Saturday, March 7, 2020

Self Study Paper Essays - Human Behavior, Mindfulness, Psychology

Self Study Paper Essays - Human Behavior, Mindfulness, Psychology A Self-Study: Mindfulness as Means of Reducing Stress Levels Leaha Severson Psych 6104: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Counselling Yorkville University Abstract Graduate studies, while rewarding, add a level of stress to one's life which already has many levels of stress. It can be challenging to balance academic responsibilities, family dynamics, work obligations and social commitments, let alone other random stressors that may appear. The curre nt self-study aims to conclude whether daily mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and increase time spent on academics for a 28-year-old, female, graduate student. The Lazarus Stress Theory along with the Preventative Stress Management Theory suggest that stress is perceived and based on one's appraisal of the stressors they encounter ( Krohne 2002; Quick et al, 2006) . An adapted Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, 1994) was used to collect data on perceived stress levels . The conclusions of this self-study are that daily mindfulness intervention may not have a direct impact on perceived stress levels but can increase resiliency in the participant. Keywords: stress, mindfulness, resiliency, coping. A Self-Study: Mindfulness as Means of Reducing Stress Levels Graduate studies, while rewarding, add a level of stress to one's life which already has many levels of stress. It can be challenging to balance academic responsibilities, family dynamics, work obligations and social commitments, let alone other random stressors that may appear. Timothy Melchert brings up the concept of b iopsychosocial factors in his book titled, Foundations of Professional Psychology, where he explains that there are many factors from different areas of one's life - biological, psychological, or social - that contribute to one's well-being ( Melchert , 2011). The question that arises is if stress can be managed through daily mindfulness interventions thus increasing productivity and focused time on graduate studies. Stress is , obviously , a factor contributing overall academic success and if left unmanaged could have debilitating biopsychosocial effects ( Melchert , 2011, p.34). That Lazarus Theory of Stress has for many years been a well-renowned theory on psychological stress. According to Folkman, Lazarus, Dunkel- Schetter , DeLongis Gruen (1986), a ny psychological stress theory must include two concepts, appraisal and coping. Krohne (2002) explains appraisal, as an "individuals' evaluation of the significance of what is happening for their well-being, and coping as an individuals' efforts in thought and action to manage specific demands (as cited in Lazarus 1993). Lazarus Theory of S tress has seen many revisions since its conception in 1979 however in "the latest version (see Lazarus 1991), stress is regarded as a relational concept, i.e., stress is not defined as a specific kind of external stimulation nor a specific pattern of physiological, behavioral, or subjective reactions" ( Krohne , 2002, p. 3) . This definition points to the relationship between one's environment and their ability to cope or the coping strategies available to them. In addition to the psychological aspects of stress, s tress can have many physi ological effects. Quick et al. (1997) define the stress response as the "generalized, patterned, unconscious mobilization of the body's natural resources when confronted with a demand or stressor" (p. 3). Hargrove, Quick, Nelson Quick (2011), describe " four mind-body changes that characterize the stress response via the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system: 1) Redirection of the blood to the brain and large muscle gro ups allows the body to prepare physiologically for a legitimate emergency. 2) The reticular activating system in the brain stem is activated, resulting in a heigh tened sense of alertness and increased sensory awareness. 3) Release of glucose and fatty acids as fuel to sustain the individual during the response. 4) A shutting down of the digestive, restorative and immune systems in order to make more resources available for the emergency response" (p. 184). These are considered normal human responses to stress. In the Preventative Stress Management Theory (TPSM) there can be positive and negative responses to stress. Negative stress is the "physiological, behavioural and/or psychological deviation from healthy functioning resulting from a stress response" (Quick et al., 2006, p. 217). Graduate studies, like stated before, can impose many stressors. For example, a looming due date would evoke a physiological response such as the redirection of blood

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Got milk Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Got milk - Case Study Example The business will also lose its operating license and in the process face prosecution for not maintaining health standards in the production of food products. The management of the business and in particular the procurement department should be help responsible when products are manufactured by using contaminated milk. The procurement department should be held liable since they are charged with the task of acquiring and testing raw products (Hartley & Bruckmann, 2002). A CRM system would have been very useful in the process of communicating issues regarding milk production in the supply chain. A CRM would have helped in learning all aspects of a customer’s behaviors and needs, and use this information for better company management that is performing damage control. Through a CRM, the management of a milk production company can embark on damage control by informing customers on the problem that has occurred during the production process. The management will have to provide an official apology to customers this will send a signal to customers that the management is truly sorry about the unfortunate situation. A company would also perform an effective damage control using the CRM, by offering efficient customer service and providing customers with high standardized milk products (Hartley & Bruckmann, 2002). As much as maintain ethical behavior is important, respect for human life is equally important. I do not agree with the act of sentencing the middlemen to death. The middlemen would have been sentenced to prison as the dairy boss was sentence to life imprisonment. The act of sentencing to death is very extreme. The court would have opted for a different form of sentencing instead of death sentences. The United States is governed by a democratic government, and in essence, it should not consider implementing similar laws as those of

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Coparing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Coparing - Essay Example On the hand, the characters of Lost suffered injuries of varying degrees – some survivors were revived with CPR, some wounds were stitched up, while others were fatal. There were even survivors who were killed on the island when the wreckage blew up. Another apparent difference between the two scenarios is the fact that in the novel, the plane wreck was not on the island. So the boys had to make everything they need out of what are available on the island. The only thing that they have from civilization is Piggy’s eye glass which they used to create a fire. In stark contrast, in the TV series Lost, the wreckage of the plane was on the island. Hence the survivors were able to retrieve their belongings as well as the cargo of the plane. The Lost survivors had food, fire, clothing, blankets as well as first aid kits to keep them warm and safe on their first night. Because they already have their primary needs, they had the time to look out for one another and to think things over. Moreover, while the novel features a rather homogenous cast of innocent pre-adolescent boys, the series Lost have a more realistic composition of characters with a representative sample for different age groups, race, gender and even skills. While the boys had to conduct a meeting in order to organize themselves, the adults of lost do not need supervision from anybody. Everyone took the initiative to be of help to one another. One creates fire and asks another to keep it going while another person gathered food and distributed them to the other survivors. Finally, between the boys of the novel Lord of the Flies and the men and women of the TV series Lost, the latter have far better chances of survival and of being rescued back into civilization. First, the boys were at an age where they are still generally under the care of their parents. There is the presumption that they still lack the

Monday, January 27, 2020

Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay

Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay In this essay I am going to write about vulnerable adults, how I could demonstrate professional values and how I could empower vulnerable people demonstrating respect and maintaining dignity. I will demonstrate an understanding of legislation and policy guidance, noting the strengths and weaknesses in accordance to NMC code of conduct. I will also briefly give the history of abuse, bringing in various Department of Health documents as clarification to demonstrate the need for current legislation regarding the protection of vulnerable adults. I will discuss how the ability to support my chosen case study and careers is seen as the key skill of the nurse, which requires a non judgmental approach which is essential to working in an anti oppressive practice. Definitions of vulnerability and anti discrimination will also be included as it is a comparison of NMC code of conduct. Vulnerable people all are very sensitive to the need of their independence and they can be vulnerable very easily for instance if they are in pain. So nurse should always understand how the impact of loos, change or grieving processes can affect the individual. I have chosen adult case study two which is Mamoun. He is vulnerable because, he has had an operation and he is in a lot of pain. Mamoun doesnt talk about the pain or ask for painkiller but if offered, he will take them. VULNERABLITY Vulnerability is people when support is required to enable or promote independent living and safe and active participation in the Community. To a certain extent some people or groups may be vulnerable because they perceive they are vulnerable e.g. if they believe they live in a high crime area when that is only a perception and not a fact. Iliffe.s et al (1998). Social exclusion is a process in which social, economic and cultural factors can combine to exclude individuals, groups and communities from participating in society and gaining access to economic, cultural and social resources. When combined, they create an acute form of exclusion in particular neighbourhoods. Having identified those groups who might be vulnerable the next stage is to decide the best means of helping them. The Evaluation Panel believes the primary aim should be to give vulnerable people as much control over their lives as possible to mitigate the circumstances that make them vulnerable. Parker. J. (2006) A vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 or over who is or may be in need of community care services because of disability, age or illness, and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves, or is unable to protect themselves from significant harm or abuse. Vulnerable adults could include older people, people with a visual or hearing impairment, physical disability, learning disabilities or mental health problem, and people living with illness. Vulnerability can also be described as unprotected, unguarded, open to attack, helpless and weak Oxford. (2002). in another way if anyone walks at night in dangerous area we all tend to be vulnerable or able to be hurt. Mamoun is a sixty two years old Muslim man who is based on in so much pain after his operation and he is vulnerable because he is isolated from his religious or cultural activities. He may have nobody to talk to or no family to visit him as well as language and culture problem. Mamoun may experience from a very limited health care service or he may not happy the way he treated which can make him more vulnerable. So even though he doesnt answer questions politely and never ask for PRN pain relief, it is the responsibility of nurses to give full attention and see his reaction of his pain. When I am on my duty, I must make sure that he is in a good condition by checking him all the time. If he is in pain, it shows when looking at him so it is impossible to wait for him to ask for pain relief. Mamoun may has no idea about medicines and he is unable to talk it may be lack of communication skills or language problem. Having said that I could look in different way for example, get interpret er, being nice, friendly, kind, understand his pain and make sure that he trusts me. According to NMC cod of conduct the following professional values will inform and guide all work with vulnerable adults: Treat people as individual avoid discriminatory in any way against the patients, treat kindly and act as an advocate NMC (2008). Work effectively with a team able to be flexible within teams, respect and support each other. Privacy the right of individuals to be left alone or undisturbed, and free from intrusion or public attention into their affairs. Dignity all people will be treated with respect. Each individuals unique characteristics and intrinsic value will be recognised. Independence the right to act and think without reference to another person. Choice the opportunity to make both small and more significant life choices, with assistance as appropriate to understand context and options; the opportunity to make choices in the individuals own interest, exercising the choice to take risks Laverack.G. (2005). . Rights the maintenance of all entitlements a ssociated with citizenship, including full participation in the life of the community Iliffe.s et al (1998). Abuse against vulnerable adults has been noted since the 1960s, although certain types of abuse would have taken place before then, society has changed and what is acceptable now is certainly different to what was acceptable back then. People became quite vocal in the 60s, more open minded and speech and opinions flowing freely an example of this would be the topic of sex and drugs. Iliffe.s et al (1998). Abuse is a violation of an individuals human and civil rights by another person. It may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be planned or unplanned. It may be the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance. It may happen when a vulnerable adult is persuaded to enter into a transaction to which they have not consented or cannot consent. Abuse besed on many forms some of them that more comenly knowen are include: Physical Abuse for example, hitting, pushing, and shaking over medicating or otherwise causing physical harm. Sexual Abuse for example unwanted touching, kissing or sexual activity. Or where the vulnerable adult cannot or does not give their consent it mayt be. Psychological / Emotional Abuse including verbal abuse, humiliation bullying or the use of threats Iliffe.s et al (1998). Financial Abuse the illegal or improper use of a persons money, property, pension book, bank account or other belongings. Neglect the repeated deprivation of help or care that a vulnerable adult needs which, if withdrawn, will cause him or her to suffer. Institutional Abuse abuse, neglect, withdrawal of rights or continually poor care in a care home setting. Discriminatory Abuse Including racist or sexist abuse, and abuse based on a persons disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment. Abuse can take place in their own home, by familly or any other visitor, or in someone elses home, by a relative, friend or neighbou, in a residential or nursing home, by a paid or volunteer carer, in a day centre, adult education centre or other establishment, by an occasional visitor or service provider, in a hospital or GP surgery, mayt happen by a professional worker. ANTI-DISCRIMINATERY Anti-discrimination practice is a positive action to avoid discrimination. It is abut being presenting positive image of people equal opportunities policy in all aspect programs that take place and also challenging any discriminatory or oppressive language and behavior Parker.J. (2006). There are different tyeps of discrimination, such as more commonly known, racism, disablism and ageism. One of the things we do when meeting people is to make assumptions about them which can make them more cnfortable. Discriminatory language often betrays assumptions that have not been based on accurate knowledge or on cultural stereotypes. Often it emphasises the superiority of the speaker or the groups that she/he represents. This need not be conscious for it to be offensive and exasperating. Non-discriminatory language promotes exclusivity by the deliberate attempt to ensure that the language used promotes the equality of all people Parker.J. (2006). The role of training is always to ensure that the maximum number of people possible have access to the information they need.   Particular intention must be given to avoiding the use of technical language and jargon. Workers have an obligation to ensure that everyone who can benefit from their service has an opportunity to access it, and whilst they are using it, to be treated in a way that accords their need for decency and self- respect Laverack.G. (2005). As a trainer to model good practice, I have to be serious about my responsibility to ensure that the patients have an opportunity to participate in the event and achieve their maximum learning potential. I also need to have good practice how to speak in appropriated language and behaviour. It is very important to make an action plan for acceptable language and behaviour as a professional. All trainers must avoid using language or behaviour that is in any way discriminatory.   Mamoun may be increased risk due to the unaware of his rights, socially isolated, not know how to complain and has communication difficulties. He may also has difficulty understanding certain decisions or transactions and may have limited life experience and find it difficult to anticipate. In this case, there are different kinds of things to think about such as development of social networks keeping in contact with family, friends, and neighbours as he is isolated. I will encourage him to access to social groups which may help him to make friends. Access to support groups I will get interpreter for him if he has language problem. Support and advice, I will support him in caring for him and I will advice him to tell as his problem in order to improve and maintain his health. Assessment of needs, as I mention on the above for client who is unable to talk I will assess by psychologically understanding for example, watching the patient if any behaviour or act change think about his foo d and asking of his needs. REFLECTING From this essay, I have learnt a value of social work for instance philosophical and academic thinking in order to assess clients needs and circumstances. I have also learnt the role of NMC code of conduct and I have developed skills and professional knowledge to work effectively with vulnerable people. The NMC code of conduct helped me to understand how the laws and policies were applied to these such good example cases. Adult Case Study 2 was a unique case for me as although the service user did not have any mental health needs he required help with foll servisce. This essay teaches me the aspect of nursing I can reflect on, the use of the word experience in nursing, how self awareness is central to reflection and how the development of other skills will aid reflection. In the future I believe that I will be able to demonstrate and work closely with both service users to support them, by assessing their needs, reviewing risks, policies and procedures that apply to them. This essay will help me make my work clear to service user and also more open to review so I can improve my practice in the future.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

History of Hospitality Essay

Hospitality is the extension of home like services to persons other than of one’s household or immediate relative. Hospitality involves treating strangers and guests to warm welcome into strangers’ homes. Hospitality brings people who rarely know each other together. Hospitality is traced back to as early as human existence is known. The most intelligent of human evolution, the homo sapient was identified as indicating hospitality traits. The seventeenth century in the British culture had evidence of hospitality traits, (O’Connor, 2005). The face of hospitality though has changed over the centuries to what it is today. The emphasis of persons being hospitable towards fellow people has been relaxed and only a few institutions are left to practice it. Hospitality today is not much to be practiced by everyone but by a few who are deemed to naturally possess this quality as a gift. For there to be an in depth understanding of what is entailed in hospitality, a review of the ancient definition’s and motive of hospitality is necessary. This will help us determine whether the principles on which hospitality was founded have changed over time. Among the Greeks, hospitality was viewed as a sacred activity to honor their gods and thus the whole society was obliged to be hospitable (O’Gorman, 2005). Failure to extend hospitable attitudes towards guests or strangers invited the wrath of the supernatural. Greek and Roman Societies Hospitality was thought of as transferable from generation to generation. The virtue was not only a personal choice but was also applied in public affairs. Different types of guests were received at treated variously according to their status, (O’Gorman, 2005). Traders were received differently from cultural visitors. Hospitality was exercised even at national level where state or city guests were received with honour and dignity. Commercial hospitality was rare in the early Greek civilization. In the Roman culture, hospitality was expected to be an exercise of all pennons and it was more pronounced in the Greek society. Public hospitality was exercised by Rome and other countries. Hospitality is traceable even in religious writings like the Bible. Some fundamental principles are evident from the studies of early hospitality. Underlying Principles Hospitality was viewed as necessary for human existence. Because no person was immune to requiring hospitality services at some time, there was an obligation for all to be hospitable. Hospitality established and maintained relationships which cultivated togetherness. Hospitality was further viewed as an honorable tradition deserving passing from one generation to another. Being hospitable was to be practiced all through irrespective of changes in the world. Hospitality by then was stratified in that particular groups of person were accorded different treatment according to their social standing. The extent of the different groups of guests required that laws be established to govern this. This indicates that hospitality was highly valued in these early societies. There was an unwritten law that hospitality, once extended to a person, one had to respond by extending it to others. This ensured its continuity. In the ancient set up also, hospitality was used to gain honour for persons exercising it. The more a person is involved with receiving guests and strangers into their households, the more respected they became in the society. Emphasis was laid on domestic hospitality in which guests were welcomed in households. Hospitality Today The face of hospitality has evidently changed today. The society lays little emphasis in reception of visitors or strangers at large. Domestic hospitality today is a rare phenomenon. Today’s society treats strangers with suspicion and it therefore becomes harder for people to extend hospitality. With the growing security concerns, strangers are more likely to be shunned in the suspicion that they have malicious intentions. This is more so for the developed countries where homes are fenced to lock out intruders and sensors installed to man the compound. Commercialization The society today has commercialized hospitality services to the extent that it has lost its meaning. Hospitality is exercised only when the host stands to gain financially from the guest. The building of luxurious hotels across the world emphasizes this. Rarely would a sizeable town lack accommodation facilities for guests or people in transit. Without any gain from hosting these people, such hospitality centers would be inexistent. The commercialization of hospitality has further sidelined those needing the services from receiving them. Before a guest is booked into these hotels it has to be ascertained that they are able to pay accommodation fees. Guests are also required to produce many documents to identify themselves and at times, they are required to state their motives. Some guests are turned away if the hosts doubt them. The personalized sympathetic contact between a host and guest has been lost long the way (Dittmer, 1997). Suspicion Today also extension of kindness is raise suspicion. When persons become so hospitable even in the commercial facilities, the guest realizes that their hosts must be after favours. There are standard ways of showing hospitality in the commercial facilities and all workers and obliged to follow them. But when they do more than is required, guests become wary. This is in contrast with the traditional view where acts of hospitality were interpreted as well intended. Public Hospitality Public hospitality as exercised in the past was to build relationships between cities or states. The representatives of states were sent to foreign nations to foster better relations. Such persons were supposed to be received well in alien land. Failure to receive them with dignity and respect was regarded as abuse to their native lands. Today this principle is largely applied. Countries send their representatives to foreign lands to build friendships and also negotiate deals. These representatives are received in well built guest houses set apart for this very purpose. Reception of these people with great dignity is interpreted as friendliness towards countries (Hobbs, 2001). In businesses, there are established hospitality dockets which accord certain levels of treatment to their guests. A cup of tea is offered and some companies offer more. This is an extension of the past trends of building relationships thorough hospitality. A deviation from past hospitality trends lies in today’s detachment of the virtue with religion. In the past, hospitality was largely viewed as a religious obligation. With the developments in the science world, religious issues have progressively lost much meaning to some people. This removes personal obligation on individuals to be hospitable. It shows the extent to which modern society has abandoned collective responsibility to care for strangers leaving it in the hands of the commercial institutions (Hobbs, 2001). Hospitality is a virtue that every reason should exercise. The emphasis should not be resented to commercial facilities along but just as it was the practice traditionally, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure guests and strangers are comfortable. The society today should redefine hospitality to what it used to be. Bibliography Dittmer, P. (1997) Early Development of the Hospitality Industry. Dimensions of the Hospitality Industry, New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. , pp. 33-77. O’Gorman, K (2005) Modern Hospitality: Lessons from the Past. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 12 (2), pp. 141-151. Hobbs, T (2001) Hospitality in the First Testament and the ‘Teleological Fallacy’’. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 26, (1), pp. 3-30. O’Connor, D (2005) Towards a new interpretation of hospitality. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 17, (3), pp. 267-271.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Different Aspects of Women

In Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, Stoker portrays many different aspects of women’s roles in the nineteenth century. Women had a strictly defined role within the era; there was no thought of equality, no thought that women could liberate themselves sexually. Stoker uses women in this novel to critique against women’s liberation. Stoker’s portrayal of women makes the novel seem like a fantasy. Women are primarily objects of delicate beauty who occasionally need to be rescued from danger. In the novel Mina Murray is the embodiment of Victorian virtue in which she is loyal, earnest, innocent, and dependent of her husband.Stoker creates another character, Lucy Westenra who is completely opposite of Mina. Lucy is embodies the desire of women who want to liberate themselves. Only Mina shows any considerable strength or resourcefulness. Lucy is primarily two-dimensional victim, picture of perfection who is easy for Dracula to prey upon. Mina is not most noteworthy for her physical beauty like Lucy. Mina’s sexuality remains mysterious throughout the whole novel of Dracula. Even though she gets married, she never gives voice to anything resembling a sexual desire or impulse, which enables her to retain her purity.Stoker creates suspense about whether Mina will be lost like Lucy. Throughout the novel, Mina portrays what women are expected to do in the society. In the beginning of the novel, Lucy is much like Mina. She is a paragon of virtue and innocence, qualities that brings three suitors to her. Lucy differs from Mina in one aspect, she shows her sexuality. Lucy’s physical appearance captivates each of her suitors, and she displays comfort or playfulness about her desirability that Mina never feels.Stoker amplifies this faint whisper of Lucy’s insatiability to a monstrous volume when he describes the undead Lucy as a wonton creature of ravenous sexual appetite. With Stoker’s concern with female chastity and virtue , it is hard to imagine him granting his female characters the degree of sexual freedom. Lucy’s wounds suggest a virgin’s first sexual encounter. She escapes into the night and is penetrated in a way that makes her bleed. â€Å"As she looked, her eyes blazed with unholy light, and the face became wreathed with a voluptuous smile†¦She still advanced, however, and with a anguorous, voluptuous grace, said: ‘Come to me, Arthur. Leave these others and come to me. My arms are hungry for you. Come, and we can rest together. Come, my husband, come! ’ There was something diabolically sweet in her tones— something of the tingling of glass when struck— which rang through the brains even of us who heard the words addressed to another† ( Stoker 227). This threat becomes reality as Lucy, now a blood and sex starved vampire, does her best to lure her fiance into eternal damnation.Lucy is the first to fall under Dracula’s spell because she displays comfort or playfulness about her desirability that Mina does not show. Stoker also describes her as the â€Å"loose† woman, she isn’t conservative as Mina and she loves all the attention from her suitors. Lucy also falls under Dracula’s spell because Dracula has this charm that attracts Lucy making her have strong desire for Dracula. Lucy shows that she has sex appeal and that she has desirability for men; and it made her an easy target for Dracula, knowing she will give in when he approaches her.