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What should be the first focus of intervention for a 14-year-old girl who has withdrawn from friends and whose school grades have declined after losing several front teeth in an auto accident?

  1. Address Marian's feelings about her appearance and suggest that she join a school friendship group to help her find better social outlets.

  2. Discuss Marian's school absences with her parents and try to obtain their cooperation in urging her to attend.

  3. Place Marian in a group is unlikely to have a significant impact on her feelings about herself.

  4. Work with Marian and her family to arrange a prosthetic replacement for her teeth.

The correct answer is: Address Marian's feelings about her appearance and suggest that she join a school friendship group to help her find better social outlets.

The first focus of intervention for the 14-year-old girl should be on addressing her feelings about her appearance and helping her reintegrate socially. This is crucial because adolescence is a formative time when peer relationships and self-image are particularly significant. The loss of her front teeth can have a substantial impact on her self-esteem, leading to withdrawal from social situations and a decline in her grades. By addressing her feelings first, the intervention acknowledges her emotional state and creates a foundation for her to rebuild social connections. Suggesting that she join a school friendship group is beneficial as it provides her with an opportunity to engage with peers in a supportive environment, helping to mitigate feelings of isolation. This approach not only fosters social skills but also encourages her to rebuild her confidence in a context where she feels accepted. Making the emotional aspect the priority allows for a more holistic approach and can ultimately lead to improved academic performance as her overall well-being is addressed. By focusing on her feelings and facilitating positive social experiences, the intervention supports her in overcoming the challenges posed by her appearance and enhances her chances of making a successful transition back into her social and academic life.