ePortfolio for Psychology

1. 1 Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio Natacia Palmer Psychology, 2010

2. Personal Statement Ever since I can remember I questioned everything that had mechanical components. No explanation was good enough and it caused me to spend many hours trying to figure things out to satisfy myself. I began to grow a strong interest in science and in 1993 I applied to New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York under the major of Mechanical Engineering Technology. I completed 1 year and then transferred to Binghamton University for Mechanical Engineering. In my third year, I took an engineering seminar course which peaked my interest in the marriage of engineering and the medical field. It was at this point that Biomedical Engineering became of great interest to me. Since this major was not offered at Binghamton University, I transferred back to New York Institute of Technology. Life is an adventure and I was excited about my new major. I continued with the major in addition to working full time. It finally got to the point where I could not continue because the last group of course work was 4 and 5 hour labs several times a week. I knew that I could not take these courses and work full time. At this point I felt like a reached a road block. I loved school and I did not want to give up. For two years I looked for other options for me to continue and finish school. I looked into online schools before for engineering but I could not find anything. One day I stumbled onto Argosy University’s website and look at the majors. Psychology stood out to me for the first time and I began to read up on what the course work entailed. Because I was currently working for Sprint Communications as a Project Manager, I figured that psychology would offer an excellent application to how I can interact with my customers, with management and with my co-workers better. Having some insight on human behavior would only help me in future endeavors. Regardless of what I decided to take in graduate school, I knew that I could always apply Psychology to it. My goals for my future education are pretty heavy but I am a very ambitious and determined person. I want to study to get my MBA with concentrations in Finance and Healthcare Administration. I feel that my background in undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Psychology would greatly propel me through this coursework. I also feel that the project management skills that I developed in working for Sprint can also apply to my studies toward my MBA. At Sprint Communications, we are constantly undergoing training in time management, project management, email/phone etiquette, business profitability and dedicated customer service. I handle 7 major accounts with Sprint Communications that bill over $250,000 a month. I send out month billing reports, forecasting spreadsheets, conduct company trainings, power point presentations and monitor major projects for each company. I have been doing this for 7 years. With these skills and the combination of previous coursework study, I feel that I would be an excellent candidate for the MBA program. My journey is not complete once I complete the MBA program. Lately I have been considering going for my doctorate in business at Argosy University. Because I am short 5 classes to complete my Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Life Sciences, I also was looking into finishing this course work in the future It will not be easy, but success never is. I can be easily described and determined, dedicated and ambitious. This is part of my personality and to be able to start the MBA program at Argosy University would be a definite accomplishment.

3. Resume Objective: To obtain a position in the field of Psychology and Business Administration Related Courses: Organizational Leadership in Organizations, General Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Advanced Psychology, Interviewing Techniques, Psychology of Women, Counseling Theories, Psychology Statistics, Developmental Psychology, Human Sexuality, Maladaptive Behaviors, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods, Psychological Psychology, Disabilities, Maladaptive Behavior & Psychopathology, Bio-psychosocial Effects of Substances & Interpersonal Effectiveness. Other Courses: Calculus I-II, Differential Equation I-II, Machine Design, Engineering Mechanics (statics and dynamics), Electrical Engineering Tech I, Computer Science I, Turbo C+, Microsoft Office (Excel, Power Point, Word, Works, Access), Computer Aided Engineering, Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), Medical Terminology, Organic Chemistry I-II & Anatomy & Physiology I-II. Education 3/2009 present Psychology, Argosy University Bachelor in Psychology expected 9/2010 1/03-9/2008 Biomedical Engineering (studied), New York Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology, (anticipated Dec 2012) 5/01-9/2008 Medical Laboratory Technology (studied), Nassau Community College 3/00-05/2001 A+ PC Technician (studied), Nova Computer Center 9/94-6/1999 Mechanical Engineering (studied), Binghamton University

4. Resume Experience 07/01-present Implement Project Manager - Retention Specialist Inbound, Sales Escalations, Account Modification Technical Support, Sprint/Nextel Communications Assist company in corporate account maintenance and auditing Profitably save and retain customers requesting to disconnect service Resell the benefits of Sprint/Nextel products and services against other wireless competitive offerings. Provides responsive customer service and interfaces with Nextel s regional Sales, Network and Customer Operations market/region contacts to resolve the customer s account and product issues Present PowerPoint presentations for forecasting and Account modification purposes. Meet monthly quota for customer’s retain to company Manage corporate business accounts Assist corporate accounts with billing, product and service availability. Provide corporate accounts with detailed monthly excel spreadsheets of customer’s cost per revenue and product usage. Manage and coordinate specific complex projects to ensure customer’s satisfaction of service and billing. 2/01-07/01 Member Services, Empire Health Choice Blue Cross Blue Shield Assist customers in general health benefits questions Adjust and process medical claims Process and handle escalated billing issues Assist is selling company services to prospective customers and medical providers Assist medical providers in patient medical claim questions and inquiries.

5. Resume 7/99 – 2/01 Credit Card Customer Service, JP Morgan Chase Manhattan Bank Profitably retain customers requesting to disconnect service Discussed and explained APR and Interest terms to JP Morgan Chase credit card customers Resell JP Morgan Chase products to current and prospective Chase customers 5/97 – 5/99 Collections Customer Service, MCI WorldCom Provided responsive customer service with MCI local and long distance accounts Collected past due and current balances owed on MCI WorldCom collection and local services Process and handle escalated billing issues Contacted customers using inbound and outbound calling. Meet monthly quota for calls and collections References: All references are available upon request

6. Reflection Reflection of your education including your strengths and weaknesses Getting a Bachelor’s in Psychology is an accomplishment because Psychology can be applied to anything. The same can be said for a Master’s of Business Administration. These fields of study can apply to any situation and career choice. These are all strengths in my education because if I still wanted to complete my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering, these fields of study would not interfere or hinder the learning process. As a matter of fact, all the degree choices complement each other in many ways. I goal is to get my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in Finance and Healthcare Administration. I feel that my background in undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Psychology would greatly propel me through this coursework. I also feel that the project management skills that I developed in working for Sprint can also apply to my studies toward my MBA. After completing my MBA in business I want go for my Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in International Business. I am motivated my Argosy University’s methods of teaching and availability of staff. I never wanted to go for a Doctorate before but now I am motivated to do so. The next step would be to finish my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering. The weaknesses that I see are the amount of time that may be necessary to complete the course work that I want to undertake. Another weakness is the grades in my previous college years. I have been trying to prove myself since these grades and I would love to get to the point in my life where my past does not haunt me.

7. Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Cognitive Abilities By: Natacia Palmer Advanced General Psychology Argosy University PSY 304- Human Sexuality Atypical Sexual Behaviors BDSM stands for bondage, discipline and sadomasochism. When considering the sexual acts that include bondage, the acts include consensual restriction and being tied up by someone. This can include ropes and cords. Discipline in BDSM includes the domination and humiliation of a partner during sex (Hock, 2009). The person that is issuing the domination and the humiliation is known by the term “top” and the person on the receiving end of the domination and humiliation is the “bottom” (Argosy University, p. 1). Sadomasochism involves the sexual arousal of a person due to the fantasy and feelings of humiliation, punishment and suffering. It is the combination of sadism and masochism (Hock, 2007). It is the act of receiving pain for sexual arousal. Being dominated, whipped, spanked tied up and humiliated for pleasure has always sparked the curiosity of people. How can being whipped and yelled at be sexually arousing? These questions make people want to know more about how this is possible and why this is possible. It is a strange phenomenon that has people wondering about the research that is being done on it and if, they too, would enjoy such treatment for pleasure. Other forms of BDSM can be so outrageous, such as voyeurism and autoerotic asphyxiation, that is begs the question of whether these habits are safe sexual fantasies or psychological issues that can become potentially dangerous.

8. Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy It is important to point out that a line does exist between BDSM and abuse. That line is defined by the consent of the individuals participating in the sexual acts. Sexual abuse is labeled abuse for many reasons but one reason is because the sexual interaction is not consensual by at least one of the people involved and the person exhibiting the sexual abuse is not concerned with whether the person consents to the act. BDSM involves arrangements of sexual acts to take place, mutual consent, strict rules and even the use of safe words. Safe word is a word or phrase that an individual would use during the sexual act to let the other person or persons know to continue with or refrain from the sexual act (Argosy University, 2009). Hock (2010) discusses an example of a millionaire who has to seek out a sexual partner that would make him feel worthless and dominate him. He is willing to pay for a person to dominate him; a dominatrix. He especially enjoys when the dominatrix ties him up, spanks him and treats him disdainfully. He also gets sexually aroused when the dominatrix drips hot was on his penis. Psychologically some might conclude that he needs help however a person can also conclude that he seeks the domination because he is always in control being a real estate investor, banker and stockbroker. In those fields of business he always has to be in control and losing control in unacceptable. But in the bedroom, losing control is exciting and arousing to him. Because a person practices BDSM activities does not mean that that these are individuals that are completely different from others that have experiences similar events in their lives. All individuals deal with stress, trauma and childhood neglect differently and it is possible that the way some of these individuals deal with it is through BDSM. For example, Stockbroker A is always stressed out and every day he smokes 2 packs of cigarettes and has a drink at home. Stockbroker B undergoes the same stress but he instead goes to a dominatrix three times a week and gets sexual pleasure from being spanked and humiliated. He reports that this helps him to relieve stress and get through his work week. Does that make Stock Broker B a sick person? I agree that people who exhibit coercive paraphilias (i.e. frotteurism, voyeurism, sexual sadism and exhibitionism) are sick in some way shape or form. It is possible that some of the people that practice BDSM have suffered some trauma in their lives and their practice of BDSM is not healthy. But this does not give William the right to judge them and place them in one category. Each individual is different and as long as it is legal and consensual, it’s not fair to judge someone on their sexual activities. Piemont (2007) gives two examples of males that have been exhibitionist for over twenty years. Mr. K enjoys exposing himself in a public park during his lunch break and Mr. B enjoys exposing himself while driving around in his car. He encourages women to approach his car and witness his masturbation. The similarities that Piemont (2007) points out about both patients are that they both had feelings of abandonment and different forms of abuse in their childhood. The one form of abused that was specifically mentioned in both cases was verbal abuse from their mother. Both patients had a need for social attention and in their personal lives and could not hold a long standing relationship. Their sexual relationships were strained because of their specific rules to their sexual arousal. Both patients report that after their exhibition episodes they had feelings of guilt and fear of being caught by the police.

9. Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Piemont (2007) also points out that even the attention given to both patients from therapists was somehow psychologically turned into a form of attention drawing where they used the attention for some form of sexual pleasure. In these cases, their exhibitionism may stem from traumatic events in their life. According to Argosy University (2009), when it comes to paraphilias, they all can be looked at as, “…diagnosable pathologies in need of treatment” even though there is not an agreement on all aspects of what to diagnose and how to diagnose it (p. 4). If Jason is only capable of being sexually functional during BDSM, then his participation is diagnosable to the degree of a category of non-coercive paraphilia. If Jason enjoys consensual BDSM as part of a larger group of people, this can also be considered non coercive paraphilia. References Argosy University (2007). BDSM vs. abuse. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com Argosy University (2007). Aberrant and atypical sexual behaviors. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com Hock, R.R. (2010). Human sexuality 2nd ed. Upper Saddle Brook, NJ: Prentice Hall. Piemont, L. (2007). Fear of the empty self: The motivations for genital exhibitionism. Modern Psychoanalysis, 32(1), 79-93. http://search.ebscohost.com

10. Research Skills Research Skills By: Natacia Palmer Argosy University PSY 302- Research Methods Research Topic Introduction Outline Thesis Statement The purpose of the study is to determine whether sexual addiction can be considered a medical diagnosis or if the behavior is a symptom of something else. Can a person be addicted to a sexual act without chemical dependence? Can the problem of ut of control sexual behavior be truly labeled an addiction? This research paper also examines of out of control sexual behaviors and analysis's whether a label of addiction should be assessed to the condition. . Introduction to the Problem According to the Webster Online Dictionary, addiction is defined as a, “…compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal” (p. 1). It is also considered the, “…compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful” (p. 1). Generally the compulsive need is physical or psychological but addiction is usually associated with a substance, not a physical act. A repetitive physical act is generally known to be a compulsive disorder; not an addiction. Schneider (2005) mentions that sexual addiction can be defined as a general phenomenon and that it has a connection with drug behavior. The American Psychiatric Association does not recognize sexual addiction as a mental illness. There are several arguments that can be bought up sexual addictions but one argument is whether it is an addition, a sexual obsession or if it is a symptom of an obsessive compulsive disorder. Should the American Psychiatric Association consider it a treatable mental illness?

11. Research Skills II. Background for the Current Study The articles used to examine this hypothesis touch on the different variations of how to approach the subject of sexual addiction. In the media today, several entertainers come out on the news and admitted that they committed adultery. These statements did not result of the individual volunteering the information but actually were caught cheating. As a result of the exposure or as a result of pressure from their public relations person, these men decided to check themselves in a sexual addition rehabilitation center. The reason why sexual addiction is being questioned is because it seems too convenient for these entertainers to check themselves in a clinic to “fix” their problem. It begs the question whether sexual addiction exists or of it is a convenient way to hide behind a diagnosis to avoid judgment and consequences. III. Purpose of the Current Study The purpose of the study is to determine whether sexual addiction can be considered a medical diagnosis or if the behavior is a symptom of something else. Can a person be addicted to a sexual act without chemical dependence? IV. Rationale behind the hypothesis There is not enough supporting data to determine either argument whether the behavior can be called sexual addiction or a sexual compulsive disorder. The paper purpose is to expose the different aspects of the argument to expose that addiction to sex is too broad of a diagnosis and it is a diagnosis too convenient to give without medical data to support it.

12. Research Skills Methodology Participants Of all the articles used in this research, there was one that used actual participants that volunteered themselves for the study of what they described as sexual addition. In the journal Sexual Impulsivity, Compulsivity or Dependence: An Investigative Inquiry by John R. Guigliano, 14 men were used in the discussion about sexual addiction, sexual impulsivity, sexual dependence or sexual dependence. The other individuals discussed in the articles were entertainers observed in the media. Sampling In the journal article, Sexual Impulsivity, Compulsivity or Dependence: An Investigative Inquiry, Guigliano (2008) states that his sampling consisted of 14 men over the age of 18 years old. All of these men are men who have determined that they could not control their sexual compulsion and that there were experiencing problems with their sexual behavior. Special care was taken to eliminate individuals who were accused or convicted of pedophilia, and under the age of 18. The men were comprised of 13 Caucasians and 1 African American. The median age was 36 years old and the educational ranges of the men were from high school to doctoral degree. According to the article, the median educational level was some post graduate studies. Out of the 14 men in the sample, six were gay, two were bisexual and six were heterosexual. Procedure The first part of this research paper was to gather all supporting facts used to justify the arguments presented. 2 articles discussed how sexual addition exists, two discussed how sexual addiction does not exist and the last article discussed variations of both theories. For the article Sexual Impulsivity, Compulsivity or Dependence: An Investigative Inquiry, the procedure was to interview each participant using a series of questions. The questions were geared toward asking questions that consisted of behaviors that could be defined under impulsivity, compulsivity and obsession.

13. Research Skills Results The results are that more research is necessary to determine if the diagnosis of sexual addiction should exist. Based on the information gathered from the articles, an argument can be brought up that sexual compulsion exist but it is not clear how this ties in medically or how chemical actions within the body produces a dependency on sex. According to Ewald (2003), “…Sexual addicts are those who engage in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self and to others. They become addicted to the neuro-chemical changes that take place in the body during sexual behavior.” (p. 1). If this chemical dependency during sex is actually true, the addiction is to the feeling that arises from sexual behavior and not the behavior itself. This still would not be considered a sexual addiction. But it does appear that a broader category is needed to include all acts during sex to diagnose this problem. The addiction is to the feeling, climax or orgasm during sex and not the sex itself. Also it an individual displays behavior that shows a compulsion to the act of having sex, it is the behavior that is a compulsion; but yet again, addiction to sex does not seem to fix within the parameters of the act getting aroused as a result of a certain sexual behavior. Discussion According to Ewald (2003), “…8% of the total population of men and 3%of women are sexually addicted. That adds up to 15 million people who suffer from this problem.” (p. 1). According to the National Council on Sexual Addiction Compulsivity estimated that 6%-8% of Americans are sex addicts, which is 18 million - 24 million people (p. 1). Based on the statistics given, it appears that sexual addiction and compulsivity cannot be discussed without discussing how the internet and porn affects sexual compulsion. According to Ewald (2008) research done at Duquesne University and Stanford University indicates that one out of every six women are addicted to porn and approximately 200,000 individuals in America are addicted to porn on the internet.

14. Research Skills References Addiction. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved April 20, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction Beck, M (2008). Is sex addiction a sickness, or excuse to behave badly? The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 20, 2010 from http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/3004/1/Is-Sex-Addiction-a-Sickness-Or-Excuse-to-Behave-Badly/Page1.html Ferree, M. (2001). Females and sex addiction: Myths and diagnostic implications. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 8(3-4), 287-300. doi:10.1080/107201601753459973 Giugliano, J. (2008). Sexual impulsivity, compulsivity or dependence: An investigative inquiry. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 15(2), 139-157. doi:10.1080/10720160802035600. Grohol, J.M. (2008). Is sexual addiction real? PsychCentral. Retrieved March 20, 2010 from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/09/30/is-sexual-addiction-real/ MyAddiction.com (2010). Sex addiction statistics and facts. Retrieved April 20, 2010 from http://www.myaddiction.com/education/articles/sex_statistics.html Schneider, J.P. (2005). Guidelines for psychiatrists working with patients with sexual addiction. Psychiatric Times 22(13):64.

15. Communication Skills: Oral and Written Communication Skills By Natacia Palmer Advanced General Psychology Argosy University PSY 410 - Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology When do Fears Become Rational? When do Fears Become Irrational “Anxietyis a state of alarm in response to a vague sense of threat or danger. It is different from fear, because fear is a state of immediate alarm in response to a serious, known threat to our well-being.” (Argosy University, 2010, p. 1). Rational fears in my opinion are fears that are developed to protect and individual from harm. A fear of falling, drowning, suffocation, strangulation, or guns are rational because all of these events can cause harm or death. Rational fears develop as a result of real harm coming upon an individual. For example, when I was in my teens, I went to a party that was in someone’s house in their basement. The basement only had one entrance which was also the exit. A noticed a guy came into the basement who was not there before and he kept staring at this one guy that I happened to be standing next to. All of a sudden the strange guy attacked the guy standing next to me with a razor blade. I was so freaked out that I can not be in any area without knowing where the exits are, and if there is only one exit, forget it. I will not enter. I was also attacked by a dog with my mom when I was 17. I don’t have a fear of dogs but I do have a fear of being attacked by one and also I noticed I don’t like walking on sidewalks in residential areas anymore. Rational fears are generated by a justifiable events and occurrences. It is developed through classical and operant conditioning. The term conditioning means to associate things or events through a learning process. It involves the association of at least two stimuli and anticipated events (Myers, 2007). “In operant conditioning we learn to associate a response (our behavior) and its consequence and this to repeat acts followed by good results and avoid acts followed by bad results” (Myers, 2007, p.314). In addition, classical conditioning

16. Communication Skills: Oral and Written can be defined as, “…a type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli. A neutral stimulus that signals an unconditioned stimulus (US) begins to produce a response that anticipates and prepares for the unconditioned stimulus.” (Myers, 2007, p. 315) In my case the neutral stimulus was the room with one exit. The unconditioned stimulus is my fear that something would happen that would prevent me from exiting the room. Irrational fears, in my opinion, are fears that are developed due to a mental perception of harm that will come from things that may not cause harm. If a rational fear can be defined as a alarmed response to something that in a known threat to an individual safety then irrational fears are alarmed responses to something that is not known to threaten an individual’s safety (Argosy University, 2010). For example, one day I was watching a show about phobias and there was a woman on there that had a fear of olives. Someone bought out a jar of olives and it scared her to death. She said that the olives looked like eyes and for some reason she had an uncontrollable fear of them. On the same show, there was another woman who had a strong fear of cotton balls. These fears are irrational and they send a red flag that the individual should seek some form of therapy to determine what happened in the individual’s past to cause such fears to exist. To be quite honest, I am not certain if the term “irrational” should be used. To that individual, it is rational enough to cause increase anxiety and disruption in their lives. References Argosy University (2010). PSY410 XB. Module 3: Anxiety disorders. Retrieved March 19, 2010 from http://myeclassonline.com Myers, D.G. (2007). Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers

17. Ethics and Diversity Awareness Ethics, Diversity & Culture By Natacia Palmer Advanced General Psychology Argosy University PSY 492 - Advanced General Psychology How might culture contribute to the definition of pathology and mental illness? Everyone’s culture influences the decisions that are made in their everyday lives along with and individual’s experience. It is important to understand some aspects of a person’s culture to know what procedures are acceptable and what are disrespectful. With that being said it is important to recognize that some families may opt to not have certain family members treated for various reasons. Maybe the family feels that it is a dishonor or embarrassment to have the family treated for a mental illness or maybe they feel that home remedies would work better. Not everyone feels that the medical world does what is best for the patient and may feel that certain diagnosis are placed just to such more money out of families and health benefits. Another possible reason is a mistrust of diagnosis from a physician of a particular race or religious background. Whatever the reason is, a mental condition can go from bad to worse if left untreated, especially if it is a medical condition that is tied into family history. This seriously affects how patients are treated and statistics of mental disorders within certain communities because many individuals may not be accounted for. However, if there is a significant finding of certain conditions based on family history or genetic links, physicians could develop a basis of treatment and further development in certain pathologies. According to the Surgeon General (n.d.), “research and clinical practice have propelled advocates and mental health professionals to press for ‘linguistically and culturally competent services’ to improve utilization and effectiveness of treatment for different cultures. Culturally competent services incorporate respect for and understanding of, ethnic and racial groups, as well as their histories, traditions, beliefs, and value systems” (p. 1). The correct approach is what would improve on a patient’s willingness to follow doses of medication suggested by the doctor. “Compliance with dosing may be hindered by communication difficulties; side effects can be misinterpreted or carry different connotations; some groups may be more responsive to placebo treatment; and reliance on psychoactive traditional and alternative healing methods (such as medicinal plants and herbs) may result in interactions with prescribed pharmacotherapies.” (Surgeon General, n.d., p. 1). The correct approach will also encourage a patient to come back for follow-up treatment. Culture cannot be ignored when it comes to how pathology affects mental illness.

18. Ethics and Diversity Awareness Culture has to be respected in any situation especially since it is a part of the code of ethics. For example, according to Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity from the American Psychological Association (2010) code of ethics, “…psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups” (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 3). According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics section E.5.b. Cultural Sensitivity, “Counselors recognize that culture affects the manner in which clients’ problems are defined. Clients’ socioeconomic and cultural experiences are considered when diagnosing mental disorders” (p. 12). References Surgeon General (n.d.). Overview of Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Services. Mental Health: A report of the surgeon general. Retrieved August 14, 2010 from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter2/sec8.html American Psychological Association (2010). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. 2010 Amendments. Retrieved August 14, 2010 from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=6 American Counseling Association (2005). ACA code of ethics. As approved by the ACA governing council [PDF]. Retrieved August 14, 2010 from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx .

19. Foundation of Psychology Knowledge of Foundation of the field By: Natacia Palmer Argosy University PSY 101 – General Psychology Applied Psychology Scientific Behavior Research To distinguish scientific behavior research from speculation and belief, one has to determine if the forms of treatment for the scientific behavior is experimental or successful treatments to symptoms. One example that can be used is the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder formally known as Multiple Personality Disorder is signified by a person who shows signs of multiple personalities. It is a type of psychological disorder that is found in patients who have experienced a life event so traumatic, a personality is created to deal with anything that triggers something similar to that event. The patient shows a severe form of dissociation of themselves from any situation they come across that is very traumatic, painful or very violent. Other symptoms that accompany Dissociative Identity Disorder are suicidal tendencies, sleep and eating disorders, depression, mood swings, panic attacks, amnesia and drug abuse to name a few (Smith, 2008, p. 1) Some treatment methods are movement therapy, hypnotherapy, and psychotherapy and talk therapy. Because initial treatment may start by treating symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder, treatment may include antidepressants and also anti anxiety medication (Smith, 2008, p. 4) What seems difficult about this disorder are the many symptoms it has. If not fully diagnosed as DID, the patient may be left with taking medication for symptoms instead of resolving the bigger issue. On the other hand, the patient may be showing so many symptoms that treating each one may bring you one step closer to getting the patient on the right track to better health.

20. Foundation of Psychology Human behavior, functions of the brain and nervous system The Forebrain consists of the Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Limbic system and the Cerebrum. It is the part of the brain that is responsible for sensory information transmission, regulation of biological needs, center for emotions, motivation and coordination. It is also responsible for planning, speaking and judgment. The Midbrain consists of the Temporal Lobe and the Parietal Lobe. It is responsible for involuntary movement and receives input for touch and body positioning. It is also responsible for auditory functions and dopamine releasing neurons. The Hindbrain consists of the Occipital Lobe, Cerebellum, medulla and the Pons. It is responsible for vision, voluntary movement coordination and balance, motor function coordination, regulation of breathing, muscle tone, sleep, arousal, coughing and sneezing, The Spinal Cord is responsible for helping to coordinate movement and reflexes. (Argosy University, 2008) Three different theories of learning Observational learning is one of the ways to acquire new information, skills, forms of behavior, rules, and concepts and is commonly known as imitation. The factors are important to observational learning are attention, memorization, production, and motivation. Memorization is needed to be able to retain the information you were taught. Paying attention is one thing but remembering what you were taught is another. Motivation is the last learning skill in the Observational Learning Theory. You have to be motivated to utilize the skills to learn something new. (Argosy University, 2008) Classical Conditioning is a theory developed by Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov. He theorized that learning happens as a result of a neutral stimulus in communication with another stimulus brings about an unconditioned response. Over a period of time the neutral stimulus will cause a response in a person without the addition of the second response. It is a process of learning and anticipating something such as a phobia by associating two stimuli. (Myers, 2008, page 314). Some of the principles that come with classical conditioning are acquisition, extinction and discrimination. (Argosy University, 2008) Operant Conditioning is a form of learning that happens when certain behaviors are encouraged and favored through rewards and behaviors that are not encouraged are discouraged with forms of punishment. Operant Conditioning happens with positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, Omission training and punishment. (Argosy University, 2008) .

21. Foundation of Psychology Psychoanalytic, Behaviorist, Humanistic, and Trait Theories When discussing the Psychoanalytical Theory, examples of id, ego and superego can be used and paired with events that happened in person’s life that would explain events that has structured a person’s personality. These events that correspond are linked to pleasure, desire, conscience and reason. (Argosy University, 2008) Costa and McCrae stated that a person’s personality can be identified by observing a person’s traits. These traits consist of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability and agreeableness. (Argosy University, 2008) Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow were Humanist that developed their concept of the Humanist theory. The theory involved the concept that a person takes personal responsibility in the decisions that they make in their lives. Carl Rogers believed that the humanist theory heavily involves a person’s self concept. Abraham Maslow theorized that the humanist theory involved the satisfaction of a Hierarchy of Needs which consists of self actualization, esteem, love and belongingness, safety and physiological needs. (Argosy University, 2008) Behaviorists Dollard and Miller believed that the events that shaped a person’s childhood shaped and determined a person personality as an adult. Their theory on behaviorism focused primary on certain events that occurred during child hood such as imitation and sexual development.

22. Foundation of Psychology References Argosy University (2008). PSY101 UQ: Module 2: Learning. Retrieved March 2, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com/ Argosy University (2008). PSY101 UQ: Module 2: The Brain. Retrieved March 2, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com/ Argosy University (2008). PSY101 UQ: Module 3: Life-Span Perspective. Retrieved March 2, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com/ Argosy University (2008). PSY101 UQ: Module 4: The Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality Sigmund Freud. Retrieved March 2, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com/ Myers, David G. (2007). Learning. Psychology (pages 315-356). New York: Worth Publishers Smith, M.W. (2008). Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). Mental Health. Retrieved March 2, 2009 from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder?

23. Applied Psychology Knowledge of Applied Psychology By: Natacia Palmer Argosy University PSY 300 – Developmental Psychology Applications of Early Childhood Development Major Influences that Contribute to Physical Development n Early Childhood Development McEwen (2003) suggests that two major influences on the physical development in early childhood are environment and the relationship between care-giver and child. He suggests that the early stages of a child’s life and its stability will affect mortality, mental health, behavior and physical development. If a parent does not show warmth, encouragement, attention to behavioral issues and good nutrition for a child, developmentally they will be at a disadvantage. This is evident in the case of Charles. It is not that he is not shown love but there is a severe lack of support in other areas which affect how Charles is growing up. Physical mobility and exploration improves major and minor motor skills. Good nutrition influences a child’s muscle tone, coordination and brain stimulation II. Specific recommendations for maximizing physical development in early childhood. Some examples of maximizing physical development in children are: a). Encouraging children to be physically active through play and activities. b). Introduce children to games that encourages minor motor coordination such as puzzles, coloring, writing, arts and crafts. c). Allow children to explore a safe environment and allow them to problem solve d). Encourage good eating habits and the use of eating utensils. e). Give children positive reinforcement

24. Applied Psychology III. Major influences that contribute to cognitive development in early childhood. Cognitive development gives a child the ability to perform academically. It is what determines how much a child absorbs when learning different skills and techniques. According to Argosy University (2009), using the Montessori approach is one way to aid in cognitive development on children. In this approach, a child has the opportunity to choose the educational activity they want to engage in. They have the freedom to choose. Children also need to be able to focus on particular tasks in order to develop memory, attention and task completion. For example, giving children assigned duties to carry out such as washing the board or putting away particular toys can develop this skill. Preschool that is concentrated on activities that are present in kindergarten such as music, speech, listening, exploring and discovering would be advisable to have in the daycare center. More hands-on activities can also develop. Shonkoff & Phillips (nd) believe that in order for cognitive development to be successful, a child needs stable caregivers, developmental stimulation, good medical care and good nutrition. If these elements are lacking, then the child will show evidence of delay. Even though their studies have found that a child would develop cognitive skills without stable caregivers present, they will be a delay in other skills due to the instability such as problems with concentration, difficulty with problem solving and impairment in paying attention IV. Specific recommendations for maximizing Cognitive Development in early childhood. Recommendations for maximizing cognitive development in early childhood are the following: a). Stable care-giving relationships b). activities that improves children ability to sustain attention c). good nutrition d). increasing a child’s working memory capacity e). Early childhood and preschool programs f), using the Montessori approach to develop a child’s skills in independence and decision making

25. Applied Psychology V. Major influences that contribute to Socioemotional Development in early childhood. Children develop social emotion through parents, guardians, siblings, moral development and play (Argosy University, 2009). The activities that expose a child’s ability to express themselves through speech, plays or story telling influences their socioemotional development in early childhood. The child’s environment and how they function within that environment is also a factor. For example if a child is being raised in a home where the members in the family express themselves by yelling, that child may not be able to communicate effectively in other environments. If a child is taught to identify and discuss emotions in proactive and positive ways they will be able to develop communication skills needed to improve their socioemotional development. The consistency of interaction between a child and their family members can be considered another factor. For example, it is possible that Paul will develop better socioemotional development skills because of the consistency of the interactions between him and his mother. There is also a consistency of interaction with Paul and his siblings. This is where Paul learns how to communicate, speak and interact with others. Charles is confined to the playpen so it is very possible that he will show a delay on his socioemotional development VI. Specific recommendations for maximizing Socioemotional Development in early childhood. According to Wolfson (2000), some of the recommendations for maximizing socialemotional development in early childhood are a), Speak to children in sentences that are simple and easy to understand b). Read many books to children c). Sing songs with children d), encourage children to use gestures when speaking and also to point and identify objects

26. Applied Psychology References About.com (2009). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. About.com: Health topics A- Z. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://adam.about.com/reports/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.htm About.com (2009). Ear infections. About.com: Health topics A-Z. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://adam.about.com/reports/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.htm Argosy University (2009). PSY300XD. Module 2: Socioemotional development in early childhood development. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com Heiting, G. (2009). Your infant's vision development. All about vision. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from http://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/infants.htm

27. My Future in Learning Learning is a lifelong process. How do you envision your future as a lifelong learner? As a lifelong learner I understand that changes within our society and in technology would require an individual to constantly update their education in areas in order to be competitive. With that being said being a lifelong learner is expected to continue their education and improve on the skills needed to keep up with societal and technological changes. I anticipate that I would continue online education to develop my skills. I also anticipate that I will participate in training courses and read the necessary literature to continue this development. Learning does not end when commencement happens. It is constant

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