Abstract This paper considers two different models of trait theories ? biosocial and biosocial/psychological ? within the context of the field of criminal justice. It describes the attempt to isolate what it is that defines human nature and human personality, in terms of what is the effect of environment and what is purely genetic in a personality. The author shows how these psychological concepts are applied to criminal rehabilitation therapy.
From the Paper "One of the ways in which researchers have tried to answer this question is that they have attempted to isolate what it is that defines human nature and human personality. In other words, they have sought to isolate the different traits that together make up the personality. Although this approach is certainly subject to various criticisms ? perhaps the most important of these being that personality traits are not consistently manifested over time ? the trait model has remained useful in some arenas for helping people to understand human personality."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts biological, biosocial and classical theories of crime. It discusses whether there is a value in using biological or biosocial concepts in criminology in contrast to strictly adhering to classical theory. The paper then looks at the philosophies of biological/biosocial advocates and discusses if supporters of the classical school would agree with these concepts philosophically or in terms of current crime control practices that they advocate.
From the Paper "Biosocial theories stress that there is a need for society to change, as well as for the individual to change. Society must present so-called criminals with a greater range of life options, so that choosing to behave in more positive and productive ways seems more desirable and rational. New role models are needed for individuals in crime-ridden areas that do not validate the existence of a life of crime. However, the one aspect of crime prevention and treatment both the biosocial and classical schools do agree upon is the need to make crime less attractive through prevention, through the use of a positive police presence in communities, neighborhood watch groups, and vigilance of the community by law-abiding citizens. A positive law-abiding community will make the idea of committing crimes seem emotionally and socially as well as rationally less attractive."
From the Paper "The American home is said to be possibly the most dangerous place for women and children. Excluding wars and riots, violence between family members occurs more often than it does between any other individuals (Anderson, 1984). How wifebeating is viewed influences the steps taken to prevent it. If wifebeaters are thought to be mentally ill, then psychotherapy would be needed. If men hit their wives due to their early learning and/or the very structure of society itself, then cultural rules and values may need to be examined. Biological factors may need to be addressed as an additional factor (Roy, 1977). This paper will review the dynamics of wifebeating within the context of four models: the Psychiatric and Psychodynamic Model; the Social/Feminist Model; the Social Learning Model; and the..."
Examines social learning, biosocial and psychodynamic views on aggressive behavior. Discusses the role of family, gender role differences, modeling, sexism and self-control.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 21 sources, 1997, $ 79.95
Introduction
The development of aggression can be viewed within the social learning context. Social learning theorists such as Bandura help explain how the child learns to be aggressive; parental caregiving behaviors are also considered. Aggression found in the elderly needs to include the possibility of disease as a contributing factor. Additional theories regarding aggression include psychodynamic and biosocial possibilities. Aspects such as male and female roles, and sexism are also viewed as incorporated into the individual's behavior through a learning process.
Developmental Aspects
Social learning theory is applied to the development of ..."
This paper describes the biosocial aspects of coca production and consumption among the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Andes: Social and cultural evolution of native people, Role of the Spanish conquerors, drug lords and government in their produc
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, 1995, $ 63.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper will be to briefly describe the biosocial aspects of coca production and consumption among the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Andes. Coca is a plant similar to the rosebush; the leaves of this plant contain a stimulating narcotic when chewed. Until the 1920s or thereabouts, depending upon prohibition by local ordinances, coca was used as the basis for flavoring popular soft drinks worldwide, hence "Coca Cola," and was a major Peruvian export commodity along with coffee. Coca is also the basis for cocaine, a powerful narcotic. At the turn-of-the-century a popular and oft-prescribed medication internationally, cocaine was gradually made illegal from the 1930s through the 1970s. In 1978, cultivation of coca for narcotics uses was made illegal in Peru. Cultivation of small ... "
Abstract This paper is case study is of a girl with an eating disorder. This paper demonstrates the need for the biosocial model with its multiple perspectives.
Abstract The paper reveals media accounts of the Avian (bird) Flu threat that repeat biomedical and biosocial notions of the disease. It looks at how drug companies compete to produce drug treatments and vaccines, for the future, in activities that will make billions in profits from a pandemic whose scope is not yet realised. The paper focuses on the Toronto medical community's reaction to a perhaps approaching disease and notes that many doctors and nurses do not wish to serve Avian Flu patients. There is also a comparative note on the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic in Canada, and an in-depth analysis of the rise of Avian flu in humans abroad.
From the Paper "The threat posed by the Avian Flu virus and the possibility of a pandemic, in the coming year, focus on biomedical and biosocial views of illness and health. This paper refers to a number of Toronto media summaries on research to date, and the threat posed by an Avian Flu pandemic, showing a number of foci that seem quite important in terms of how the possible pandemic is discussed. Later, time is given to more 'cultural' responses to the possibility of an Avian Flu pandemic, which should stimulate serious thought on our ideas of entitlement to health, long life, the duties of health professionals, .."
Abstract The present health care system is in urgent need of radical overhaul. This paper presents a model health care system that offers an alternative to a white male dominated biomedical model, which maintains and reinforces social inequality and social injustice. This model is comprehensive and inclusive. It is a model that evolved from one main question about what determines the health of individuals and communities in Canada.
From the Paper "As government officials and many members of the public are aware, I am an activist and advocate for Native rights. Through my collaboration with First Nations on unresolved land claims and health issues, I am firmly convinced that Native health and the health of other minority groups will not improve until the underlying conditions for these groups are changed."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at inequalities that exist between the rich and the poor, as they relate to health care. The writer notes that it may be surprising, but that such inequality exists within Canada. The writer points out that the native Canadians appear to be in the worst position with regards to health status and money.
From the Paper "When we think of inequality and large gaps between rich and poor, we usually think of North America and the Third World. However, the same large gaps are found right here in Canada. Cities in Canada always have very poor areas and super rich areas. Certain parts of Canada are the very poorest. Native people are the poorest Canadians and they have the worst health status and the most health problems. "All these health problems are related to unequal social arrangements that are present in North America and in other parts of the world.""
Abstract This paper discusses borderline personality disorder (BPD), a complex and severe psychopathology that is characterized by the presence of certain instabilities. According to the paper, the most commonly practiced interventions for the treatment of BPD are psychodynamic programs and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The paper goes on to review DBT, which is based on dialectical philosophy and a biosocial theory of BPD.
Outline:
Mechanisms of Change in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Research Supporting DBT
The Effectiveness of DBT in Males Versus Females
DBT Intervention Development
From the Paper "The benefits of DBT experienced by individuals with BPD may be enhanced through accompanied administration of psychopharmaceutical medication. Soler et al. (2005) examined the combined effects that DBT and olanzapine have on psychiatric symptoms experienced by individuals with BPD. Results of the study showed that this combined treatment was associated with significant improvements in anxiety, depression and aggressive/impulsive behavior in comparison to a placebo group. The researchers suggested that this combination therapy of DBT and olanzapine acts to lower attrition rates and is an overall effective treatment for BPD (Soler et al., 2005). Other pharmaceuticals may not prove to be so beneficial. A study by Simpson et al. (2004) demonstrated that the addition of fluoxetine to an already effective DBT treatment program is not additionally beneficial."
Abstract This is a paper on the subject of child development which reviews the case of a young boy who, although quite bright, lags significantly behind other children his age. The paper reviews his psychosocial, biosocial and cognitive development and provides a lengthy assessment of the boy and his actions. The author also explains his behavioral predilections, his background, the responses of those adults in his life and notes what can possibly be done to rescue an otherwise promising child from future troubles and under-achievement. The author has also included the research sources used in the paper.
From the Paper "There can be little question that children are the most valuable (and malleable) human resource in any society; they are, after all, the future of any society. With that in mind, it is essential to come up with a means of dealing with these behaviors in such a way that classroom learning and child development are not both hampered any further than they have been already. The case of "Jeffrey," a troubled child attending a local Calgary elementary school, is proof of just how important early, fast, effective treatment can be to the successful amelioration of a problematic situation.
"To begin with, "Jeffrey" is eight years old and in the third grade; he was born March 1, 1999 and grew up in home with parents who separated when he was three. As it turns out, Jeffrey's father was quite abusive to Jeffrey's mother and the family struggled financially; it is also worth noting that Jeffrey's mother was an adolescent when he was born. Finally, the parents are Caucasian and Jeffrey was/is an only child. According to his teacher - and according to the impressions recorded by this writer - Jeffrey's cognitive skills are quite strong; in fact, he is best described as exceedingly bright - a bit of an anomaly considering neither of his parents has much formal education. In all of the scholastic activities this observer witnessed, Jeffrey was always among the first done with his work and he consistently scored near or at the top of the class in both language arts and in arithmetic evaluations; indeed, Jeffrey appears to possess an unusually high aptitude when it comes to problem-solving. Overall, this writer came away with the sense that Jeffrey's cognitive skills were not - are not - the issue; rather, the issue for him is his bio-social and psycho-social development."
