What I got from taking this class-
WOW it would take too much space on this blogg to be able to convey everything I got from taking this class. First off I am going to say that since taking Psy 101 I have realized I want to continue my education further in this subject. I am working on my ass degree in human services, and honestly I am considering in changing my major Psychology. I have a great interest in all aspects of the study. I believe this class has improved my parenting skills as well as improved the way I think about myself. I have a better understanding over mental health, and my paper on testing IQ's taught me so much. I believe that Psy 101 has made an everlasting impression in my life that has created huge differences. Thank You Lara, you are a great professor and hope to take many more of your classes.
Friday, August 12, 2011
mini assignment 9
Well night time is the main time when I reflect back on what has been happening in the recent past few days. I really liked actually putting into words on paper to some of the thoughts I have. Really I believe that I may have created a new habit. Lets face it, life is not always kind to us and it is easy to start feeling sorry for ourselves. I have been experiencing such emotions recently. This assignment I thought at first would be impossible. After actually starting this assignment I found a therapeutic value to it. After a very difficult day of work physically and emotionally I was wiped out. I laid in my bed with my note pad and pen and just began to write starting with I am so very grateful for.... and although I thought I had it so difficult at the time I realized that I am so blessed. I am indeed grateful for first and foremost my children. I have experienced miraculous strength and courage that only a mother or father could experience. My children bring out in me a LOVE that conquers even the most loneliest and sad of days. I also have to say I'm truly grateful for my boss from where I work, she is so kind and wise, always having inspirational words that seem to come out at the right time. I must say that even as a single mother with ongoing expenses and challenges, I realize how blessed I am to live in a country that has so many opportunities for me to succeed and be able to provide for my family. I am able to feed my kids 3 well rounded meals a day, and a warm and safe place to sleep, and an education, clean clothes and medical attention when they need it. I realize that in some countries mothers watch their children starve or die from diseases that a simple vaccination could have prevented. Even this class is such a blessing to me. It has in so many ways assisted in things that without taking this class I may have never considered, and very well may have guided me in a direction that would otherwise may have not had as good of an outcome. What I am grateful is on going opportunities, my loving and healthy family, and the ability to provide and keep my family healthy and educated.
Lecture August 10
What I got from taking this class,
I feel that I have learned just the very beginning of a fascinating area of study. There was so much information not only written but from the lectures that I felt at time “wow, I need to know more about that subject” which was a wonderful feeling to have. It was also very interesting to learn how many different opinions and studies are conducted and referred to not only past but now in the present. Learning and reading other opinions help me to see a different point of view that I may not of considered before as relevant. The belief I had prior to this class was that this field would be not only interesting but would help me to realize a path in life that I was ready to take was answered after the very first chapter of this book. Even though I do not have the area of study that I want to follow as narrowing it down seems like a daunting task right now I know for me it is a calling I must answer.
I would also like to thank everyone for posting to the blog, I found it to be a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation for me at times. Thank you all and have a wonderful rest of the summer
I feel that I have learned just the very beginning of a fascinating area of study. There was so much information not only written but from the lectures that I felt at time “wow, I need to know more about that subject” which was a wonderful feeling to have. It was also very interesting to learn how many different opinions and studies are conducted and referred to not only past but now in the present. Learning and reading other opinions help me to see a different point of view that I may not of considered before as relevant. The belief I had prior to this class was that this field would be not only interesting but would help me to realize a path in life that I was ready to take was answered after the very first chapter of this book. Even though I do not have the area of study that I want to follow as narrowing it down seems like a daunting task right now I know for me it is a calling I must answer.
I would also like to thank everyone for posting to the blog, I found it to be a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation for me at times. Thank you all and have a wonderful rest of the summer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
lecture augustt part 2
Are Psychological Disorders a myth?
I do not believe Psychological disorders are a myth but a very real issue in today’s world. We see it every day in the lives of people we know and hear it in their voices when they discuss how they feel and why. I look back and see that in many family’s depression is a issue from generation to generation.
I believe that any person who truly believes they may have a disorder can produce symptoms of such disorder. It may not be real to those who are with that person but that disorder is very real to them. This is why treatment facilities are so important as they help people work though their emotions, feeling and thoughts.
I do not believe Psychological disorders are a myth but a very real issue in today’s world. We see it every day in the lives of people we know and hear it in their voices when they discuss how they feel and why. I look back and see that in many family’s depression is a issue from generation to generation.
I believe that any person who truly believes they may have a disorder can produce symptoms of such disorder. It may not be real to those who are with that person but that disorder is very real to them. This is why treatment facilities are so important as they help people work though their emotions, feeling and thoughts.
Lecture August 8th
This to me is a very controversial subject. I feel that ADHD although a very real condition for the most part is a very overused diagnose as well as a overused excuse for parents and teachers.
Kids are very expressive and as we all know can go a “mile a minute” as the old saying goes. Why do we as a society feel that this is so bad now, why do we feel if a child does not listen to our every word or is hyper we need to label it.
The most common label is ADHD. Because of this my first question would be why do you think this? What is the basis of your opinion and how much experience do you have with this disorder?
I would not only seek the advice of one professional but seek a second who both specialize in this disorder. I would visit chart rooms and discussion group of other parents and children who live with the diagnosis. Since medication usually used to treat this disorder it would be very important to me to not only research the medication but look for alternatives.
Kids are very expressive and as we all know can go a “mile a minute” as the old saying goes. Why do we as a society feel that this is so bad now, why do we feel if a child does not listen to our every word or is hyper we need to label it.
The most common label is ADHD. Because of this my first question would be why do you think this? What is the basis of your opinion and how much experience do you have with this disorder?
I would not only seek the advice of one professional but seek a second who both specialize in this disorder. I would visit chart rooms and discussion group of other parents and children who live with the diagnosis. Since medication usually used to treat this disorder it would be very important to me to not only research the medication but look for alternatives.
Lecture ~ Aug 10th
What did I get out of this class?
I feel this class has introduced me to the tip of the ice burg, where psychology exists. The subjects we covered were so vast, it was almost overwhelming when I consider where we started from to where we ended. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I think one of the important things I will walk away with, is that research is continuing, that information, documentation and conclusions are changing. That we are constantly growing, changing and getting new knowledge. This is an exciting field to be in, as the new knowledge we acquire can really effect a life. We can be a part of helping the healing process with another person and that is an incredible honor. Through this class, I can see the need to search myself and see what area's of psychology I want to study. I need to narrow my field of interest. I too would like to thank everyone for sharing there life and stories with me. I wish all of you the very best.
I feel this class has introduced me to the tip of the ice burg, where psychology exists. The subjects we covered were so vast, it was almost overwhelming when I consider where we started from to where we ended. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I think one of the important things I will walk away with, is that research is continuing, that information, documentation and conclusions are changing. That we are constantly growing, changing and getting new knowledge. This is an exciting field to be in, as the new knowledge we acquire can really effect a life. We can be a part of helping the healing process with another person and that is an incredible honor. Through this class, I can see the need to search myself and see what area's of psychology I want to study. I need to narrow my field of interest. I too would like to thank everyone for sharing there life and stories with me. I wish all of you the very best.
08/08/11 lecture 2nd question
Medical treatment for psychological disorders are appropriate when quality of life is being effected negatively and treatment would improve there life.
08/08/11 lecture
Are psychological disorders a myth? Absolutely not, psychological disorders effect many people in many ways. There are many misdiagnoses I'm quite sure, but that happens even in the medical field in diagnosing physical illnesses. We humans are complex creatures and we learn from experiences and they can be positive, and they can be negative. We have many complex chemicals that our body produces, as with any chemical, to have too much, or too little can create complications or in the human brain it can cause mental illnesses such as depression, ADHD, and so on. Why in our chemistry class in high school can we create an adverse reaction by using too much or too little of a chemical, if it happens in the brain is it not safe to assume that we would experience adverse effects as well? I personally experience depression, and have been diagnosed with ADHD, as well as a panic disorder. I know for a fact that mental disorders are real. I have suffered from each of my disorders for as long as I can remember and was only recently diagnosed. Many people are suffering from such disorders and have never received any treatment. If mental illness is a myth, why are people who have no idea they have a disorder suffering? My quality of life has improved so much since I have had my diagnoses, I am even able to attend school, and finish assignments.
Lecture ~ Aug 8th
2nd part of lecture:
WHAT DO YOU THINK? If a teacher suggested that your child be tested for ADHD, what would you do?
Hopefully, I would not take offense and immediately deny the possibility. I need to remember that the teacher is with my child 6 or 7 hours a day, five days a week and possibly sees something that I do not. She could have a more objective view than I, since it is my child. Just as I would respect her request to see a doctor, I will remain open to hear what the specialist says. Now if the doctor says my child does have ADHD I might seek a second opinion. If that one says the same thing, then I would be looking for natural herbs and treatments. I would be looking at his diet and making changes there. I would try my hardest not to put my child on medication if it was at all possible. I would seek out all other options first. If nothing I tried worked, I would try pharmaceutical medication and monitor it closely. I would constantly be looking for new break through in this area.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? If a teacher suggested that your child be tested for ADHD, what would you do?
Hopefully, I would not take offense and immediately deny the possibility. I need to remember that the teacher is with my child 6 or 7 hours a day, five days a week and possibly sees something that I do not. She could have a more objective view than I, since it is my child. Just as I would respect her request to see a doctor, I will remain open to hear what the specialist says. Now if the doctor says my child does have ADHD I might seek a second opinion. If that one says the same thing, then I would be looking for natural herbs and treatments. I would be looking at his diet and making changes there. I would try my hardest not to put my child on medication if it was at all possible. I would seek out all other options first. If nothing I tried worked, I would try pharmaceutical medication and monitor it closely. I would constantly be looking for new break through in this area.
Lecture ~ Aug 8th
Are Psychological Disorders a myth?
I personally feel Psychological Disorder does exist and many people suffer with this illness. How can a person dismiss what an individual is going through and say it is not real? It's as if they are saying that their symptoms and what they are living through does not exist. If depression is real to the person and they have symptoms that back up what they are experiencing, then it is real. Now I will agree with the possibility that some cases may be misdiagnosed, since the number of cases has skyrocketed in the past 20 years. But even with that acknowledgement, I would maintain that something is still wrong with the individual if they are depressed or displaying inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. I feel these conditions can be helped, so the labeling should not stay with them the rest of their life. There is no shame in having an illness.
I personally feel Psychological Disorder does exist and many people suffer with this illness. How can a person dismiss what an individual is going through and say it is not real? It's as if they are saying that their symptoms and what they are living through does not exist. If depression is real to the person and they have symptoms that back up what they are experiencing, then it is real. Now I will agree with the possibility that some cases may be misdiagnosed, since the number of cases has skyrocketed in the past 20 years. But even with that acknowledgement, I would maintain that something is still wrong with the individual if they are depressed or displaying inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. I feel these conditions can be helped, so the labeling should not stay with them the rest of their life. There is no shame in having an illness.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Lecture August 3rd
Temptation is not something that I had to deal with very much. I have found that I am very content with all that I have. I have been sitting here trying to think of something that I have had to battle in regard to temptation and I really cannot think of anything at this moment that has tempted me.
When I was younger, 15 with my first baby, I sometimes struggled with dissatisfaction over being a single mom. It seemed like all of my friends were out having such a good time. I really wanted to go out and party, be able to run to the lake and water ski, even just be able to sit out in the yard and relax with a book and get a tan. I was always chasing a baby around! I felt left out many times because I wouldn't be invited places. Even those moments were not much of a challenge though. I enjoyed my son too much!
Maybe chocolate is a temptation... but I just give into that desire when it rolls around and so it couldn't really be considered temptation because I don't struggle with it.
When I was younger, 15 with my first baby, I sometimes struggled with dissatisfaction over being a single mom. It seemed like all of my friends were out having such a good time. I really wanted to go out and party, be able to run to the lake and water ski, even just be able to sit out in the yard and relax with a book and get a tan. I was always chasing a baby around! I felt left out many times because I wouldn't be invited places. Even those moments were not much of a challenge though. I enjoyed my son too much!
Maybe chocolate is a temptation... but I just give into that desire when it rolls around and so it couldn't really be considered temptation because I don't struggle with it.
Mini Assignment 9
Keeping a quick journal of positive moments throughout my day was fun! I found that most of the things that I listed as being positive, and for which I was grateful, revolved around my children. Being grateful for the good things, and sometimes the lessons that I have learned through the negative things, is a routine that takes place as I thank God all of my blessings!
A few of the things for which I found myself being grateful for were the safety of my children. (I have a son who rides dirt bikes) I am exceedingly thankful for my home, a steady job, my grass and flowers this summer, and for my time in the evening when it is quiet enough to study and do homework! We haven't had much sunshine in Tok this summer and so I was thankful for sun on Thursday night!
A few of the things for which I found myself being grateful for were the safety of my children. (I have a son who rides dirt bikes) I am exceedingly thankful for my home, a steady job, my grass and flowers this summer, and for my time in the evening when it is quiet enough to study and do homework! We haven't had much sunshine in Tok this summer and so I was thankful for sun on Thursday night!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Lecture August 3rd
During the sixteen years my husband was in the military one of the biggest temptations I have witnessed it the temptation to be unfaithful. I have seen many marriages destroyed from one bad decision that it has left a lasting impression on me. My husband, being deployed most of our military time the opportunity was always readily available. I found that the best way for me to handle this was to stay away from not only the people who engaged in this activity but away from the social opportunities the made it present itself. I found positive social groups, spent quality time with my children and made friends who had the same moral values that I did. This helped me during that time-frame and gave me a much stronger marriage as a whole.
lecture August 1st
I took the Thematic Apperception Test and took my first idea to compose the following.
I see two women who are related a mother and a daughter. They over time have had many different view points during life. The strain of the relationship is shown in both women's face. The younger women is thinking “I am so tired of hearing the same information over and over again and I hope I don’t age and treat my children this way”. The older women is thinking “ Why doesn’t she listen, I am only trying to help with information I learned over my lifetime”.
After this photo was taken both women talked about small stuff, unimportant things that go on daily in their life. They avoided anything that would of put more stress into an already stressful relationship. Once they had lunch or dinner they went home and continued on with their day. The daughter made her normal evening phone call to make sure her mother was okay as she always did and then went to bed.
I see two women who are related a mother and a daughter. They over time have had many different view points during life. The strain of the relationship is shown in both women's face. The younger women is thinking “I am so tired of hearing the same information over and over again and I hope I don’t age and treat my children this way”. The older women is thinking “ Why doesn’t she listen, I am only trying to help with information I learned over my lifetime”.
After this photo was taken both women talked about small stuff, unimportant things that go on daily in their life. They avoided anything that would of put more stress into an already stressful relationship. Once they had lunch or dinner they went home and continued on with their day. The daughter made her normal evening phone call to make sure her mother was okay as she always did and then went to bed.
Mini Assignment 9
I found this experience to be very positive. I liked reflecting over the day. I think this exercise made me more aware of blessings, of the positive things that happened through out the day. Without me taking the time to look back, I would of let them just slip by without me taking much notice. I find that surprising about myself, as I would normally say that I am a thankful person. This has opened my eyes up to the fact I take a lot for granite. I believe this exercise helped me to sleep better, as I was focusing on positiveness as I closed my mind. I think this is something I need to work on doing every night.
Mini Assignment 9
My family
my home
my memories
watching my grandson
laughing with co-workers
I found that listing the things in life that made me happy before bed gave me time to reflect on why they made me feel happy and fulfilled. I also found that doing this before bed helped me sleep better. I have panic attacks usually in the morning so this seemed to relieve some of those as well. I would wake up and reread the things I wrote previously and that helped me start my day feeling better. I believe that remembering what makes you happy daily can benefit your life by reminding yourself life is not at bad as we can make it seem sometimes. That actually we have many blessings to be thankful for.
my home
my memories
watching my grandson
laughing with co-workers
I found that listing the things in life that made me happy before bed gave me time to reflect on why they made me feel happy and fulfilled. I also found that doing this before bed helped me sleep better. I have panic attacks usually in the morning so this seemed to relieve some of those as well. I would wake up and reread the things I wrote previously and that helped me start my day feeling better. I believe that remembering what makes you happy daily can benefit your life by reminding yourself life is not at bad as we can make it seem sometimes. That actually we have many blessings to be thankful for.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Lecture ~ Aug 3
Life is full of many temptations. I think each temptation is different and the way of escape varies. One of the biggest temptations that I have encountered during the past 10 years is weight gain and taking the excess weight off. Since I am not a person that does diets, it was difficult to train my mind to eat differently. When temptation came, and it did often, I would focus on what I wanted to look like and the amount of weight that I wanted to loose. I learned to talk and reason to myself, that this way of eating was not going to be forever. That the day would come when I would be able again to enjoy my favorite foods. I also look at my goal, the outfit that I wanted to wear. It is a daily mindset that food will not control me, that I do have a choice and that I can master this temptation. I am very proud to say, it has taken me 1 year, but I have lost a total of 31 pounds and have kept it off.
Lecture ~ Aug 1st
When I first looked at the ink blot, I saw two profiles of women's faces, looking in different directions. They resembled masks on sticks. Their face is in pink and their eyes and eye brows are green. They set on individual posts that meets in the middle and becomes one stick. What the book calls blue spiders could be blue flowers, that the women are smelling. Portions of the blue give definition to the ladies nose and mouth.
As I continue to look at the figure, I can see a head of a goat in the middle of the two women. It has green horns and two yellow eyes. It has nostrils and a mouth. It's chin rests in the "y" section of the stick. It appears to be blowing smoke out of its mouth. The goat has a goatee. The blue between his eyes and nose is just a different coloration of his hair. In the top section, at the outer edges there appears to be two sea shells, both brown. The concluding story of the ink blot is as follows: The two women were walking along the beach, taking their pet goat for a walk. As the tide went out, they discovered two brown, shinny shells in the sand. Excitingly they picked the shells up, planning to add them to their collection at home.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Mini Assignment 8
The person of interest I chose was King David from the Bible. David was the youngest of eight brothers. The prophet Samuel anointed him as king, but it was many years before David took on that role. David was a young warrior known for his bravery and his skill with the harp. He faced and killed the giant Goliath. He became the commander of King Saul's army and married his daughter, Michal. He was known as "a man after God's own heart." Yet with all of his love and faithfulness in serving God, he was still a human being capable of sinning. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David did not try to lie or justify his actions. He admitted his sin and repented, asking God for forgiveness. I really like that about David. He took responsibility for his actions, didn't blame anyone else. I liked his transparency and honesty of his wrong actions. God still used his life. I think David was a might man of God.
Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite
David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Bathsheba becomes pregnant. David sends for Uriah, who is with the Israelite army at the siege of Rabbah, so that he may lie with his wife and conceal the identity of the child's father. Uriah refuses to do so while his companions are in the field of battle and David sends him back to Joab, the commander, with a message instructing him to abandon Uriah on the battlefield, "that he may be struck down, and die." David marries Bathsheba and she bears his child, "but the thing the David had done displeased the Lord." The prophet Nathan confronts David, saying: "Why have you despised the word of God, to do what is evil in his sight? You have smitten Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife." Nathan presents three punishments from God for this sin. First that the "sword shall never depart from your house" (2 Samuel 12:10) second, that "Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel. (2 Samuel 12:12) and finally, that "the son born to you will die" (2 Samuel 12:14). David repents, yet God "struck the (David's) child... and it became sick...(And) on the seventh day the child died." David leaves his lamentations, dresses himself, and eats. His servants ask why he wept when the baby was alive, but ends his mourning when the child dies. David replies: "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." (2 Samuel 12-22-23, New International Version) (This info taken from "Wikipedia." I was unable to cut and paste, so typed the info out)
Advise I would offer David:
I think I would encourage David to continue to work on forgiving himself. I would try to follow some of Carl Rogers guidelines and look for the good. I would be really positive and supportive and show empathy. Even though I do not agree with the actions that David took on having Uriah killed and committing adultery with Bathsheba, he needs to know I do not stand in judgement. I would show him respect. As I listen to David share his story, it is important to listen with my heart. Let him know I care and encourage him there is still a future. Not to give up hope.
Lecture ~ July 27th
I tried this exercise with my friend Carol. She was unaware of her participation. After 30 or so minutes, I tried to see if our responses to each other during our conversation mirrored each other. I was surprised to find on most levels we responded identically. When I was sharing something really personal and leaning in towards her, I noticed her leaning towards me, nodding in agreement. She indeed was mirroring my actions. I found the same to be true when she was speaking. I had the tendency to move towards her in agreement. What I did not see was either of us mirroring each other when it came to touching our face or body. I did notice at one point, when I did disagree with something she said, that we both moved back in our chairs. There was mutual respect for each other, but not the closeness we had shared earlier.
I found this exercise to be really interesting. I decided to try it on other people and see what results I ended up with. When I tried it on my husband, it was definitely different than with my girlfriend. Just the tone of voice (he tends to get loud when he gets excited or wants to prove a point), would make me retreat, and scoot to the back of the chair. Even when we agreed with each other and he was loud, I would still lean back inthe chair. When his voice was on a normal level, and we were in agreement, we both leaned into each other. I am surprised at how much we use body language without be counscious of it.
I found this exercise to be really interesting. I decided to try it on other people and see what results I ended up with. When I tried it on my husband, it was definitely different than with my girlfriend. Just the tone of voice (he tends to get loud when he gets excited or wants to prove a point), would make me retreat, and scoot to the back of the chair. Even when we agreed with each other and he was loud, I would still lean back inthe chair. When his voice was on a normal level, and we were in agreement, we both leaned into each other. I am surprised at how much we use body language without be counscious of it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Lecture August 1
When I first looked at the ink blot test I saw a really cool goat in blue sunglasses with green horns and golden ears! I did not see the seahorses or the spiders until I turned the ink blot upside down. I still saw an upside goat though! I think that I like him!
The thematic appreciation picture brought to mind the worst traits that women tend to have... gossiping and judgmental tendencies! The older woman has just told the younger woman a slight mis-truth and the younger woman is downright angry. The person whom the older woman is gossiping about likes the fact that the younger woman is angry. She is satisfied that she has caused angst.
The thematic appreciation picture brought to mind the worst traits that women tend to have... gossiping and judgmental tendencies! The older woman has just told the younger woman a slight mis-truth and the younger woman is downright angry. The person whom the older woman is gossiping about likes the fact that the younger woman is angry. She is satisfied that she has caused angst.
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