Abstract The book, "Is there no Place on Earth for Me?", is an account of Sylvia Frumkin, a pseudonym used to identify a young woman, who began suffering from schizophrenia in her teens. The paper shows how her struggle was chronicled through a series of interviews later and turned into a narrative by Susan Sheehan. It also shows that the book is a subtle condemnation of the mental health system in America and the insensitivity of the circle of individuals around the woman, who were supposedly trying to help her.
From the Paper "The second part of the book details Frumkin's experiences with institutionalization in greater detail. Sheehan does not stint with her critique of the mental health care profession, which she describes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest terms. Most specifically, Sheehan focuses on Creedmoor's overuse of electroshock techniques and hydrotherapy, both of which have since been shown to be largely ineffective in dealing with schizophrenia, the inadequacy of the facilities counseling, and the experimental "let's see" approach to medication, which often resulted in patients being used as guinea pigs for medications with debilitating side effects."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining that behavior therapy is dependent on the belief that a person's psychology is learned and can, therefore, also be unlearned. The paper then looks at the major psychologists who used behavior therapy, including B.F. Skinner and Arnold Lazarus. The paper the looks at the key components of behavior therapy, the philosophy behind it, and the relationship between the counselor and patient.
From the Paper "The second key aspect of behavior therapy is based on the individual learning new behaviors. This learning behavior can take several forms. Systematic desensitization is where classical conditioning is used to change a person's response to a stimulus. Operant conditioning uses reward and punishment to change behavior. The common feature regardless of how the new behaviors are learned is that they replace the learning that caused the unsuitable behavior, and in doing so, alter the behavior."
Tags: patient, care, psychologist, problem, crime, skinner, lazarus, arnold
Abstract Although the reporting of facts and figures is often thought of as an objective science, quite frequently even business reporting is characterized by logical fallacies, including but not limited to, appeals to ignorance, hasty generalizations, and ad hominem attacks. This paper argues that these logical fallacies are particularly common and pernicious in business reporting because of the frequently technically complex nature of the subject matter in regards to facts and figures, combined with the emotional texture of business reporting that involves the fabric and texture of individual lives. The paper shows that reporters wish to attract attention and render complexities comprehensible, but frequently fall into logically fallacious traps to accomplish these objectives. The paper provides examples from business reports to elaborate on the ideas.
From the Paper "This is particularly important to remember when reading the business section about distasteful individuals, because it is tempting to assume, when hearing about past dirty dealings, to either discount all of the information brought up by the person, because of the past character of the potential economic criminal, or to assume that he or she knew everything about the dark corporate dealings at the company. Even the lack of evidence is made to sound dark in the above-cited article's rhetoric: "Considering that he was the driving force behind Enron's growth, the micromanaging former CEO did an amazing job of distancing himself from its decline. He stopped selling stock four months before Enron collapsed"and left the company entirely two months beforehand. He rarely used e-mail. His signature is conspicuously, and uncharacteristically, absent from the approval sheets for some of Fastow's most controversial deals.? ("Who Will Fastow implicate"? January 19, 2004, Business Week Online retrieved on January 19, 2004 at http://www.aol.businessweek.com/bwdaily/index.html#top) The ad hominem attack is generally used as a kind of intellectual shorthand, equating man with message, rather than trying to understand the business at hand."
Abstract This paper describes post-traumatic stress disorder and its related topics, i.e., symptoms, prevalence rates, a brief history of PTSD, risk factors, and types of treatment.
Outline
Brief History of PTSD
Definition of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD
Prevalence
Risk Factors for Having PTSD
Co-morbidity
Types of Treatment
Resources Online
Mental Health Providers in St. Louis
Resources
From the Paper "Psychological distress resulting from exposure to trauma has been a part of the human condition since the beginning of time (Joseph, Williams, & Yule, 1997). The psychosomatic effects of such an experience have been documented as far back as 1666, following the occurrence of the Great Fire of London. After surviving the event, Samuel Pepys recorded episodes of having nightmares and intrusive thoughts that resulted from his traumatic experience. During the 1800?s, the advent of the railway system spawned a series of labels that described the post traumatic stress resulting from railway collisions. In more recent times, the effects of trauma on an individual's psychological health were described in the context of such war related traumas as shell shock, nervous shock, and war neurosis (Lee & Young, 2001)."
Abstract This paper uses the Friedman Family Assessment Model (short form) as the basis for an analysis of a family consisting of a mixed-race and mixed religion cohabiting couple and their three-year-old child. The paper concludes that although the family is largely functional, it also has some conflicts that need to be reviewed and addressed, particularly in terms of communication between the adults.
From the Paper "The Friedman Family Assessment Model is consistent with the concept of family health care nursing treatment of an entire family for dysfunction within the unit. It examines the family from an environmental and cultural focus as well as from its internal structure. This model provides the opportunity for the health care provider to examine many areas of concern related to the family's dysfunction, while identifying foundations of strength upon which to build the treatment process. The Friedman Family Assessment Model The Friedman Family Assessment Model focuses on the structure and the functions of the family as well as the manner in which the family interacts with its community and the greater society (Mandleco, 2004, p. 22). Although the model itself is comprehensive and demands a great amount of detail, not all factors listed within it apply to all families."
From the Paper "According to the DSM-IV, juvenile conduct disorder consists of the intentional violation of social norms, including violence towards animals and/or people, destruction of property, lies, theft, drug abuse, general rule violation, and demonstration of poor adjustment at home or in a social situation. Although the statistics are somewhat unclear, it has been estimated that juvenile conduct disorder effects approximately four to sixteen percent of the juvenile population (Alloy, Jacobson, & Acocella, 1999). According to Loeber, Green, Keenan, and Lahey (1995), juvenile conduct disorder frequently effects males more often than females.Currently, little is known regarding the prediction of the onset of juvenile conduct disorder. However, onset has been divided into two categories: early-onset and late-onset (Kovacs, Krol, and Voti, 1994). "
Abstract This paper explores the genetic causes of Trisomy 21 as well as the social implications of the disease.
From the Paper "Trisomy 21, or Down's Syndrome, is a devastating chromosomal disorder to those whose lives it affects. However, it can provide insight to the scientific world about the genetic basis of intelligence. "
From the Paper " The creature in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein commits several evil acts, and at times creates the impression that he possesses an evil heart and soul. However, when he and his actions are fully observed, one can see that he is not truly demonic, but simply a being who is the result of great physical and emotional hardships. He is a product of different strong underlying factors, which together make him appear to be one of true evil. His reasons for killing, the remorse he feels for his horrible actions, the hope he has of having a female companion, and the reasons which lead him to the far north in the end, all, unprejudicedly examined, show that though he may act in sinful ways, deep down he is not a true evil being. "
Abstract This paper examines the psychological aspect of religion, concentrating on the works and experiments done by several well known psychologists such as Carl Jung. Experiments include the theory of the subconscious or the human psyche and their role in religion.
From the Paper "What is religion? This is a question that begs to be answered. Is it possible that the religions of the world all stem from the fact that humans do not fully understand their situation? Is it, quite simply that we are not sure why we exist, where we came from, what we should live for, or what will happen to us when we die? Could it be that the question, "What is religion" is synonymous with the question, "What is the meaning of life. The answer to both these questions always seems to be just out of our reach, but we continue to search, journey, and quest to find the answers because we seem to intuitively know that there is more to life than meets the eye. It is a mystery that surrounds us and envelops us. At times it seems to be outside of ourselves, something surreal or otherworldly, but when closely examined the mystery can also be found within ourselves. In fact, there are frameworks of belief that point to the inner workings of the human mind as the origin of these mysteries of religion and meaning...."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two articles that deal with child development after the death of a parent, emphasizing research methods and usefulness.
From the Paper "The death of a parent is a very traumatic experience for anyone, but when it occurs in childhood, the effects may be monumental. The world of the child is completely changed and this may take its toll emotionally, physically and psychologically. However, every child is different, thus reactions may vary depending on age, sex and characteristics of the surviving parent. The surviving parent may be very confused on how to best handle the situation. When looking for information, both scholarly journals and more simple web pages can be helpful."
Abstract This paper attempts to answer the question whether violent behavior in children is the result of brutal, sadistic video games, or because parents fail to fulfill their obligations to their kids?
From the Paper "It seems that "gore, gore, and more gore" has become a standard part of the most popular and sophisticated video games on the market. For example, marketing text for the game Ultimate Doom (1995) tells users that Doom is a technological breakthrough in combat action games: "Mix that with one pissed off marine and a few hundred demons from hell and you've got a mega hit. In fact, it is recognized as the hottest 3-D action game ever created and is the most installed software of all time".
Abstract This paper looks at obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It explains the nature of this mental illness and discusses the two main theories about how it occurs. Treatment methods and their effectiveness are looked at. The writer concludes that behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment method.
From the Paper "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts and behaviors and must repeat certain actions over and over to relieve that stress or to obtain from danger. Pierre Janet described obsessive-compulsive disorder by using the term psychasthenia. Sigmund Freud described obsessions and compulsions as psychological defenses used to deal with sexual and aggressive conflicts in the unconscious mind (Bruce Bower: 1987). OCD is also known as ?The Doubting Disease,? because it's as though the mind doesn?t register when the person does a certain action, which triggers the source of the obsession (USA Today:1995). Unlike most people with anxiety disorders, those diagnosed with OCD are more obsessed with what will happen to others instead of themselves (Edna Foa: 1995). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe. At some point the person will see the actions or thoughts as unreasonable and senseless. All people have habits and routines, but what makes obsessive-compulsive people different is the fact that their obsessions and compulsions interfere with their daily lives (American Family Physician: 2000)."
Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders among children characterized by frenzied activity. ADHD often continues into adolescence & adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustration and emotional pain. This purpose of the paper is to show that ADHD presents differently in children than in adults and impacts their functioning in a school environment in different ways. Recommendations in coping with ADHD are discussed.
From the Paper "There is no easy solution for the management of ADHD in classroom, or at home for that matter. Here are a few tips or recommendations on school management of the child with ADHD. First of all, make sure what you are dealing with really is ADHD. Specifically, make sure someone has tested the child's hearing and vision recently and make sure other medical problems have been ruled out. Ask the child what will help them. Children can tell you how they can learn best if you ask them. Pay attention to the emotions involved in the learning process. Post rules in the classroom. Repeat directions. People with ADHD need to hear things more than once. Seat the ADHD child near your desk. Teach the children little tricks like mnemonics and flashcards to help them memorize new stuff. Finally, simplify instructions, choices, and scheduling. The simpler the task the more likely it will be comprehended."
Abstract An examination of the mind-body debate. The author attempts to answer whether the mind and body are independent of each other or whether they co-exist.
From the Paper "The mind-body problem deals with trying to figure out whether someone is made up of a body and a mind where the mind is independent of the body. It is known that people have minds.The question is whether they (the mind and body) are independent of each other or not for their existence."
Abstract This short paper looks at the popularity of athletes in our present day society. The author argues that, through the media, athletes are seen as role models and therefore have a profound influence on impressionable children.
From the Paper "An athlete is a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina. Since the beginning if the 20th century, athletes have become more and more recognizable in the public eye. They are seen as much more than just a person who plays sports. In fact, in today's world, athletes are among the highest paid professionals. "
