...Empathy: The Unexpected Lesson I am not an altruistic person. My view on life has always been that you are responsible for yourself and no one else. Before Composition 1301, I found it hard to empathize with a cause that was not my own. I never understood why people would become outraged by statements made in mainstream media or lash out against private businesses over offensive practices. I always felt that you could ignore the comments, and if a company were genuinely impudent, the free market and lack of patronage would cause it to close. I attribute this outlook mostly to my youth. Growing up as an illegal immigrant in a southern state running across offensive situations was not uncommon. Many times, during amnesty marches in Dallas, all...
Words: 906 - Pages: 4
...------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Childhood to Adolescence Development ------------------------------------------------- Monica Rodriguez-Sosa ------------------------------------------------- University of Houston – Downtown Introduction As we age and grow in life, we constantly change in many different aspects. It is natural for humans to develop new ways of thinking, being, and feeling. At childhood, we might have show certain behaviors that we do not show in adolescence. Not only does our behavior change, but our physical appearance does too, along with our emotions. This paper will detail three changes that take place in each of the realms of cognitive, physical, and emotional growth from childhood to adolescence. Early Childhood First, physical development of a child occurs at a slower rate than infancy. Boyd and Bee (2009) write that every year a child ages, they grow about two to three in height and about six pounds in weight (p. 177). Both authors also define the motor skills that children gain during childhood. For example, a child at age two can climb on furniture whereas a 6 year-old can walk on a line. As children age, they gain more muscle, giving them the ability to move around easier. Another example is brain growth. This kind of development can be explained by looking at the corpus callosum. Boyd and Bee (2009) explain that this brain structure is what connects the right...
Words: 1407 - Pages: 6
...perspective on the relationship between rumination and forgiveness in the literature suggests that rumination is detrimental to forgiveness, and that changes in rumination are the antecedent to changes in forgiveness. This paper outlines the prevailing theoretical perspectives on this relationship and presents a critical analysis of a selection of influential studies and their conclusions. An alternative theoretical perspective is introduced and some limitations of the current studies, as well as suggestions for further research, are made. In order to understand the relationship between rumination and forgiveness, these terms need to be defined. Whilst no single agreed upon definition exists, there are a set of common elements that underlie these constructs. Rumination can be broadly described as a cognitive process involving conscious repetitive thoughts which revolve around a common theme, and are present even in the absence of immediate environmental demands requiring those thoughts (Martin & Tesser, 1996). Nolen-Hoeksema, Wisco and Lyubomirsky (2008) conceptualise rumination as a way of responding to distress involving repetitively and passively focusing on the event or cause of the distress. Forgiveness can be described in general terms as a reduction in feelings of hurt, avoidance of the transgressor, and revenge-seeking (McCullough, Rachal, Sandage, Worthington, Brown and Hight, 1998). Worthington and Wade (1999) go a step further in distinguishing between forgiveness...
Words: 2207 - Pages: 9
...stated. In addition, an explanation of the biological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components of the disorder will be a main focal point. This discussion is about a case study of O.J. Simpson, the famous football hero and even more famous subject of the most infamous murder trial in contemporary American history. Orenthal James Simpson was the subject of a California trial regarding a brutal murder of his wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Both victims were horribly murdered, the ferocity of these murders was apparent with the fact that Nicole Brown Simpson and Mr. Goldman’s heads were almost completely severed from their bodies. Truly, whoever committed this crime was a sociopath with no cognition of the normality that our society consider right or wrong. Yes, the question remains if Mr. Simpson committed this horrible, psychopathic act, this paper will delve into the scenario that he did, although he was figured innocent (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009) The disorder in question is sociopathic, so what is a sociopath? Also known as Antisocial Personality Disorder, the definition is: Psychopaths have a personality disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy combined with abnormally immoral conduct despite an ability to appear normal. In basic terms, psychopaths have an ability to live among social structures yet possess little or no emotion or empathy towards others married with extremely violent tendencies (U.S. National...
Words: 689 - Pages: 3
...relationships, and improve our communication skills. It is my belief that everyone deserves a second chance to build a strong and meaningful life. The journey through life forces us to deal with our past, present, and future. My theory is one of hope and will provide encouragement to focus on feelings and behaviors. The following research will provide an insight into Adlerian and Reality, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Gestalt, REBT, and Existential therapy. Keywords: journey, chance, encouragement, relationships, communication Philosophical Assumptions At some point in life everyone wants to feel as though they are truly being heard and understood by others. I believe empathy is at the core of understanding and developing a relationship with the client. Elliott, Bohart, Watson, and Greenberg (2011) re-emphasize Carl Rogers’ definition of empathy as “the therapist’s sensitive ability and willingness to understand the client’s thoughts, feelings and struggles from the client’s point of view” (Elliott, Bohart, Watson, and Greenberg, p44, 2011). Once empathy and a trusting relationship are established the ideas and skills for change and acceptance can be introduced. Change is not always a welcomed entity and often brings about anxiety, stress, and conflict. In my theory I believe that hope, strength, and meaning are the building blocks for change. Artist Mary Engelbreit once said, “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change...
Words: 2674 - Pages: 11
...projected onto the external world. The belief that the highest good a person can do is self-sacrifice is a personal belief, and the drive to adhere to this belief is self-serving. To not adhere to such a personal belief would cause cognitive dissonance, and the many clever ways that humans avoid cognitive dissonance have been made evident (Chapanis & Chapanis, 1964). Gandhi preaches about detachment from the fruits of action in his translation of the Bhagavad Gita. Doing good works in service to others without attachment to the fruits of your actions, or expecting anything in return, is a working definition of altruism. However, I argue that is impossible to be detached from the fruits of your actions, because we cannot escape the nature of the unconscious. Psychological knowledge has made it clear that charity, altruism, and random acts of kindness are superficial; at their root is a selfish endeavor. Psychology has exposed the inner life of the brain. Human behavior is no longer attributed to souls, spirits, or other supernatural forces. In the rigid, skeptical, and reductionist corners of academia, free will and personal responsibility have been replaced by a deterministic perspective. Psychological principles such as behaviorism, cognitive dissonance, and hedonism have undermined traditional beliefs about charity, altruism, and acts of kindness. From an evolutionary psychology and functionalism perspective, all behavior can be reduced to an evolutionary function. All evolutionary...
Words: 845 - Pages: 4
...Applying an Integrated Approach to a Case Example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy Applying an Intergraded Approach to a Case Example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy Theory plays an important role in the process and outcome of therapy. For this reason, it is a topic that is examined in depth in human service education programs and research. Theory is used to explain client problems and to dictate what is done in the counseling process (Hackney, 1992). Theory can be used to define “the nature of the relationship between the counselor and client, to conceptualize the nature of the presenting problem(s), and to define the resulting counseling goals or desired outcomes” (p.2). In the past, much focus has been paid on delineating and accentuating the differences between the many theories of therapy (Sprenkle, 2003, p. 93). Today, there is a move towards convergence of theories within the helping practices (Hackney, 1992, p. 3; Sprenkle, 2003). Researchers and practitioners are searching for an integrated approach which emphasizes the key components within the helping process and relationship that have been linked to effective therapy (Hackney, 1992, p.2). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) have been shown to bring about positive changes in therapy. CBT and PCT, like all single-theory approaches, have limitations. Literature suggests that...
Words: 4676 - Pages: 19
...level. Faculty must educate these students to provide increasingly complex care while socializing them as PMH advanced practitioners. PURPOSE. To present how one online program is addressing these issues by reasserting the centrality of the relationship and by assuring it has at least equal footing with the application of a burgeoning knowledge base of neurobiology of mental illness. SOURCES. Published literature from nursing and psychology. CONCLUSIONS. The PMH graduate faculty believes that they have developed strategies to meet this challenge and to help build a PMH workforce that will maintain the centrality of the relationship in PMH practice. Search terms: Nurse–patient relations, psychiatric nursing, empathy, therapeutic relationship, education, nursing, graduate Perspectives in Psychiatric Care Vol. 42, No. 4, November, 2006 Suzanne Perraud, RN, PhD, is Associate Professor/ Associate Chair, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL. Kathleen R. Delaney, RN, DNSc, is Associate Professor, Rush University College of Nursing, and Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Children’s Inpatient Unit, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Mary...
Words: 7439 - Pages: 30
...nothing to do with personal attributes. We don’t need extroverted charismatic traits to practice leadership. And those with charisma don’t automatically lead. WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? • Peter Drucker: “The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.” • Warren Bennis: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” • Bill Gates: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” • John Maxwell: “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” • Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal. • Leadership isn’t management. Leadership and management are not synonymous. Leadership versus Management: What's the difference? LEADERSHIP STYLES What is emotional intelligence? • Ability to use your emotions, feelings, and moods (and those of others) as a source of information to help guide actions. • Emotional intelligence is more important than technical skills, or traditional cognitive skills, in shaping our leadership effectiveness. • An organization's success is directly related to the emotional intelligence level of its leaders. Emotional Intelligence Theory: The Four Elements Daniel Goleman, (2002) EMPATHY Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care - YouTube...
Words: 417 - Pages: 2
...RUNNING HEADER Can a Child Commit a Crime with Criminal Intent? Can a Child Commit a Crime with Criminal Intent? Edward W. Hargrave Forum 3 Case Study Liberty University PSYC 210 Can a Child Commit a Crime with Criminal Intent? Criminal intent by definition means, the intent to do something wrong or forbidden by law…intent refers to the state of mind accompanying an act…it is the outline of the mental pattern which is necessary to do the crime” (Criminal Intent). The question in this situation is whether it is or it is not possible for a child to commit a crime with criminal intent. I believe the answer to this particular question can be found in the argumentation within several of the factors that we have studied thus far in this course. These factors mentioned being biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. Introduction This particular little boy is considered to be in the stage of the ‘play years’, which is when children are between the ages of 2 and 6 years. As a 6-year-old child, his brain has not fully developed. The process of lateralization, which is when both the right and the left sides of the brain are being connected, has not yet been completed. The right hemisphere of the brain is engaged in reasoning, analyzing, and logical thinking and the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for emotions, constant, and communication. According to the PowerPoint presentation, a child within this stage has insufficient muscle control along with lacking...
Words: 891 - Pages: 4
...however, I should wonder whether we even can be here to help others: is selflessness really possible? Or is "altruism" merely doing things for others in order to feel good about ourselves? If human altruism exists, how does our neural system deal with it? The issue of altruism is complicated by the lack of agreement about many aspects of it, including its very definition. The word altruism, which comes from the Italian altrui, was coined in 1851 by August Comte to refer to benevolence (2). Although not everyone agrees today on what precisely altruism entails, the most basic definition is seeking the welfare of others (1). This definition is often extended, however, to include the necessity of some personal sacrifice on the part of the altruist; Edward O. Wilson defined altruism as "self-destructive behavior performed for the benefit of others" (1), (3). There is also an idea of reciprocal altruism, which is self-sacrificing behavior with the expectation that the favor will be returned eventually (4). If this behavior is motivated by the desire for future reward, it does not really fit the generally accepted definitions of altruism. In nonhuman animals, altruism is mainly seen in the form of one animal sacrificing or risking its life to save another. Studies of animals by researchers such as Hamilton, who worked with bees who sacrifice themselves to allow the queen to produce offspring with their genetic makeup, have led to an evolutionary explanation of altruism (4). One account...
Words: 1553 - Pages: 7
...Central Michigan University Seymour Johnson AFB/Global Campus MSA 501-Managing Change with Emotional Intelligence Dr. Bonnie Anderson September 13, 2015 Emotional Skill Assessment Submitted by Tina Williamson Abstract I have questioned myself several times about my leadership style since becoming a supervisor with my current employer. I must admit that I accepted my position without a clue of how to effectively supervise others. I’m learning that becoming a great leader takes time and clearly doesn’t happen overnight, especially if you are not a “born” leader. However, I believe that continuous training and education will improve my leadership skills. This paper will consist of several things to include: four different surveys and tallying up the scores to reflect my degree of emotional intelligence, assessments and scores that identify my strengths and weaknesses, and skills that I could use to improve my emotional intelligence to be an effective leader. I believe that there are different types of leadership styles in the workplace. Some people were assigned to be leaders from their mother’s womb and others require training. The style of a leader depends on three things: beliefs, values and skills. The characteristics of a good leader should consist of honesty, respectfulness, sense of humor, the ability to inspire and encourage, good communication skills, flexibility, confidence and commitment. I participated...
Words: 2504 - Pages: 11
...Altruism and Pro Social Behavior Social Psychology Naomi Jackson Instructor Cheryl V. Browning Upper Iowa University ALTRUISM AND PRO SOCIAL BEHAVIOR One may ask what causes people to jeopardize their own health and well-being to help other people. What is it that inspires individuals to give their time, energy, and money to aid in the betterment of others, even when they receive nothing tangible in return? Altruism involves the unselfish concern for other people. It involves doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious. I’ve noticed that everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from the person who greets me going into Wal-Mart to the person who gives a generous donation to the march of dimes. Although news stories often focus on a greater scale of altruism, such as a person risking their life to save a child from a burning building that they don’t even know. To giving a generous donation to a local charity. Social Psychologists are interested in understanding why it occurs. Really, what does inspire these acts of kindness? What motivates people to risk their own lives to save a complete stranger? Altruism is one aspect of what Social Psychologists refer to Pro Social behavior. Pro Social behavior refers to any action that benefits other people, no matter what the motive or how the giver benefits from the action. While all altruistic acts are Pro Social...
Words: 1008 - Pages: 5
...STUDENT NAME: STUDENT ID: Article introduction: This article is written by Daniel Goleman. He is a co director of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations at Rutgers University, also is the author of Focus, the Hidden Driver of Excellence. Title of this article is “The Focused Leader”. This is mainly focused on ‘How effective executives direct their own and their organization’s attention. This is reviewed in December 2013, Harvard business review volume no. 91. Article theme: This article is written about the leadership. In this article the author focus that a good leader must be “self aware” and “self directed”. He argues that in a good leader Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness. Leaders who heed their inner voices can draw on more resources to do so; leaders must learn to focus their own attention. A look at how people focus inward can make this abstract concept more concrete. Hearing your inner voice is a matter of paying careful attention to internal physiological signals. How well people can sense their heartbeats has, in fact, become a standard way to measure their self-awareness. A good leader has fully command and control on his emotions. He has ability to judge situation promptly. Leaders are self controlled especially in the anxiety and crises situations. They have ability to hide their emotions, in nutshell they are good actor. A good leader always keeps an eye on future. He is social person and very focused in his strategies...
Words: 1035 - Pages: 5
...around them as they strive to make the best of each situation. The concept of emotional intelligence appears to be relatively new compared to other areas of psychology with concentrations of research developing different, and sometimes conflicting results, mostly depending on who is doing the research. The concept might not have been around long enough yet to have developed a set of standards that can be unanimously agrees upon for the most part. Finding a definition of the term, again, just depends on who you ask; for the most part, the definitions that can be found use many of the same words and express many of the same ideas. Generally, a definition would be similar to: The ability (natural or learned) to acquire and apply knowledge from our emotions and the emotions of others in order to help us make better decisions about what to say or do next. Byron Stock and Associates LLC (2007-2009). The difference between our emotional intelligence and our cognitive intelligence, sometimes termed our I.Q., is that our cognitive intelligence includes intellectual abilities such as logic, reason, reading, writing, analyzing, and prioritizing. These abilities all take place in our heads using only the neocortex and do not require any social skills, in other words we can perform them all by ourselves. True emotional intelligence would require the ability to analyze not just our own emotions, but the emotions of those around us as well, take...
Words: 775 - Pages: 4
