From the Paper "Stephen Jay Gould's The Mismeasure of Man seeks to demonstrate both the scientific weaknesses and political contexts of biological determinist arguments. As a side argument, Gould attempts to show that science is objective only if performed properly, like anything else. In order for scientists to obtain this all essential objectivity, he shows that they must first "shuck the constraints of their culture, and view the world as it really is" (21).
The primary focus of The Mismeasure of Man is intelligence testing. Long shrouded in pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo, IQ testing has been used to culturally oppress the mental underdogs who occupy the lower rungs of the social ladder. The essential tragedy of such thinking is that biological determinist arguments with regard to IQ are limiting to the individual. As Gould..."
From the Paper "AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL AND RATIONAL-EMOTIVE APPROACHES TO GROUP THERAPY
Introduction
This research evaluates the effectiveness of the cognitive behavioral and rational emotive approaches to the conduct of group therapy. This evaluation is based on a review of the outcomes of empirical studies reported in the literature. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and rational-emotive therapy concentrate on the tendency of individuals to construct and create their own emotional difficulties, cognitive behavioral therapy targets primarily one's thought processes, while rational-emotive therapy targets primarily one's feelings (Ellis, 1992, pp. 63-80). Each approach, however, acknowledges the interact ..."
Strengths of Approach
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the strengths of person.centered psychotherapies is the emphasis on unconditional positive regard, particularly in Carl Rogers. This unconditional positive regard, or something like love, can allow the client to expose his or her vulnerabilities, fears, flaws, secrets, and dysfunctions within the therapeutic setting without fear of being rejected. This allows the therapist to gain the necessary insights on the client's worldview and overall situation that enables the therapist to devise interventions, or make suggestions, that can help the client shift that worldview in a beneficial direction.
This unconditional positive regard is one sign of the ..."
Abstract The autistic student presents a special challenge to educators because of the nature of the disorder. An autistic child presents not only educational challenges from an academic standpoint, but also presents challenges in the classroom behavioral arena. This paper presents a detailed examination of Autism in the classroom. The writer explores the identification of the disorder, explains the disorder and discusses various methods used in the classroom to teach the child who has the disorder. Among the issues discussed are social isolation, language and cognitive deficits and treatment.
From the Paper "Another activity that has proven useful with autistic children is to place them in group play. Placing an autistic child in a group where there is one autistic child and two non autistic children allows the autistic child to view the appropriate interactions that can and should occur between peers. This activity allows the autistic child to mimic even if he or she cannot explain or understand why the behavior being mimicked is appropriate.
?Facilitated communication is purported to be a unique and effective communication option for individuals with autism and other severe disabilities(Simpson, 1995).?"
Abstract This paper analyzes the multitude of issues related to alcohol addiction. It examines how it affects every individual and society, both directly and indirectly inflicting emotional, financial, physical, psychological and social costs on all. It evaluates how while researchers have identified factors that may influence whether an individual becomes an alcoholic, factors such as genetics and lifestyle are not necessarily the sole causes. It reviews various pieces of literature and research, emphasizing the pertinent findings, relevant issues and major conclusions. Recommendations for eliminating or reducing alcohol addiction are outlined and critiqued.
From the Paper "In order to understand the nature and extent of alcoholism, it is pertinent to examine facts and statistics. Alcoholism transcends all economic, educational, ethnic, gender, political, religious, and social backgrounds. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). In the United States, approximately 1 in every 13 adults, nearly 14 million individuals, suffer from alcohol addiction. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Generally, men are more likely to be alcoholics than women. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). In addition, alcoholism is frequently highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults ages 65 and older. "
Abstract This paper questions whether Prince Hamlet in William Shakespeare's famous play, "Hamlet" was really mad or whether his madness was feigned. The paper argues, by bringing evidence from the play, that Hamlet faked his mad behavior towards an end - that of vengeance.
From the Paper "The scenes involving madness have been contrived. Each of the scenes where Hamlet feigns madness is easily "seen through" by the audience or readers of Shakespeare's plays. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described Hamlet as a poet, a sensitive man who is too weak to deal with the political pressures of Denmark. Goethe drew parallels of Hamlet to his own work ?Werther.? (Goethe, n.d.) Sigmund Freud, father of psycho-analysis, viewed Hamlet in terms of his oedipal urges: that Claudius had taken Hamlet's father's place. However, Freud is careful to note that Hamlet represents modern man. He does not kill Claudius in order to sleep with his mother, but rather kills him to revenge his mother's death. (Freud, 1900) Neither however, alludes to any madness."
Abstract The concept of leadership has gained a large amount of attention in recent years, as sports have increased in popularity and researchers have placed an emphasis on determining the relationship between leaders, teams and performance. This paper examines the Multidimensional Model of Sport Leadership which states that optimal performance and satisfaction are achieved when leader's required, preferred and actual behaviors are consistent. The paper also discuses the many studies which have been conducted to try to develop or expand the knowledge of the topic of sport leadership.
From the Paper "Chelladurai's research proposed the Multidimensional Model of Leadership, in which the characteristics of the leader and group members interact with situational factors, like the athletic program philosophy. Therefore, the specific characteristics of an effective leader are hypothesized to differ as a function of context. Thus, the sport leader characteristics that are the most effective for male basketball players may be different than the characteristics of effective leaders on a women's swim team.
A leader is one of the most important aspects of an organization. The major task of an athletic trainer is to get employees to perform their best. An athletic trainer, such as a coach, must complete successfully implement training schedules, and provide competing athletes with the skills needed to target the training objects. In addition, to handle a team, a leader must act as a friend, consultant, manager, psychologist, and funds collector of athletes."
A discussion on the differences between the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Abstract This paper explores the differences among the code of ethics of the organizations listed above. It examines how many of the divergent codes are attributable to the religious affiliation of the AAPC accompanied by the not-for-profit roots of religious organizations. It evaluates how religion appears in referral policies and attitudes about the imposition of values in the AACC and AAPC and how religion seems to underlie these group's codes for therapist/client relationships and termination policies whereas the ACA is more liberal toward making profits as evidenced by policies regarding fees, record ownership, advertising and testing, to name a few.
From the Paper "There are no major differences among the confidentiality and conflict of interest mandates of the three groups. They respect a client's right to privacy and avoid disclosures of confidential information. All allow for confidentiality breaches only when the law requires it or if the client or someone else faces danger because of the client's actions. The AACC, the AAPC, and the ACA discourage dual relationships with clients that could affect the counseling relationship or present the opportunity for personal gain."
Abstract Discusses Murray Bowen's groundbreaking family systems theory & concepts. Bowen's discoveries as a psychiatrist that led to the deelopment of his theory. Treating the client as a system (a family) rather than as an individual in isolation. Emotional process that drives individual behavior & concept of differentiation of the self. Therapy & interpersonal conflicts. Therapeutic application of the theory.
From the Paper "Murray Bowen (1913-1990) was the originator of family systems theory in which the "differentiation of self" in the face of the emotional unit of the family was the core concept (Hutten, 2001). This Bowenian conception originated in Bowen's psychoanalytic training, but psychoanalytic notions were modified by his incorporation of systems-theory and evolutionary ideas subsequent to his observation of family members' effects on each other's emotional states. Bowen's discoveries and his theory were groundbreaking efforts, opening the way to a novel approach to therapy. Prior to his innovations the individual had always been the focus of attention from analysts and psychologists, but Bowen's theoretical proposals and the effectiveness of therapy based on them, led the way to a new chapter in psychotherapy. His original ideas have been reinterpreted and modified by..."
Abstract This paper discusses how group dynamics are central to the effective functioning of the work group. It shows how by understanding the group processes which affect people's roles in their place of work, is an understanding of the three major aspects of groups: managing conflict, communication and trust linked with social interdependence. It reviews these three concepts in turn and shows how although some groups struggle with a new structure, the future lies in achieving good communication, managing conflicts (including the hidden agenda) and developing healthy relationships, which will lead to trust and social interdependence. The success of a group rests not only with these but also with the group members as individuals and their ability to achieve a fuller harmony and healthy balance on the physical, psychological, spiritual and social level.
From the Paper "A conflict situation within groups can be seen as an opportunity to grow, however it can also contain risks to the healthy state of a group. It is not the presence of conflicts but the way they are managed, which determines whether they are a positive or a negative force within a group (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p.381). Martin Luther King postulated in 1964 (and the sentiment applies to small groups as much as large): "Mankind [sic] must evolve for all human conflict a method, which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love". Many groups spend considerable time trying to reach agreement which "satisfies our needs and meets our goals" (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p.383). Conflicts arise in groups over the relevance of agenda. One group member may comment that he/ she is not interested in a specific program being organized by someone else."
Abstract This paper gives a definition of bipolar disorder and describes the manic and depressive episodes characteristic of this disorder. It also describes symptoms and when they occur and what causes bipolar disorder. Treatment options are discussed - medication and therapy.
From the Paper "Everyone has days where they are feeling a bit gloomy or unhappy about their life and also days when they feel cheerful and lighthearted. There are some people, however, who tend to have extravagant mood swings. At one moment they feel as though they can do anything and everything without consequence, the next they want to kill themselves because of how hopeless they are. People who tend to feel this way on a regular basis most likely have bipolar or manic depressive disorder."
This paper analyzes the concept of grief and its importance to the nursing profession with emphasis on the most common associations with the concept: The loss of a loved one, a close friend or a family member.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 16 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract The paper discusses that while it is true that grief is a universal experience, the problem is that modern society has largely separated the concept of grief from the everyday experience of life. The paper points out that profound loss also has profound and varied effects upon the bereaved individual. The author, after reviewing many definitions and case studies, establishes a definition for grief: Grief is an emotion experienced during the event of bereavement; mourning is the action through which grief is expressed.
Table of Contents
Aims
Grief: Definitions and Attributes
Case Studies
Model Case: My Brother
Borderline Case: Deciding to Die
Related Case: The Decision to Change
Contrary Case: The Decision to Maintain the Status Quo
Conclusions from Case Studies
Grief: A Definition
From the Paper "The aim of this concept analysis is therefore to understand grief from a number of viewpoints. This will be done by means of an analysis of grief through the stages of the process a bereaved person is expected to go through. These stages include physical and psychological processes. This is followed by a consideration of the social and religious support a bereaved person needs to work through the grieving process in a healthy way. Furthermore, case studies will be considered in terms of the established theories. Finally, conclusions are drawn in terms of the nursing profession and caring for a person going through the process of bereavement."
Abstract This paper examines the differences in Freud's and Jung's theories on the interpretation of dreams. Because their theories on the importance and meaning of dreams cannot be extricated from the rest of their work, a brief overview is first given of the context of the importance of dreams to each researcher. After providing this needed background, the paper focuses on their work on dreams and concludes with an examination of the implications of these differences.
From the Paper "Freud's very earliest work (some of it almost entirely biological in focus in fact and with little bearing on psychoanalysis at all) is not particularly relevant to his work on dreams. But during the period from 1895 to 1900, Freud began to develop many of the concepts that were later incorporated into psychoanalytic practice and doctrine and have a bearing on his interpretation of dreams (Anserson, 1991, p. 132)."
Abstract The nursing philosophy or model of Sister Calista Roy focuses on the individual (person) as a biopsychosocial adaptive system. According to Roy, nursing is a discipline that emphasizes strengthening, expanding and improving upon the person's coping abilities for the purpose of enhancing the patient's wellness or health. This paper describes the theory and provides reasons for why it was chosen for review and analysis. The paper then goes on to discuss the development, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, completeness and testability of the adaptation model.
From the Paper "It should be understood that the Roy Adaptation Model attempts nothing less than that of providing a theoretical framework for use by educators, researchers, and practitioners, for the purpose of validating a scientific foundation for nursing as a profession. This is, at best, an extremely challenging task and, as might be expected, the model has not only been refined and expanded upon many times, further expansion and refinement is expected in the future (Roy, 1997). In general, it must be noted that there is a need for intense study of the language and ideas behind Roy's Adaptation Model to fully understand it."
Abstract This paper examines how stress is defined both in terms of its physical and psychological dimensions and involves an increasing sense of the loss of control over the environment, producing fear and uncertainty. In particular, it looks at how stress is often spoken of in terms of stress in the workplace because work related stress contributes to a variety of problems both for the individual experiencing stress and for the organization for which he or she works. It discusses how stress is experienced by both men and women but in different ways. It looks at how men are seen as having greater stress than women because men have long experienced stress in the workplace with stressful careers. It shows how as more and more women enter the workplace they face increased stress as they more and more try to juggle the demands of work and home.
From the Paper "The accounting profession has been seen as one with high stress because of long work schedules, harassing deadlines, and a general state of overwork, and this field has been studied by a number of researchers to ascertain the level of stress and its consequences. The high stress accounting environment often combines with generic sources of stress, or sources operative in most business environments, such as office politics, formal and informal hierarchies, and a lack of knowledge concerning the expectations of the employer. All of this can create a negative experience for the accountant. Among the consequences of stress are absenteeism, job turnover, the inability to make sound decisions, coronary heart disease, lower productivity, increased smoking and alcohol intake, and fatigue. Among the job stressors identified as contributing to the problem are constant deadlines, heavy workloads, and high-pressure work environments. Common to most of these stressors are the elements of uncertainty, fear, and doubt. A recent study postulates that trust in the employer can reduce much of the stress experienced by employees because trust helps reduce uncertainty, fear, and doubt."
