it clear in writing.

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a short closing summary with suggestions for future care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Record what you learned as you were a student:

Was it uncomfortable or uncomfortable?

What skills did it take to get better at?

What can you do differently the next time?

This section gives a personal touch and provides the best impression of evaluating.

5. Sample Outline of One Case Study (Short View)

Case Code: C-01 Age/Gender: 22-year-old Female. Presenting issue: Lack of confidence, stress in the classroom and low self-esteem. Assessment tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Counselling + Homework Assignments. Results: Improved self-confidence, higher academic performance

The entire case will be more detailed However, this sample will help you understand the process.

6. Important Differences Between Case Studies in Clinical, Counselling, and I-O

Feature

Clinical

Counselling

I-O

Type of Cases

Mental health and psychological disorders

Family, social, emotional concerns, academic, career

Behavior, performance and work group issues

Tools Used

Diagnostic tests, clinical scales

Scales for self-report, counselling tools,

Stress, job satisfaction motivating, HR tools

Setting

Hospitals, clinics, mental health centres

Schools, NGOs, counselling centres

Offices, companies HR departments, offices

Focus

Diagnostics, symptoms, treatment

Assistance, guidance, emotional help

Productivity, work habits Work-life balance, employee wellbeing

Case Format

More diagnostic details

Additional counselling sessions summary

More organisational context and interventions

7. Tips for Writing a Strong MAPC Case Study

Use the simple language and use a clear, easy to understand

Write in the past present tense (as it had already happened)

Maintain confidentiality (never write the full real name of a person)

Make sure that the sequence and headings are neat

Do not copy from the internet or older files

Do not use technical or fancy words that are not understandable

Make honest notes; do not exaggerate the progress.

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students can create unnecessary or inaccurate content. Avoid:

Over-lengthy theories (write only what applies to your particular situation)

False test results, or a flims improvement

Judgements about the client

If you are using harsh labels or diagnosing without supervision

Copy-paste from sample files

Your supervisor can ask questions if you notice something isn't real.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

Remain respectful of privacy and respect for the dignity of your client

You must be given permission before you take tests or performing interventions

Do not give client details with anyone outside of the training area.

Only mention initials or a code to identify yourself.

Be aware of sensitive subjects.

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

Typed reports look cleaner, However, handwritten reports are accepted in a neat manner

Use A4 papers and connect pages in a proper manner

Include supervisor's signature on each case

Attach test proformas or samples only if it is permitted.

Keep a soft copy for record

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

Be aware of the actual application of psychology

Learn about client handling and how to communicate with clients.

Build assessment and counseling skills

Prepare for MAPC Live!

Get confidence to perform your job or through practice

Students often use these examples as evidence of their experiences in applications for employment or training programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written case study will show your ability to comprehend, empathy and learning as a psychology student. If you stick to the format and write in a genuine manner Writing MAPC cases is much simpler and more valuable. Treat each case as a process of learning rather than just a formality. Make sure you understand people, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then apply your understanding of psychology to actual situations. This will not only help you score well but also help you develop your skills as a psychologist.