Outline and Evaluate Two Models of Abnormality Essay Example for Free

Outline and Evaluate Two Models of Abnormality Essay The essence of a psychodynamic approach is to explain behaviour in terms of its dynamics – i. e. the forces that drive it. The best known example of this approach is Freud. Freud believed that the origins of mental disorder lie in the unresolved conflicts or childhoods which are unconscious. Medical illnesses are not the outcome of physical disorders but of these psychological conflicts. Conflicts between the id, ego, and superego create anxiety. The ego protects itself with various defence mechanisms (ego defences). These defences can be the cause of disturbed behaviour if they are overused. In childhood the ego is not developed enough to deal with traumas and therefore they are repressed. For example, a child may experience the death of a parent early in life and repress associated feelings. Later in life, other losses may cause the individual to re-experience the earlier loss and can lead to depression. Previously the unexpressed anger about the loss is directed inwards towards the self, causing depression. Ego defences, such as repression and regression, exert pressure through unconsciously motivated behaviour. Freud proposed that the unconscious consists of memories and other information that are either very hard or almost impossible to bring into conscious awareness. Despite this, the unconscious mind exerts a powerful effect on behaviour. This frequently leads to distress, as the person does not understand why they are acting in that particular way. The underlying problem cannot be controlled until brought into conscious awareness. However Abstract concepts such as the id, ego and superego are difficult to define and research. Because actions motivated by them operate on an unconscious level, there is no way to know for certain that they are occurring. Also a common criticism of Freud’s work is that it was sexist. The Biological approach is ‘the view that behaviour can all be explained in terms of biological mechanisms, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, brain activity and influences inherited via genes. ’ A biological psychologist explains abnormal behaviour in terms of an abnormal biology, and therefore explains mental disorder as the consequence of malfunctioning of these biological systems. It follows the belief that ‘treatment’ should repair these faulty systems, using somatic therapies such as drugs, ECT and psychosurgery. The biological (medical) model assumes that all mental disorders are related to some change in the body. Mental disorders are like physical disorders i. e. they are illnesses. Such changes or illnesses may be caused by one of four possible factors; * Genetic Inheritance * Biochemistry * Neuroanatomy * Viral infection Abnormalities in brain anatomy or chemistry are sometimes the result of genetic inheritance, and so are passed from parent to child. One way of investigation this possibility is by studying twins. Pairs of identical twins can be compared to see whether, when one twin has a disorder, the other has it as well. This provides us with a concordance rate. A concordance Rate: the extent to which two individuals are similar to each other in terms of a particular trait. There are low concordance rates for some mental disorders, such as phobias, but relatively high concordance rates for others e. g. schizophrenia. Genes tell the body how to function. They determine, for example, the levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain (biochemistry). Genes also determine the structure of the brain (Neuroanatomy). Research has shown that schizophrenics have enlarged ventricles in their brains, indicating of brain tissue around these spaces. Research suggests that some disorders may be related to exposure to certain viruses in utero (i. e. in the womb). For example, Torrey (2001) found that the mothers of many people with schizophrenia had contracted a particular strain of influenza during pregnancy. The virus may enter the unborn child’s brain, where it remains dormant until puberty, when other hormones may activate it, producing the symptoms of schizophrenia. The emergence of the medical model in the 18th century led to more humane treatment for mental patients. Until then mental illness was blamed on demons or on evil in the individual. The medical model offered a different source of blame – the illness, which was potentially treatable. However, more recent critics have claimed that the medical model is inhumane. Thomas Szasz (1972) argued that mental illnesses did not have a physical basis, therefore should not be thought of in the same way. He suggested that the concept of mental illness was ‘invented’ as a form of social control. The available evidence does not support a simple cause and effect link between mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and altered brain chemistry. For example, schizophrenia is commonly associated with an excess of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. However, some studies of schizophrenic patients have shown reduced levels of dopamine in some brain tissues, meaning that there may be simultaneous excesses and deficiencies in different parts of the brain. There is no evidence that mental disorders are purely caused by genetic inheritance – concordance rates are never 100%. Gottersman and Shields (1976) reviewed the results of five studies of twins looking for concordance rates for schizophrenia. They found that in monozygotic twins (identical) there was a concordance rate of around 50%. If schizophrenia was entirely the product of genetic inheritance then this figure should be 100%. It is likely that, in the case of certain disorders, what individuals inherit is susceptibility for the disorder, but the disorder itself only develops if the individual is exposed to stressful life conditions (i. e. stress). This is called the diathesis-stress model. Diathesis-Stress Model: a belief that, in case of certain disorders, individuals inherit a susceptibility for the disorder (diathesis) which develops only if he individual is exposed to difficult environmental conditions (stress). The greater the under-lying vulnerability, the less stress is needed to trigger the disorder.

Hinduism And Buddhism :: Religion Religious Essays

Hinduism and Buddhism Introduction-   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the five major religions in our world today. They are widely practiced, and have survived for centuries. Both have similarities and differences, as do all forms of religion. Hopefully, in this paper I will show you the basic structure of each religion. I would also like to show how they compare and contrast. Hinduism: Foundation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  No one is completely sure of where Hinduism was started and by whom. Their oldest written documents, the Vedas, were written down in 1000 B.C. but they had existed orally long before. The Vedas are where Hinduism originated. Today, Hinduism is the world's third largest religion. Many changes have come upon Hinduism since they practiced it first. Hinduism includes many different sects, or denominations, and beliefs that have arisen. Though, there are many things in common with all of the Hindu sects. Their basic beliefs are what ties them together. Basic Beliefs-   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The religion of Hinduism teaches us that each living body, including animals, is filled with an eternal soul. Hindus say that the individual soul was a part of the creator spirit, Brahma. It is each soul's job and wish eventually to return to Brahma. It is not possible though because by a soul's sins, and impurities from the world, they are no longer pure and holy to return. Instead, a soul must become pure before returning to Brahma, who is absolutely pure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The process of becoming pure is so hard that no soul can become pure in only one lifetime. The soul is forced to live life after life until it is pure enough to return to Brahma. The cycles of rebirths are called samsara, or the Wheel of Life, by the Hindus. When a soul is finally cleansed enough to break free of samsara it is called moksha. The soul returns to Brahma for an eternity of contentment and ecstasy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is no one incorporating creed in Hinduism. A follower may choose any god as their personal god, or may worship several of them. Though to be a Hindu there are certain things that a follower must believe in and live by. Their main beliefs are:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. A belief in karma, the result of one's good and bad deeds in a lifetime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2. A belief in dharma, Hindu traditions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3. A belief in the three main gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4. A belief in reincarnation after death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5. Honor for the sacred Vedas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6. A belief that, if lived a religious life, the Wheel of Life can end and achieve moksha.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7. An honor for an ascetic religious life, to be an orthodox Hindu.

History of Biological Warfare Essay

Biological warfare, also called germ warfare is the use of bacteria, toxins, virus or harmful organism by the military as weapons of war against the enemy. This means that a small quantity of these microorganisms have the capability to kill millions of people if spread evenly and effectively. These biological weapons can also cause sickness to enemy soldiers and disrupt enemy’s logistics and supply lines. Although biological warfare as such has hitherto not taken place on a large scale, yet assuming and apprehending its probable occurrence, many nations have built their individual defensive strategies to be on the safe side. On the basis of this assumption and probability, much research for the purpose of defense against biological weapons has been conducted by the scientists, highly sensitive industries and the governments. But since carrying out germ-warfare against humanity or using harmful bacteria or organism against human beings was considered entirely inhumane, an international treaty banning biological weapons came into force in 1975. By virtue of this treaty, production, possession, and use of such weapons were completely prohibited. More than 150 nations signed this treaty. Deadly Forms of Warfare in History The origin of biological warfare is traced back in ancient times, when the Assyrians, in 6th century B. C poisoned enemy wells with poisonous herbs (eukaryotes or fungi) that cused the enemy lose sanity or consciousness. This was the starting point of biological warfare in human history. Thence onward this typical warfare was used by many in the past e. g. Solon of Athens poisoned the water supply of Phocaea with extremely poisonous herb Veratrum, during his city’s siege; the archers of Scythian, during 4th century B. C. poisoned the tips of arrows to cause infection into the wounds of enemy; the Spartans used sulfur during the Peloponnesian War in 400 B. C. In medieval times, soldiers used to throw dead bodies into the wells. During the Indian-French wars in1689 and 1763, blankets used by smallpox patients were given to Indians for carrying the disease to the latter. It was Germany, which, during World War I, used poisonous gas for the first time against Allied forces at Belgium and Ypres. The use of poisonous gas by Germany caused about 30 percent of casualties suffered by the US army. The use of poisonous gas proved so fatal and devastating in nature that many nations unanimously agreed to ban the use of gas and extremely harmful chemical substances in future wars. But again it was Iraq which breached the agreement and used chemical weapons against Iran in eight years long war (1980-1988). Iraq was also held responsible for using chemical weapons against the independence seeking Kurdish people. Relatively New Forms of Warfare Some of the new forms of warfare that have lately engaged nations in the design, technique and art of modern warfare include: 1. Chemical Warfare 2. Biological Warfare 3. Radiological Warfare 4. Mine Warfare 5. Guerrilla Warfare 6. Amphibious Warfare 7. Psychological warfare 8. Siege Warfare 9. Nuclear Warfare From the above forms of warfare, the chemical, radiological, and biological warfare are singled out as ones in which CBR weapons are used for mass killing; disabling millions of people instantly, transmitting fatal diseases into enemy rank and file; incapacitating the enemy physically, and destroying their food supplies. How do they Work? Chemical Warfare Chemical Warfare involves all those chemical substances which affect the nervous as well as the respiratory systems, besides affecting skin, eyes, and nose. The chemicals, which include gases, liquids, and powders, can be sprayed from airplanes, dropped as bombs, fired in the form of artillery shells, or spread over the area through land mines. But there are some colorless and odorless nerve agents which, if inhaled, can cause immediate death while some chemical agents can cause temporary blindness or confusion. The mustard gas also called ‘Blister Agent’ caused many casualties during World War I. But it is quite relieving to see the chemical agents not widely used in warfare since the end of World War I (1918). Radiological Warfare Radiological Warfare involves those substances that give off radiation, and which may damage the internal organs of a person and even cause death. Radiological warfare is extremely dangerous because the released radioactivity in the process renders the entire area unfit for human life. Mine Warfare Mine Warfare is the use of explosive devices called mines to kill enemy troops and destroy their ships, tanks, and other equipment. Some mines explode when a person steps on them or run over by a tank or jeep, while the naval mines are detonated by the passing of a ship. The two major kinds of mines are: 1. The Land Mines 2. The Naval Mines The main types of land mines are:1) antipersonnel mines, 2) antitank mines, 3) chemical mines, 4) controlled mines, and 5) nuclear mines. There chief four kinds of naval mines include: 1) acoustic mines, 2) contact mines, 3) magnetic mines, and 4) pressure mines Guerrilla warfare Guerrilla warfare is conducted by the fighter bands that employ the tactics of sudden raids, ambushes, and other attacks on small-scale. The term â€Å"Guerrilla† which means â€Å"Little War† in Spanish, was first used by the Portuguese and Spanish armies during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). Amphibious warfare Amphibious warfare is the mode of army operations by land air and sea forces with the objective of capturing a coastal area or a beach. Generally the amphibious operations are considered the most intricate form of modern warfare. During World War II (1939-1945), after Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor and destroyed US naval installations in the Pacific Ocean, a common objective of United States amphibious warfare was to seize islands in order to build their advance on. These air and naval bases were captured for their operations against Japan. Antidotes for Biological Weapons The antidote for biological agents is a complete kit which contains medicines and treatments for nerve gas. It also contains injectors to fight anthrax, and antibiotics and drugs to reduce the effects of radiation exposure. Normally the kits are kept locked in military vans by the army. It is worthwhile noting that according to the briefing documents prepared by the Army Medical Department for the senior medical command in Iraq â€Å"Millions of dollars’ worth of such kits are incinerated in Iraq each year†. Army spokesman, Foster, D. said that the service’s policy is â€Å"to issue the [kits] to each unit prior to deployment, and ensure all unused [kits are] turned in prior to the unit’s redeployment for destruction. † Also the vice president for strategic security programs at the Federation of American Scientists, Ivan Oelrich, said that sending the Antidote-kits is a rational policy just in case â€Å"some terrorist gets hold of 10 gallons of nerve as† (Bob, 2007) Gas Mask Among other protective coverings such as injections of antidotes, gas masks too are used as one of the defensive measures against chemical agents. Gas mask protects a person from breathing poisonous gases and vapors into the lungs. Only air is allowed to enter the mask through the filter pads, which purifies and filters the air. The charcoal which is padded within the cheeks of mask purifies the air by trapping harmful gases and particles. Particulate filters can remove particles of smoke, dust, and even some harmful biological agents. The purifying materials are in the cheeks of present-day masks, which are often part of an entire protective suit. In World War I (1914-1918), masks were used to protect troops against gas attacks. Gas was not used in World War II (1939-1945), but armies had masks in case gas warfare began. During the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and the Iraq War, which began in 2003, gas masks were issued to troops and civilians in areas where it was feared Iraq would attack. (Lussier and Frances M, 2007)

Essay Issues That Modern College Students Face - 936 Words

College students are thrust into a new academic world only to be met by seemingly insurmountable troubles. The strains of everyday life added to the unique dilemmas associated with higher education unfortunately snowballs into overwhelming difficulties. Students attending universities are frequently financially unstable and often prone to depression. These stressful issues affect many college pupils—outwardly the majority. However, their complications are not forgotten; helpful options are abundant. Specifically, receiving education from a university is often difficult primarily due to the rising costs of tuition, living expenses, and miscellaneous fees and charges. Various college textbooks, expenses associated with owning a vehicle,†¦show more content†¦(O’Donnell Associates) With the help of these resources controlling fees associated with college education becomes unproblematic. At the very least, these assets can make financial issues less taxing. Likewise, college students also face depression. Depression is a serious illness classified by symptoms including loss of concentration, difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, feelings of hopelessness, uncontrollable negative thoughts and irritability. A growing number of undergraduates are developing this devastating disorder; factors such as stress, insecurity, and a lack of support produce and feed this ailment. Issues like inadequate funding may also add to a student’s aching depression. Naturally, a pupil with an overwhelming workload and a lack of encouragement would begin to feel blue. However, when the blues keep returning depression has set in. If not evaluated and treated the symptoms of depression could crush a student. A lack of concentration added to the distractions of campus life leave the afflicted young adult depressed and surrounded by slipping grades and helpless feelings. In short, depression affects countless college students and bruises their academic routes. Further learners are being diagnosed with mental disorders—predominantly depression—upon entering college. Of pupils entering a college clinic 93 percent were identified with a psychological health problem in 1998. Recently in 2009 that percentage has increase to 96 percent.2Show MoreRelatedIssue for Modern College Students1061 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: ISSUES FOR MODERN COLLEGE STUDENT Issues for Modern College Students Paul J. Matthie Excelsior College Student 1 ISSUES FOR MODERN COLLEGE STUDENT 2 Abstract There are many problems that the modern college student faces. Some of the issues are issues of costs and financial aid, balancing work/school/family, access to technology. When the professor gave the assignment. I got a writers block. I took my military background, and I found out three issues I think theRead MoreImmigration Laws and Its Impact on Undocumented Immigrant Students744 Words   |  3 Pagesundocumented college immigrant students The topic that will be introduced and discussed in this research paper is â€Å"Immigration Laws† and how it impacts undocumented college immigrant students living in California (2005-2010). This is a sensitive topic which often is neglected and not shown enough attention by government officials; meanwhile millions of people living within the U.S are being affected by it in their daily lives. This topic will consider its relevance to today’s sociological issues such asRead MoreThe Causes Of College Stress In College806 Words   |  4 Pages College Stress After graduating from high school many youngsters have the option to directly enter the work force. The majority of individuals who have the opportunityï ¼Å'nevertheless, decide to go to college before finding a job. The reality is that, they face lots of college stress, and some college students usually claim restate in English. For me personally, there are many stresses in college, such as family’s financial, a each of time management, the stress of learning itself, and many more. InRead MoreEssay about Why the Rich are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer1558 Words   |  7 Pagesopener and a warning for society regarding unemployment that it will be facing and is currently facing due to a lack of technology and education. It clearly articulates that the jobs of routine producers and in-person servers have vanished totally as modern techniques have replaced them. The author has stated that the only people whose jobs are on the rise are symbol analysts. As stated in the rep ort, symbol analysts are the real problem solvers. Their skills are highly in demand worldwide because theyRead MoreHow Industrialization Changed The Social, Political, And Economic Face Of America s Cities1007 Words   |  5 PagesIndustrialization changed the social, political, and economic face of America’s cities. A model of the reforms that society was experiencing can be found in the nation’s school system. Progressive changes took place in schools in the forms of â€Å"change in political control of education; change in educational thought; innovations in school curriculum and other practices; justification of schooling in terms of professionalism; and the importing of scientific management into school administration† (pRead MoreThe Stressful Life of College Students Essay606 Words   |  3 PagesStressful Life of College Students Modern life is full of demands, frustrations, hassles, and deadlines. Everyone experiences stress as it is a natural part of human life. Our bodies have a built mechanism for responding to stress. However, during a certain period of time, people tend to face more stress than usual. One of such periods is college life. It can be very stressful for some people, especially for those who are not used to carrying out with so many responsibilities. Students spend most ofRead MoreRacism And The Black Athlete Essay1483 Words   |  6 PagesRacism is an evolving problem that we have face in our society for generations. This issue is evolving because it opens itself to all components of life. Sport is no stranger to involvement with racism, in fact it has been a platform which sparks change or intensifies the state of racism in society. Racism refers to the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, to distinguish it as inferior or superio r to another race or races (Oxford Dictionary)Read MoreHow Sports And Extracurricular Activities1165 Words   |  5 PagesAnother obstacle that public high schools face is their budget allocation. Many times schools are either under funded by their district, which is mainly found in low income communities, or they just do not manage their funds in a way that maximizes their efficiency. The latter of the two usually occurs in schools that have a large focus on their athletics, campus construction, or unnecessary field trips or extracurricular activities. This is where the situation gets tricky. There are many that seeRead MoreThe New Academic Freedom and Its Effects on Higher Education1067 Words   |  5 Pagescommunity. As a result, the influence of religion played a lesser role in the development of curriculum across colleges and universities as professors seized their newly granted academic freedom. With the advent of the modern liberal movement in the United States, the atmosph ere in colleges and universities has become increasingly oppressive of Christianity in the name of â€Å"academic freedom†. This issue was effectively characterized in William Buckley’s God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of â€Å"AcademicRead MoreIn Modern America, The Student Seems To Have Little Say1383 Words   |  6 PagesIn modern America, the student seems to have little say in his or her education. Instead, groups of arguably outdated men and women gather in government buildings to decide the future of millions of students they will never meet. The topic of education in America has become the sort of issue everyone feels at liberty to remark upon -- the stranger who rolls their eyes at your major and my grandfather who complains about â€Å"those damn unions† share the same sense of misguided zealotism. Luckily, no