Abstract This essay examines how the composition of a group, whether for therapeutic or business reasons, affects the outcomes and group goals that can eventuate. The essay contends that group composition needs to be both homogeneous and heterogeneous enough to allow for group processes to occur, i.e. group stages, for the group dynamic to progress and group goals to be achieved.
From the Paper "While it is true that a group is made up of individuals, and without those individuals there would be no group, it is quite impossible to judge the "sort of group" that will eventuate from merely examining the "sorts of people" that constitute it. Doing so would be like "explain[ing] the shifting pattern of a kaleidoscope by taking the tube to pieces and listing the fragments found inside" (Thompson and Kahn, 1970: 12). Systems theorists have long posited, in opposition to individual psychological explanations of group behaviour, that when individuals "merge into a group" something new is created? (Lewin, 1951: 57). This new entity, although comprised of individuals, is believed to be "greater than the sum of its parts" and thus the dynamic that is created within the group is not directly attributed to any one individual but rather the unique interrelationship between those individuals and the force that this interrelationship has on group functioning."
Abstract For more than two decades, researchers, clinicians, and juvenile justice program administrators have become increasingly concerned about the link between substance abuse and juvenile crime. This paper shows that, due to this connection, various programs are being implemented across the United States to treat the juvenile offenders in order to help deter substance abuse. In turn, this should also help deter future criminal actions.
From the Paper "By way of comparison, law enforcement authorities arrested just over four thousand teens for rape and two thousand one hundred and seventeen for homicide. In other words, the police arrest teens for liquor law violations, drunkenness and disorderly conduct at forty-five times the rate they arrest juveniles for murder and rape combined. Many of these juveniles could have avoided the system, but substance abuse has pulled them in. The worst part is, arrests of juveniles for liquor law violations are up sixteen percent, drunkenness arrests are up fourteen percent, and disorderly conduct arrests are up fifteen percent. The statistics for underage alcohol abuse keeps increasing, which means that more and more juveniles are being put into the system and many have not been receiving the correct treatment."
Abstract This paper provides a critical comparison of two common brief therapies--cognitive behaviour therapy and brief solution focused therapy. A thorough analysis of the current themes and practices used in these two treatments is made in order to provide the foundation for a comprehensive comparison of the two. Their similarities and differences are presented and it is concluded that both techniques are effective in managing a variety of problems.
From the Paper "Brief solution focused therapy (BSFT) was developed in the early 1980's by Steve de Shazer and colleagues, whose philosophy to focus on solutions rather than problems became the foundation of this therapy (de Shazer & Berg, 1997). The main goal of BSFT is to help clients access their own strengths and capacities and to help them develop and recognise these as a means to change (Durrant, 2000). A core assumption of BSFT is that there are always exceptions to problems, instances in which the problem will not occur. These exceptions are brought to the client's attention almost immediately in the first session by the counsellor (Stalker, Levene & Coady, 1999). Another important assumption of BSFT is that solutions don't have to have much in common with problems, with the same basic therapy producing changes in a wide variety of cases (Stalker et. al.)."
Abstract This paper explains that motivation needs are very difficult to state because human motivations encompass a wide variety of topics and arenas; nonetheless, Maslow and Herzberg's theories are beneficial in identifying road maps that the electronic industry can use to motivate, challenge, and offer job satisfaction and enrichment. The author points out that every individual is molded and shaped by the experiences that life has presented to that individual, and these experiences can impact the manner and attitude by which they perceive Maslow's hierarchical needs. The paper recommends that a company identify the needs of its workers as they exist in the facility and apply the appropriate mix of ideas from different motivational theories to ensure that the worker is offered the best choices and options for improvement.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Discussion
Abraham Maslow's Motivational Theory
Frederick Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Motivation from the perspective of the employee/employer dynamic and not just the individual's relation to the environment is also important. Many of these motivational factors change over the period of employment. It is easy to observe and comprehend that the Workforce Commitment Index (WCI) will change. The WCI identifies five different workforce needs: Safety/security (safe environment for the worker to work in physically and psychologically), Rewards (Compensation and benefits-an extrinsic factor), Affiliation (a sense of belonging to the organization), Growth (the growth of both the individual and the organization) and Work/life harmony (balancing of personal life and work responsibility.) It is true that as workers move up the hierarchical ladder of the organization the needs they expect also tend to change and move for the next level. Balancing the need for providing these services with the organization's needs can be difficult."
Abstract This paper delves into what the word 'hospice' means and the history of the program. It looks at the current concept of the program, costs involved, and the statistics relating to hospice care in the health industry. The author of the paper also uses personal examples.
From the Paper "Hospice care is not just for the patient; it also includes the whole family. Emotional, spiritual, physical, social needs, and practical care are provided following the patient's wishes and family needs (Aupperle, MacPhee, Strozeski, Finn, & Heath, p.430). Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family. Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of a family member, a friend, or similar losses".
Abstract The paper begins with a definition of alcohol dependence. It examines the symptoms and the causes of alcoholism and looks at levels of alcoholic tolerance. The paper examines consequences of alcoholic misuse and the various types of treatment available.
From the Paper "The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious-in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated."
Abstract This paper outlines the significant differences between the genders with regard to drug abuse. The paper looks at the differences in all aspects of drug use, including why they seek out drugs, who they get drugs from, the types of drugs used, the level of dependence, and the degree of relapse.
From the Paper "Drug addiction, in women and men, is a disease that has become an epidemic in America and around the world. However, there are significant gender differences in regards to drug abuse, and associated behaviors. Much research exists to show that women and men vary drastically with respect to the circumstances surrounding their initial drug use, the specific types of drugs they grow dependent upon, the level of dependence, and the ability they have to seek treatment for their addiction. From the first time a member of either sex uses drugs until they seek treatment, quit, or relapse, females and males exhibit extreme differences in their behavior."
This paper discusses Alzheimer's disease and dementias, neurological disorders involving problems with memory and thinking, which affect emotional, social and physical functioning.
Abstract This paper explains that Alzheimer's and other dementia characterized by gradual deterioration of memory and personality, is not part of the normal aging process and is marked by plaques of B-amyloid protein and tangles in the brain. The author points out that Alzheimer's is more likely to occur during the later years; but, when Alzheimer's disease begins in middle-age, it usually progresses quickly, reaching the last phase within 3-5 years. The paper relates that Alzheimer's disease progresses through a series of five developmental stages characterized progressively by absentmindedness, confusion, severe memory loss, need for full time care and, finally, complete withdrawal emotionally and physically leading to death.
From the Paper "People with Alzheimer's disease are unable to care for themselves and to communicate their needs. They become very confused when it comes to the most simple activities and often alienate their family members because they accuse them of stealing the possessions that they have misplaced due to their inability to remember where they put them last. Eating becomes a problem because the person may eat multiple meals or forgot to eat entirely. Therefore, their meals need to be supervised. The personality that dominated during earlier life is likely to become more dominant at this time. Therefore, they are capable of having angry outbursts and/or becoming very dependent and clingy to others. Depression is also common in this population. Researchers are still struggling to find out the causes of Alzheimer's disease and there is always the hope that a cure is not far away. There has been some evidence for genetic factors involved in Alzheimer's disease; however, this does not apply to all cases."
Abstract This paper explains that stressors in the work setting predispose individuals to stress reactions, physiological responses and psychological responses, which are factors associated with the stress faced by nurses The author points out that the first step in reducing stress is recognizing that stress exists and talking about it; nurses need to have realistic expectations of themselves and others, remembering that nobody is perfect. The paper relates that many women in western cultures experience more stress than men do because, as women entered the workforce, they face the effects of their multiple roles; in addition, women and men appear to have different biological responses to stressors.
Table of Contents
Stress: Wilson Concept Analysis
Isolating Questions of Concept and Answers
Model Case
Contrary Case
Related Case
Culture
Women
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are many sources of stress. Stress can be a result of physical, psychological, and social stressors. Stressors are the stimulus that throws the body's equilibrium out of balance. Stressors can be both internal and external. External stressors include adverse physical conditions su ch as pain or hot or cold temperatures or stressful psychological environments such as poor working conditions or abusive relationships. Internal stressors include physical infections, inflammation or psychological stressors. An example of an internal psychological stressor is intense worry about a harmful event that may or may not occur. Psychological and social stressors are more subjective than physical stress. Stressors in the work setting predispose individuals to stress reactions, physiological responses, and psychological responses."
Abstract Using the example of the Enron scandal, this paper briefly examines how the corporate culture plays a role in the organizational approach to customer relations and social responsibility.
From the Paper "During the recruitment and retention selection phase, a process is typically employed within organizations not only to select individuals who have the technical skills and knowledge to perform their roles within the organization but also to select people who will fit in with, and not undermine, the organization's culture."
Abstract What motivates people? What determines the level of effort and how hard a person works? An individual's motivation to excel in a particular job depends on his or her overall motivation. Different roles require different types of motivation that can be more effective to inspiring employees. This paper explores the roles of sales people, administration and production workers and what motivation theory is the most encouraging to each worker to perform their jobs at the fullest.
Outline
Introduction
Salespeople
Production Workers
Administrative Staff
Conclusion
From the Paper "In an organization that employs production staff, the two-factor theory, or the motivator-hygiene theory. This theory is made up of diverse factors that influence job satisfaction and dissatisfaction. It is important that the working environment, or hygiene factor of the company be as pleasant as possible. Frequently, workers in production are duplicating the same job over and over again. It can be easy to because bored, or unmotivated. Improving a hygiene factor will decrease the dissatisfaction of the company's workers, such as increasing the quality of working conditions or providing a real concern for the safety of the workers. "
This paper discusses the anxiety disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which was once considered a rare disorder but now is among the most common psychiatric diagnoses.
Abstract This paper explains that the DSM-IV-TR lists criteria for the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as: (1) Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images, which are intrusive, inappropriate and cause anxiety during the disturbance, (2) these cannot be excessive worries about real-life problems, (3) the person attempts to ignore, suppress or neutralize them with another thought or action and (4) the person recognizes that these obsessive thoughts, impulses or images are a product of his or her own mind. The author points out that the most common life event, which can lead to OCD, is a strict home environment while growing up. The paper examines the psychoanalytical and behavioral theories of causation of OCD, which relate directly to the selected treatment; however, the behaviorist's systematic-desensitization process is the most successful with a rate of 80% if maintained over several years.
From the Paper "The course of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is generally chronic, meaning life-long. However, the intensity of the symptoms fluctuates throughout life and occasionally has been reported to remit spontaneously. The most common event that leads to OCD becoming chronic, happens when the patient suppresses rituals because of the unusual symptoms. They usually become withdrawn and introverted as to hide their symptoms from others. This leads to depression which then leads to them getting treatment for that depression, which then in turn leads the psychologist to discover the more serious underlying cause of OCD. By the time the OCD is discovered it's usually too late and the OCD is already set in stone and becomes life-long."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the various social situations and experiences encountered, in the area of law enforcement, which influence and mold the personalities of police officers. This paper delves into the long-standing personality theory that dictates which particular traits are patterned within an individual's personality. The writer of this paper explores and details the shared personality traits evident among police officers, including their desire to help others, as well as the need for respect and dignity normally associated with the profession. This paper discusses the relevant published research, which states that certain individuals choose a career in law enforcement for a variety of reasons, including: Job security, wages and benefits as well as a clear career path.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
General Concepts of Police Personality
Nature versus Nurture: Socialization and On-The-Job Experiences
Men Police Officers: Status, Gender and Personality
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Based on the status model of personality, there is a distinct "pecking order" in place in virtually all police departments across the country that helps initiate newcomers to the profession into the field; new recruits to the force will ignore this hierarchy at their peril. According to Gerber, the high-status officer in each partnership type will be perceived as having more instrumentally oriented (dominating and instrumental) traits and the low-status officer will be viewed as having more expressive traits. In addition, the status model predicts that officers' perceptions of their personality traits will be affected by group status-the overall status of their partnership in relation to other kinds of partnerships. In her review of Gerber's analysis, Monago suggests that this study showed that sex category and work experience played instrumental roles in personality adjustments."
Tags: law, enforcement, career, profession, traits, personality, research
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the problem of burnout in nurses. The paper discusses burnout as related to age, gender, education and length of employment. In addition, the paper discusses psychological factors and work characteristics as they relate to the problem of burnout in nurses and reviews Maslach's Burnout Inventory Survey Instrument.
From the Paper "This review of the literature focuses on the topic of burnout in nurses. Burnout related to age and gender and education and length of employment are presented followed by a review of the Maslach Burnout Inventory survey instrument and a conclusion. Aiken Clarke Sloane Sochalski and Siber reported that hospital nurse shortages are due in part to nurse burnout. As a result research has focused on reasons for this burnout and how to retain nurses."
Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive explanation of one individual's personal theory of counseling that incorporates behaviorism, Christianity, and person-centered therapy. The main focus of the paper is on the nature of person-centered therapy and how this approach fits with the individual therapist's own personality, beliefs, and values.
From the Paper "Perhaps nothing is as significant to the success of the therapeutic process and nothing represents the foundation of successful therapy more than one's personal theory of counseling. All individuals in all aspects of life work from some belief system perspective or model of how the world works, how things are and how things interact. Developing a deep understanding of one's own personal theory leads to better decision-making with respect to the therapeutic process including therapist approach and client interaction. Such an understanding also promotes a..."
