Critically evaluate how psychological theories Essay Example

Critically evaluate how psychological theories Essay Example Critically evaluate how psychological theories Essay Critically evaluate how psychological theories Essay Psychology has been applied in many different areas of everyday life to try and explain why we behave in the ways that we do. However it is important to note that although psychology does give a broader insight into understanding most human behaviour, it is not possible to have one single conclusive theory. It is more often the case that many different theories can be combined in order to produce a more comprehensive explanation of behaviour. This is true when psychology is used to explain addictive behaviours; there is not one conclusive theory that explains substance addiction and dependence. An addiction is a syndrome involving behaviour and feelings of impaired control (West 2006). Addictive drugs are those whose reinforcing effects are so potent that some people who are exposed to the drugs are unable to go for very long without taking them, and whose lives become organised around taking the drug. Drug dependence is said to occur when the individual continues use of the substance despite significant substance related problems (Davies 1997). This essay will draw together and discuss the various psychological theories, concepts and explanations in order to evaluate how effective these have been in explaining drug addiction and dependence. As with many areas of psychology, problems arise when behaviour needs to be defined. This is particularly true with addiction. How do we know when someone is addicted? Where are the boundaries? Addiction is yet another socially constructed term that is difficult to define because what constitutes an addiction to one person is not addiction to another. In order to understand why it is that addictive behaviours occur, we must first acknowledge that there are two types of dependence. Eddy et al (1965) defined psychological dependence as A feeling of satisfaction and a psychic drive that requires periodic or continuous administration of the drug to produce pleasure or avoid discomfort (cited in Ghodse 1995). This kind of dependence demonstrates an overriding compulsion to take the drug, even when the individual is certain in the knowledge that it is harmful, or when aware of the consequences of possession of the substance (Ghodse 1995). The other type of dependence is physical dependence, also defined by Eddy et al as An adaptive state manifested by intense physical disturbances when the drug is withdrawn. The body becomes so accustomed to the drug and withdrawal symptoms are much more apparent. The unpleasant nature of the withdrawal syndrome can lead to an individual actually increasing the intensity of their drug taking, in order to avoid or relieve this withdrawal discomfort (Ghodse 1990). Psychoactive substances all have very different chemical properties. Not all drugs are obviously addictive. For example, long term, regular use of cannabis leads to tolerance and increasing difficulty stopping despite wishing or attempting to do so. Although the risk of dependence is substantially less than for nicotine or opiates, it is similar to that of alcohol (DiClemente 2003). Heroin addicts often take daily doses that would kill a normal person and experience very unpleasant symptoms if they go cold turkey and try to stop. In these terms, tobacco and cocaine were not obviously addictive, yet it was clear that these were extremely difficult habits to break. (Drugs: dilemmas and choices 2000). This is  where the distinction between physical and psychological dependence emerged. It is possible for a person to be psychologically dependent on a drug, without manifesting any physical dependence on it. However, it is generally accepted that although someone may be physically dependant on a drug, the state of dependence cannot be said to exist without some kind of psychological dependence present (Ghodse 1995). Under the Rational Informed Stable Choice (RISC) model, we do things because we expect them to produce benefits, and we know about and are willing to accept the adverse consequences, whether this is smoking, drinking, or drug taking. For example, a drug user continues to take drugs because it is preferable to the alternative to living without drugs, not necessarily because they cannot stop (West 2006). In other words, the pleasure or escape the addict obtains from a drug is worth whatever the consequences might be. This model is rather simplistic, as its main point is that each individual chooses to keep taking the drug, and does not take into account any biological factors that may or may not be relevant.

Extraterritoriality and Extraterritorial Rights

Extraterritoriality and Extraterritorial Rights Extraterritoriality, also known as extraterritorial rights, is an exemption from local laws. That means that an individual with extraterritoriality who commits a crime in a particular country cannot be tried by the authorities of that country, although often she or he will still be subject to trial in his or her own country. Historically, the imperial powers often forced weaker states to grant extraterritorial rights to their citizens who were not diplomats - including soldiers, traders, Christian missionaries, and the like. This was most famously the case in East Asia during the nineteenth century, where China and Japan were not formally colonized but were subjugated to an extent by the western powers. However, now these rights are most commonly granted to visiting foreign officials and even landmarks and plots of land dedicated to foreign agencies such as dual-nationality war cemeteries and memorials to famous foreign dignitaries. Who Had These Rights? In China, the citizens of Great Britain, the United States, France and later Japan had extraterritoriality under the unequal treaties. Great Britain was the first to impose such a treaty on China, in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking that ended the First Opium War. In 1858, after Commodore Matthew Perrys fleet forced Japan to open several ports to ships from  the United States, western powers rushed to established most favored nation status with Japan, which included extraterritoriality. In addition to Americans, citizens of Britain, France, Russia, and the Netherlands enjoyed extraterritorial rights in Japan after 1858. However, Japans government learned quickly how to wield power in this newly internationalized world. By 1899, after the Meiji Restoration, it had renegotiated its treaties with all of the western powers ​and ended extraterritoriality for foreigners on Japanese soil. In addition, Japan and China granted each others citizens extraterritorial rights, but when Japan defeated China in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, Chinese citizens lost those rights while Japans extraterritoriality was expanded under the terms of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Extraterritoriality Today The Second World War effectively ended the unequal treaties. After 1945, the imperial world order crumbled and extraterritoriality fell into disuse outside of diplomatic circles. Today, ambassadors and their staffs, United Nations officials and offices, and ships that are sailing in international waters are among the people or spaces that may enjoy extraterritoriality. In modern times, contrary to the tradition, nations may extend these rights to allies who are visiting and often are employed during military troop ground movement through friendly territory. Interestingly, funeral services and memorials often are granted extraterritorial rights for the nation the monument, park or structure honors as is the case with the John F. Kennedy memorial in England and dual-nation cemeteries like the Normandy American Cemetary in France.

Enviromental engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Enviromental engineering - Essay Example Chemical or biological processes can help specific sources of phosphorus as from wastewater treatment plants (Henze & Van Loosdrecht 155). Biological nutrient removal processes in the treatment of waste waters lead to environmental, operational and economic benefit. For this purpose, stricter rules are being implemented for removing phosphorus from waste water. The different nutrient removal processes are chemical, physical and biological. Various biological methods are available for removing both nitrogen and phosphorus. The process of biological nutrient removal or BNR is based on a chain of biochemical reactions that convert nitrogen to another form. The main changes are nitrification and denitrification. â€Å"Nitrification is the conversion of ammonium, NH4+ to nitrite, NO2-, and finally to nitrate, NO3-â€Å" (PWTB A-4). Denitrification is the process by which, without dissolved oxygen bacteria use nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor and convert it to nitrogen gas. Denitrification occurs rapidly when an external substrate like wastewater or methanol is present for bacterial growth. Denitrification takes place slowly in the event of bacteria using nitrate in the absence of an external substance source. This is also termed as endogenous-level denitrification. The denitrification rates at endogenous level depend on sludge age and the active mass fraction of denitrifying bacteria (PWTB A-4). The effectiveness of the biological nutrient removal system is impacted by the â€Å"characteristics of the waste water influent to each zone of the process† (PWTB A-13). Both biological nitrogen removal and biological phosphorus removal can be carried out successfully only in the presence of adequate biodegradable organic substrate. The efficiency of the biological phosphorus removal process differs according to the specific organic compound available in the anaerobic zone. There is reduced efficiency of nitrogen

Consumers Activities and Consumption Assignment

Consumers Activities and Consumption - Assignment Example Anthony Giddens has theorized consumption as a concurrent basis and therapeutic response to the predicament of identities, originating from the pluralization of societies, their values as well as knowledge within the post-traditional social universe. Other post-modernists consumption researchers, like Baudrillard, have theorized consumption and the practices of consumer society as the semiotic system whereby signs are consumed and not just the products. For instance, societies are recognized by the institution and expansion of exchange networks by which individuals acquire essential goods plus services. This is evident in the messages in which firms convey, such as the Scotland Food & Drink Ltd vision which states that in order to make Scotland globally acknowledged as a place of quality food and drink, they bring together their clients to discuss the organization successes, its problems, and ideas. Hence, the firm harness the combined resources of its entire supply chain and the con sumer s within the general public so as to celebrate their products. According to Don Slater, the consumer culture is an engine for redirecting any reflection of critical consciousness towards product desires, whereby the trouncing of consciousness is characterized by manipulation as well as persuasion. Furthermore, the consumption and consumer society is theorized as an opulent and materially satisfying consciousness that has replaced the real society with desires which are more purposeful to capitalism.

Red Badge Of Courage :: Essays Papers

Red Badge Of Courage Throughout the story many settings appear, the most important one is the battlefield. The time is 1862, which is the period of the Civil War. The story begins at dawn on a cold morning when the army rests by campfires on some hills. As a tall soldier, who later becomes known as Jim Conklin, washes his shirt at the river, he hears a rumor. He rushes to tell his comrades that the regiment will move the following day. When the loud soldier, Wilson, hears this rumor, he argues with Jim that it is a lie. While this argument is taking place, the youthful soldier and main character in the story, Henry Fleming, is listening attentively. He then thinks what his reaction to fighting in battle will be. A flashback to when he first enlisted against his mother’s wishes occurs. He remembers fantasies of glorious and bloody wars of times past. Henry thinks that war is a courageous adventure. This transports us to a different setting at his farmhouse. During this time, the people live a simple life mostly based on agriculture. The youth also recalls his mother’s lecture before departing. â€Å"She could . . . give him many hundreds of reasons why he was vastly more important on the farm than on the field of battle† (p. 4). His mother warns him about taking care of himself and staying away from bad companions. His mother’s character symbolizes many different concepts. Because of the era in which the story takes place, one can imagine that this woman is uneducated. Her farming lifestyle implies that she is a hard-worker, especially since no father-figure is present in the household. This image also sets an earthy, or realistic, tone contrasting with Henry’s fantasizing. Her simple actions, such as knitting him socks, and farewell speech show her motherly love, which represents motherhood. In this mental setting, one learns of Henry’s emotions about his mother and his views about war. He struggles with the idea of what his reaction will be to a real battle. The notion that he might run penetrates his thoughts. Running would prove that he is not courageous or heroic and that his fantasies of triumph in war are just fantasies. The more he imagines himself fighting, the more he â€Å". . . failed in an effort to see himself standing stoutly in the midst of them,† them being the threats of the future attacks (p.

The Factors Affecting Insomia

Surveys in industrialized western countries found that in any one year, about one-third of the adult population say they have some degree of Insomnia. 34 doctors said that about 12% of their patients complain of sleep disturbance (Lack and Thorn 1991). They also sound that 33% of adults reported difficulty sleeping, and 11% said they has problems sleeping at least frequently. Other research indicates that 75% of people with chronic insomnia who seek treatment at clinics or are poor sleepers blame the sleep problems on stressful life events ( Kales, 1984). Even though the information from Kales seems like a high estimate, it appears likely that chronic insomnia often develops from emotionally transient or short-term insomnia. Insomnia can be looked at as total lack of sleep but others say it†s a sleep disorder. Allen (1991) believes that insomnia is not a disorder but a symptom or a group of symptoms. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, frequently and prolonged gross physical or psychological pathology. This is said to be one of the most common sleep disturbances. Insomnia is the opposite form of sleep disturbance and it may be an associated with a variety of pathological conditions. There are different kinds of insomnia: 1) Transient insomnia which is a sleep complaint that has been present for only a few nights, 2) Short-term insomnia a condition that last for six or eight weeks; and 3) Chronic insomnia which are symptoms that have been occurring for years. (Mant & Bearpark, 1990) Some drugs and behaviors can result in or worsen sleep problems, such as drinking caffeine-containing beverages, smoking and alcohol intake before going to bed. Varying bedtimes from night to night and changing work shifts are other lifestyle factors that can undermine sleep quality (Searle, 1998). Environmental factors such as noise from passing traffic, airplanes, neighbors stereo blasting aloud, too much light in a room and extreme temperature can disturb sleep. This disorder or just lack of sleep can be look at as some sort of Insomnia. Insomnia often present as one or more of the following: difficulty in getting to sleep, general sleep disturbance, and early morning awakening. Sleep in this case may not be shortened, but disrupted. However, if this becomes severe such disruption causes excessive daytime sleepiness (Horne, 1988). Coats and Thoresen (1984) designed a study to find out whether daytime thoughts and behavior are associated with good and poor sleep. The subjects in the study were two teachers with heavy daytime stress and insomnia. The goal of the study was to determine whether day or night sleeping brings about more cases of insomnia. They found a correlation between the amount of the subject†s actual sleep and mood the next day. This consisted of recordings for the subjects sleeping at nights, including individuals who to paid close attention to the subject†s teaching during that time, and a breakdown of subject†s thoughts and feelings as recorded on the tapes. In the results, the researchers found a connection between the daily actions (mood, stress-related behaviors and negative statements) and actual sleep relating to the complaint of lack of sleep (Coates & Thorensen, 1984). Behavioral assessments can be a good way of treating insomniacs has shown in the previous study. Friedman, Bootzin, Hazelwood, and Tsao (1992) conducted a study to observe whether behavioral treatments can work for older adults with insomnia. The age group of these participants ranged from 46 to 76. They included experimental conditions for support and sleep hygiene, stimulus control and a control group. The results of the study reveal that all groups were capable of improving assessed awakenings, naptime, and a feeling of euphoria after waking up. The subjects at week 3 felt less depressed and slept better. Even after a 2year follow up, researchers also found that the stimulus control subjects kept on using the treatment and had a good sleep habit and sleep quality. Therefore, the researchers concluded that behavioral treatments would be effective in improving sleep among older adults with insomnia. Other considerations of treatment such as drug treatment, physical exercise, sleep environment and diet. In drug treatment, drugs that enhance sensory flow and activation (antidepressants and Ritalin) are only good for short-term use ( Baekenland , 1970). Physical exercise can help to increase sensory flow and activation for the efficient onset and maintenance of sleep. A good sleep environment such as going to bed with the television, radio, fan or light is often helpful because it can enhance sensory flow and accompany anxiety that comes with lack of sleep. In diet, a high protein (fat) low carbohydrate diet would benefit sleep because it helps to keep blood sugar falling to the low levels that trigger adrenegic alerting reactions. It also increases NE, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and depresses brain seratonin an inhibitory neurotransmitter ( Schildkruat, 1967).

The Cognitive Effects Of Single Diagnosed With Dementia

Dementia is a condition resulting from obtained brain disease and distinguished by progressive decay in memory and other cognitive fields such as judgment, abstract thinking, language, and executive functioning. This disease is usually caused by degeneration in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for thoughts, memories, actions, and personality. Death of brain cells in this area leads to the impairments that distinguish dementia. Though the cognitive outline of single diagnosed with dementia vary somewhat by etiology, the degree of deterioration stands for a decrease from previous levels of cognitive functioning and is enough to impede with social and occupational functioning. This downfall is beyond what might be expected from normal aging in a person. It can cause impairment with everyday activities such as dressing, feeding, and bathing. Dementia is reported that it doubles every five years after the age of 65. The cognitive decrease related with dementia affects an individual’s capacity to understand and produce capability information. In addition, behavioral issues that grow as a outcome of the neuropathology such as repetitiousness, hallucinations, and paranoia may interfere with communicating with others. The likelihood of suffering from dementia increases with age. It mostly occurs in the second half of life. One is at a risk after the age of 65 to develop dementia. It usually progresses slowly. Dementia is mostly related with the older adultShow MoreRelatedCase Study - Early Alzheimers1730 Words   |  7 PagesONSET ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Case Study of Early Onset Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type by Nico Mulder, Ph.D Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Y University for Biological, Developmental amp; Scientific Basis of Behavior February 26, 2012 Abstract This paper reviews the use of cognitive rehabilitation treatment of early stage of dementia Alzheimer’s type. 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