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Lori and Mark are a middle-aged couple, and have been living together for 17 years. Lori has a grown daughter from a previous relationship, and they have an adolescent son together.

Lori and Mark first met at a work-related medical conference, where they realized that in spite of their different backgrounds, they had a lot in common. Mark, an only child, immigrated to Canada from Scotland with his parents when he was a child. Lori has three sisters, and is the daughter of two family physicians. They were attracted to each other's intelligence, sense of humour, and high energy. Mark and Lori both enjoy the challenges of their careers, gourmet cooking, theatre, and travelling.

Lori and Mark's son was unexpectedly conceived early in their relationship. Lori's previous relationship was difficult, and Mark was not interested in getting married. However, her parents repeatedly reminded her that they were getting too old to help her raise another baby. Lori's sisters are all married. Although her family didn't really care for Mark and thought he was too controlling, Lori wanted her children to have a father, and so she and Mark moved in together. After their son was born, Mark agreed to support their family and encouraged her to stay home with their son and her daughter. Lori was relieved to reduce her stress load and quit her job. Mark's father passed away during this time, and his mother moved in with them to help Lori with the baby.

Lori was a homemaker for ten years, and then returned to work part-time. She is currently juggling the housework and her son's busy schedule. As well, Lori has been caring for Mark's mother who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Mark and Lori are disappointed that their dream of taking their son and his grandmother on a trip to Scotland is now not possible. Lori's daughter has decided that she would like to move back home and attend university. Tuition fees are an expense that Mark and Lori can't afford. Lori is feeling suffocated, and would like to accept the full-time job offer she recently received.

Mark is not in favour of the promotion, even though it would mean additional income. He feels that Lori should continue working part-time, and maintain her responsibilities at home. Mark values his own traditional childhood, and wants their son to have a parent who is available for him. Mark's own job requires extensive travel, and he doesn't see how he could possibly take over some of Lori's work at home. He appreciates how Lori has cared for their son and his mother, but reminds Lori that his salary supported them all for many years when she didn't work.

Lately, Mark and Lori have not had time or money to spend on the activities they used to share. Their sexual intimacy is infrequent. Mark needs Lori to support him by taking care of their responsibilities at home. Lori needs Mark to recognize that she feels that she can no longer do that. Neither one of them has a solution that the other one can accept.

(Mark and Lori were observed leaving the coffee shop together but driving off in separate vehicles, in different directions.)

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Sources of Information (check as many as apply, and describe as necessary):

• biographies,
• official documents,
• personal interviews,
• participant observation,
• surveys,
• newspaper reports
• physical artifacts.
• Other _____________________________

Include descriptions for the following factors:

• family, education, and work history;

• socioeconomic status;

• health and mental health records;

• gender-related issues;

• political, historical, and social issues;

• significant life events;

• psychological test results