Quality Improvement Plan Essay Example for Free

Quality Improvement Plan Essay Executive Summary Todays educational system is becoming increasingly competitive for both students and institutions. Total quality management is an approach that seeks to improve quality and performance in an organizations operations. It looks at the overall quality measures including managing the quality design and development as well as quality maintenance and improvement. In addition, it takes into account all quality measures at all levels especially for students. Because of quality management we were able to comprehend and seek solution to the problems regarding the uniform policy. We were able to visualize the outcome of our proposal if this could be implemented. I. PROBLEM STATEMENT The following quality issues noted during the actual observation in the standard policy of uniform at Far Eastern University – Business Center: Quality Problem 1: What will be the appropriate actions necessary to enhance the quality improvement of the university’s standard policy regarding its uniform? Quality Problem 2: How will the University encourage the students to comply with the said standards? Quality Problem 3: How will the FEU improve student awareness and obedience with respect to the implemented rules about uniform? Quality Problem 4: How will the university achieve consistency with regards to the rules implemented about the required uniform? Quality Problem 5: What will be the corrective actions needed to stop the piracy of university uniform by external sewers or producers? II. QUALITY TOOL Fishbone Diagram III. ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM Based on the cause-and-effect diagram (fish bone diagram) we noted the following attributions to the observed quality problem: MANPOWER a. What b. Went c. Wrong MATERIAL a. What b. Went c. Wrong MACHINE a. What b. Went c. Wrong METHODS a. What b. Went c. Wrong MOTHER NATURE a. What b. Went c. Wrong IV.RECOMMENDATION AND BENEFITS Recommendations Benefits 1. The FEU should develop only one standard uniform for both female and male students. (implementation of this matter will be discussed in the next sub heading) This will prevent confusion in identifying FEU students and regulate fair presentation that unity exists in our school. 2. The FEU should provide an orientation per institute before the start of class concerning the guidelines for proper wearing of uniform w/ corresponding punishment for students of non-compliance with uniform policy. (Ex: standard length of girl’s skirts, wearing of rubber shoes, etc.) Specifically, female students are benefited with this in terms of eliminating the erroneous reputation for it will provide pleasing impression to them but it will also promote good character of the school. 3. FEU’s student council per institute should effectively disseminate the new implemented uniform policy approved by the Institute’s Deans and considering enough time for the students to be prepared. Announcing personally increases student’s adherence to the policy and prevents student complaints of information from unreliable sources. 4. All of the said recommendations above would be crucial to maintain so we recommend that FEU should have its own official Tailoring Shop inside the school. Student accessibility and convenience, consistency, less costly service, and prevents delays. V.IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND BUDGET VI. APPENDICES A. GLOSSARY Logistics – refers to the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements. Note that this definition includes inbound, outbound, internal, and external movements, and return of materials for environmental purposes. Process – refers Quality – refers Standard – refers System – refers B. QUALITY FORMS Paste the scanned form (existing and the proposed form to be used) C. REFERENCES ISO 9001:2000, 4.2.2 – Control of Documents ISO 9001:2000, 4.2.3 – Control of Records ISO 9001:2000, 5.1 – Management Commitment ISO 9001:2000, 5.2 – Customer Focus ISO 9001:2000, 5.4 – Planning ISO 9001:2000, 6.0 – Resource Management ISO 9001:2000, 6.1 – Provision of Resources ISO 9001:2000, 6.2.2 – Competence, Awareness and training ISO 9001:2000, 6.3 – Infrastructure ISO 9001:2000, 6.4 – Work environment ISO 9001:2000, 7.4 – Customer-related processes, 7.2.1, 7.2.2. 7.2.3 ISO 9001:2000, 7.5.3 – Identification and traceability Council of Logistics Management, http://www.clm1.org/mission.html, 12 Feb 98) http://www.logisticsworld.com/logistics.htm

Ethics Playing A Role In Modern Graphic Design Media Essay

Ethics Playing A Role In Modern Graphic Design Media Essay Undoubtedly, graphic design is a vital component of todays society. It has become increasingly involved in various fields, fuelling the market- and profit-oriented sectors rather than fulfilling the initial aim of pure artistic impression. That was a long time ago though. The modern trends dictate to produce more, promote more, buy more and that way, a designer becomes a marionette ruled by marketing professionals and advertising companies. This way, a designer becomes a tool of consumerism with power and might to change the perception of public. However, there are more issues to be addressed when talking about the importance of ethics in graphic design social responsibility, green design, subliminal advertising, the ethics of retouching, and many more. In fact, it can be said that graphic design as we know it nowadays is clearly being defined by the contemporary state of society and undoubtedly, vice versa as well. Where the society would be without graphic design? Where the graphic design would be if the designers would not need to follow the wishes of marketing and advertising sector? With the power the designers have, they can easily overcome regional boundaries and influence the views and values of society worldwide. Sadly, many of them do not think about the immense impact they are capable of; does that mean that ethics should not play a role in modern graphic design? With the development of technologies, the designers scope keeps constantly changing, as well as its effect on the society. What might not have been an issue 60 years later may now be considered a real problem. In this paper, I will discuss the significance of following the ethical principles in the field of graphic design. I will pinpoint the importance of it through touching main historical events and the transformation of society, which eventually lead to releasing the First Things First Manifesto; I will discuss the role of designer in todays society and effects of subliminal advertising and retouching on the audience. Last but not least, I will briefly touch the influence of designers on ecological sustainability and so-called green design. According to Jessica Helfand, graphic design is visual language uniting harmony and balance, colour and light, scale and tension, form and content. But it is also an idiomatic language, a language of cues and puns and symbols and allusions, of cultural references and perceptual inferences that challenge both the intellect and the eye (Shaugnessy, 2005, p. 18). However, this rather eloquent statement does not take into consideration the fact that in past decades, design has become more of a socio-economic tool for generating profit and that is precisely the point where the ethics, moral values and principles come in. Even though ethics can be quite simply defined as a discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad, right and wrong (Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica Online, 2010), the variety of ethical aspects in design greatly exceeds this interpretation. Bearing in mind that graphic design is a non-verbal medium, a designer usually acts only as a mediator between the client and potential audience. However, design requires not only strong communication skills and cultural awareness, but also firm ethical and aesthetical beliefs. As a matter of fact, design is a social activity with social consequences (Shaugnessy, 2009). In fact, ethics in graphic design could be looked at from two different viewpoints personal and professional (GD Users Manual). While personal aspects reflect designers moral values, principles, and personal philosophy, the professional ones are concentrated mostly around business code, thus the partnership between a designer and a client. Even though the discussion and awareness about the business aspect of ethics in design have risen significantly in past years, there has not been enough exploration and consideration of its moral side. One of the key factors to influence graphic design is that it is a relatively liberate discipline (Shaugnessy, 2009). Whereas most of the other fields are in some way (what way?) regulated, the moral side of graphic design is left to be dealt with by the designers themselves. That, as it has been mentioned already, requires firm ethical principles. Graphic design in its own nature is very proximate to the ethical questions and issues the society faces at the present time; therefore it is implied in social change. Ranging from animal rights, global warming and nutrition to politics, smoking and workplace violence, graphic design as a communication tool is always present. However, that renders a question whether the designers are the ones to praise or blame for the problems and changes within the society. Kalle Lasn, the founder of the anti-consumerist Adbusters magazine, took this viewpoint at his talk at the Royal College of Art, London (Dudley and Mealing, 2000). First Things First 2000 manifesto (FTF2000), which followed the legendary 1964 manifesto of the same name, deals with a need of moral values in graphic design and visual communication. All the 33 undersigned designers and art directors take quite a firm stand in this matter by claiming that graphic design has gone too far from its original values and ended up being a blatant marketing and advertising tool for generating profit. That in fact reflects not only in the way how people perceive graphic design, but also in a way the society acts, thinks and feels. First Things First 2000: A Design Manifesto We, the undersigned, are graphic designers, art directors and visual communicators who have been raised in a world in which the techniques and apparatus of advertising have persistently been presented to us as the most lucrative, effective and desirable use of our talents. Many design teachers and mentors promote this belief; the market rewards it; a tide of books and publications reinforces it. Encouraged in this direction, designers then apply their skill and imagination to sell dog biscuits, designer coffee, diamonds, detergents, hair gel, cigarettes, credit cards, sneakers, butt toners, light beer and heavy-duty recreational vehicles. Commercial work has always paid the bills, but many graphic designers have now let it become, in large measure, what graphic designers do. This, in turn, is how the world perceives design. The professions time and energy is used up manufacturing demand for things that are inessential at best. Many of us have grown increasingly uncomfortable with this view of design. Designers who devote their efforts primarily to advertising, marketing and brand development are supporting, and implicitly endorsing, a mental environment so saturated with commercial messages that it is changing the very way citizen-consumers speak, think, feel, respond and interact. To some extent we are all helping draft a reductive and immeasurably harmful code of public discourse. There are pursuits more worthy of our problem-solving skills. Unprecedented environmental, social and cultural crises demand our attention. Many cultural interventions, social marketing campaigns, books, magazines, exhibitions, educational tools, television programs, films, charitable causes and other information design projects urgently require our expertise and help. We propose a reversal of priorities in favor of more useful, lasting and democratic forms of communication a mindshift away from product marketing and toward the exploration and production of a new kind of meaning. The scope of debate is shrinking; it must expand. Consumerism is running uncontested; it must be challenged by other perspectives expressed, in part, through the visual languages and resources of design. In 1964, 22 visual communicators signed the original call for our skills to be put to worthwhile use. With the explosive growth of global commercial culture, their message has only grown more urgent. Today, we renew their manifesto in expectation that no more decades will pass before it is taken to heart. What could become possible if designers used their power to influence choices and beliefs in a positive and sustainable way? (Berman, p. 13) The vital message of FTF2000 is to design for good. However, good and bad are still very vague terms and since no guides exist on this topic, it depends upon a designer whether they choose to work for a certain client, use dirty marketing practices or promote possibly harmful, unfavourable and detrimental products. That being the case, it could be said that design and ethics go hand in hand and design for good is in fact a matter of choice. Graphic designers like Tibor Kalman inspired the designers to take responsibility for their works. Throughout his career, he urged designers to question the effects of their works and refuse to accept any clients product exactly the way it appears to be. Kalman inspired graphic designers to use their work to increase public awareness of a variety of social issues. (Milton Glaser Big Think) Undoubtedly, design has impact on society and changes within it. From the extreme point of view, it might seem that customers are absolutely vulnerable to the messages communicated by designers, and therefore accept the information automatically and behave accordingly. Regulatory codes within graphic design The essential part of this problem is regulation. Designers are not obliged to abide any codes, apart from the most essential ones like constitution, and the freedom of their profession makes them extremely vulnerable to moral questions. In other fields, eg. movie industry, it is quite common that a supreme body regulates and assesses the suitability and advisability of particular scenes. If the children are not supposed to see a scene which involves violence, death, or sex, it is alright for them to see a very graphic anti-abortion billboard, picturing an aborted foetus in a puddle of blood? In fact, that has been happening in Slovakia since 2007, when CBR Europe (European branch of The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, USA) firstly released the aforementioned campaign. However, the controversial billboards caused a big wave of disagreement due to its graphic nature. CBR Europe has announced that regardless of the violent nature of campaign, it has been successful and the number of abo rtions in Slovakia has decreased. Even though graphic designers, just like everybody else, have right to express their viewpoints, opinions and attitudes, their work should not be biased. However, who is the one to judge goodness or badness of moral principles of an individual? . GOVERNMENT / ORGANIZATIONS LEADERS From another point of view, this freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. Nevertheless, neither freedom of speech nor any other freedom is absolute; otherwise there would be no charges for promoting racial, ethnic, gender, disability discrimination and other prejudicial treatments and ideologies. Therefore it is essential for a designer to abide to both personal and public principles. Undoubtedly, personal values vary from person to person the key here is to be aware of them. When not thinking further behind the pursuit of aesthetics many designers strive for, one cannot possibly reflect their values and principles in the works. Many associations of design principles give a hand to designers with both personal and public ones. Just like in with any other profession ranging from doctors to lawyers, the need for applying ethical principles in graphic design calls for recognition. Most of the international and regional design associations have their code of ethics, often known as rules of professional conduct. AIGA (formerly American Institute of Graphic Arts), the professional association for design, released their first edition of Design Business + Ethics in 2001. The most current version issued in 2009 emphasises the importance of existence of ethical standards and the firm mutual bonds between a designer, client and content the both sides deal with. Adherence to a common set of principles is critical to estab ­lishing design as a true profession, with an ethos based on respect for clients, other designers, audiences, society and the environment (AIGA, 2009: 9). Apart from infringement of copyright, human rights, , a professional designer shall avoid projects that will result in harm to the public (AIGA, 2009: 34). The Chartered Society of Designers based in London, UK, accept their membership applicants not only based on qualification and presented works, but also on knowledge in the field of preference and professionalism. These are proved during an interview. To meet the latter requirement, the applicants shall demonstrate that they practice with integrity, maintain ethics and values, operate professionally (CSD, 2009: 2). The role of graphic design in consumerism As Berman states, designers are at the core of the most efficient, most destructive pattern of deception in human history (., p.22). Designers used to be generally seen as tools of capitalism. Creating brands, packaging, and marketing for consumer goods, graphic designers became an integral part of the free market system as they were contributing to wealth within the society. Passing the information through subliminal advertising Simply put, subliminal advertising could be defined as integrating hidden messages within printed or digital media. It [the concept of subliminal perception] suggests that peoples thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by stimuli that are perceived without any awareness of perceiving (Kadzin, 2000). Through various psychological and neurological studies it was proved that subliminal perception is most likely to occur in patients with neurological damage or those who are undergoing general anaesthesia. In such cases, they usually not realize the stimuli but subconsciously respond to it anyway. As the means of convincing and manipulating the potential viewers into certain actions and behaviours, subliminal advertising has been assigned quite spectacular power in the past. This method counts on mental vulnerability of customers and their automatic acceptance of the pictured message. From the psychological point of view, the threshold of consciousness varies from person to person and some people might be influenced by subliminal messaging. Wilson Bryan Kay, an author of several controversial books on subliminal messaging, argued that the power of advertising has been often increased by embedding sexual subtext and/or word sex within it. His main argument is that even though the sexual tone of the advertisement is not consciously perceived, subconsciously it causes increase in sexual desires, resulting in making the advertised product more appealing. Even though the tests with subliminal messages have run since late 1950s, the scientific research behind this phenomenon has neither confirmed nor refuted the potential success in altering customers views and will subconsciously. Nonetheless, if the subliminal messages are powerful enough to change peoples views and behaviour, the ethical matters are definitely in question. In fact, we would be dealing with violation of a persons right for privacy. While subconscious messages could be used for not only dirty purposes but also for decent ones (eg. persuading people not to lie), the final effect would still be manipulating peoples actions which is not any less unethical. The person communicating his or her ideas through subconscious messages has no right to manipulate and brainwash other peoples minds. Due to this fact, subliminal messages are generally being perceived as unethical and are banned, among others, in USA, Canada and Australia. Ethical issues in photography and retouching Bearing in mind that graphic designers are in fact visual artists, they have a rather immense power in changing the perception of people who see their works. Retouching is a perfect example of how the relatively small actions have changed the image of beauty within our society. Majority of the people would agree that retouching of the models for marketing campaigns poured oil into fire when speaking about the perception of beauty. Being exposed to the modern, even though retouched notion of visual appearance, many women feel insecure about their looks and body. Arguably, the media most certainly contributes to dieting and size discrimination (http://www.something-fishy.org/cultural/themedia.php), which are often a founding ground for development of an eating disorder. Not only in cases like the one above, the designers and commercial artists in general need to take a firm stance on their moral values and principles. The world of design and visual communication calls for a greater responsibility in decision-making (.?) because the visual elements often speak as clearly as words spoken out loud. In order to support a call for higher standards in photojournalism and advertising, there has been a movement to ban or clearly label retouched images. Even though this idea has support of several countries including United Kingdom, Switzerland and France, it is very unlikely to be adopted soon as it would require complicated regulations to be set up. Historical significance of graphic design Undoubtedly, the graphic design has been a very important element in shaping the history. Since the early 20th century, it has been continuously growing in its significance. Throughout the past, design was an inseparable component of considerable number of events which defined the world as we know it today. Graphic design, regardless of ethical consequences of the communicated message, potentially played a key role at the period of Second World War. The commercial aspect of graphic design was taken to its greatest and darkest heights in Nazi Germany in a terrible exemplar of the true power of design (http://www.provokateur.com/news/index.php/2009/07/08/provokateurs-take-on-ethical-communications/). However, as Eileen MacAvery Kane (2010) states, the similar strategies were implied in eras of Fascist Italy, Stalins and Lenins USSR, and Maos China. In all four cases, the leaders turned graphic design into a powerful manipulative tool to influence lives of millions of people. Throughout the history, several infamously known symbols have been created, be it the swastika and gothic typography of Hitlers Germany, Mussolinis streamlined Futurist posters and Black Shirt uniforms, the stolid Social Realism of Stalins USSR and Maos Little Red Book (amazon), which were used in in a wide variety of propaganda, from posters, magazines and advertisements to uniforms, flags and figurines (amazon). Moreover, the physical and mental characteristics of the leaders were often depicted on various means of visual communication, converting a person into public icon and thus building up the trustworthiness of the whole regime. Such steps could be compared to contemporary advertising practices. Another strong example from the field of politics is Barack Obamas 2008 election campaign. The logo, designed by a Chicago company Sender LLC, is often described as a rising sun symbolising hope and the main strength of Obamas campaign is visual coherence of all the main elements. Shepard Fairey, the American designer and illustrator who stands behind the famous HOPE poster for Obamas campaign, has proven that the power of visual communication on popular opinion is still immense. Even though he was not hired to create a poster for Obama and his team denied any involvement in creation of the aforementioned piece, it has proven to be very successful. Once the campaign was over, Fairey received a letter from Obama which reads: I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to believe they can help change the status quo. Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6811991) (http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters/dove.jpg) (http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/outofline/BARACK-hope-POSTER-1.jpg) (http://www.clickpopmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/obama.jpg) When compared to both posters above (Image 1, Image 2), Barack Obamas visuals share certain elements with them. Apparently, use of blue, white and red is conditioned by country the posters (Image 2, 3) were created for; however, a  portrait of a  person is central element in all of them. Both Hitler and Obama are looking to future, which is supported by strong slogans (Long Live Germany! and HOPE) and bold typography. Moreover, both use a  symbolism of sun or sun rays in their campaigns. These are all facts a  viewer processes subconsciously. Would have people believed in future of Germany promised by Adolf Hitler if he was depicted striking a  different pose, doing a  different gesture, if the background did not show his supporters? Would Obama have been elected if Fairey had never released his iconic poster? Of course, politics is not only about visual side of campaigns but bearing in mind the mind-blowing success the abovementioned heads of states had received, it can be said that graphic design plays an extremely important role in our lives. As Graham Milton (n.d.) stated in his blog, propaganda exists today in the form of advertising and design because it is the most effective tool for influencing popular opinion. Indeed, all mass media is capable of this manipulation ( http://www.grahammilton.com/blog/art/illustrated/power-of-design-power-of-propaganda/). Manipulation, a practice involving influence or control over the others to ones own advantage, cannot possibly be looked at as an ethical action. This matter o f fact touches not only politics but all the possible fields graphic design is present in and cannot be ignored anymore. Business and commercial aspect of ethics in graphic design Sustainability and social responsibility

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory The Cognitive-Behavioral theory is a form of short-term therapy used by counselors in the psychology and social work fields. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encourages a blending of behavioral and cognitive therapy models. The theory is based in the belief that the clients behaviors and feelings are heavily influenced by their thoughts. A CBT therapist plays an active role in helping the client prioritize their problems, recognize the maladaptive thoughts that are behind their problems and feelings, and devise and implement goal-oriented changes in their thinking. Background Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) places significant importance on how negative thinking impacts our emotions and behaviors. Dr. Aaron Beck observed that many of his clients had automatic thoughts emotion-filled thoughts that might pop up in the mind (Martin, 2007). Many of these thoughts are not consciously known to the client; however through practice the client can learn to identify the negative and irrational thought. Upon identification the client can then learn to overcome the thoughts. CBT is based on a model or theory that its not events themselves that upset us, but the meanings we give them (Martin, 2007). These automatic thoughts can cause us to become blind to new ideas and have the ability to overcome obstacles. A persons automatic thoughts are rooted in belief systems that were embedded in their subconscious from childhood. When an event happens a person uses these belief systems to help them cope with their difficulties. If there is negative thinking in the persons b elief system, they are more likely to misconstrue the event or issue as too difficult to handle. Cognitive Therapy Cognitive therapy focuses on peoples thoughts and how they affect their emotional, behavioral, and physiological reactions to stressful situations. People often have difficulty thinking rationally when feeling pressured by disturbing life experiences. Through cognitive therapy, clients are able to identify and challenge their thoughts about themselves, the people around them, and the world around them. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy in its most basic state is the encouragement of clients to engage in adaptive behaviors and not to allow pathological internal experiences to dictate the ways in which they act (Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, 2012). Solutions under the behavioral theory closely follow Pavlovs classical and operant conditioning philosophies. A clients negative responses to normal stimuli are typically learned behaviors, because something negative happened the last time the stimulus was present. Through a process called extinction, therapists often try to change a clients negative responses by showing the client that the negative result does not always occur with the stimulus. Using operant conditioning a client will be more likely to engage in activities and behaviors in a positive manner, if they have previously received positive outcomes. If the consequences of their behavior have been negative, they are less like to repeat that behavior. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) One form of behavioral therapy, founded in the 1950s by Albert Ellis, was Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). REBT focuses on the clients current, irrational thoughtsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and actively targets them for change (Fraum, 2012). Through REBT the client confronts their irrational beliefs and expectations. After confrontation, the client and therapist are able to develop realistic thinking. Only after these two things are accomplished is the client able to change. Epictetus wrote in The Enchiridion, Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them (National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists, 2008). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Another behavioral therapy that is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy is Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Based heavily in philosophy, the main tenet of this therapy looks at two opposing views and works through the therapeutic relationship to blend them together to find a happy medium. The counselor does not make the client feel that their thoughts are invalid or incorrect, but guides them to understanding that their behavior needs to change. This therapy is most often used for clients who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012) Commonalities of Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy Although there are a few differences between cognitive and behavioral approaches, there are some similarities that allow these two methods to be blended into the cognitive-behavioral approach. In CBT, the client and the therapist work together as a team to help the client overcome their troubles. Often CBT is a short-term counseling method that, typically, only lasts a few months, but it is also a rigorous therapy, in that the clients must utilize their new skills in between sessions through homework. CBT therapists seldom dig deeply into why a client is having the irrational thoughts, but rather stay focused in the present and future. (Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, 2012) Notable People There are many notable people who have influenced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Aaron Beck is considered the father of cognitive therapy. Another notable person in the field of cognitive therapy is Dr. Martin Seligman, who is known mostly for his development of learned helplessness. Some key players in the development of behavioral therapy include Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, and B. F. Skinner. In 1955, Albert Ellis developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. He is considered the founder of cognitive-behavioral theory. Dr. Samuel Yochelson and Stanton Samenow are known for their collaborative research and findings in the treatment programs of juvenile and adult criminal offenders. Aaron T. Beck, M.D. Dr. Aaron Beck started his career with as the Assistant Chief of Neuropsychiatry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Department Of Psychiatry, Penn Behavioral Health, n.d.). In 1954, he joined the University of Pennsylvanias Psychiatry Department. While there, he explored psychoanalysis which led to his development of cognitive therapy. (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, n.d.) Through his research he realized that his clients had negative thoughts that popped into their heads automatic thoughts. These automatic thoughts centered on themselves, the world and the future. These distorted thoughts then begin to affect the clients lives leading to the disorders they are diagnosed with. Ultimately they stem from a persons core belief systems and are formed throughout the persons life. (Beck, 1997) Albert Ellis, Ph.D. REBT was developed by Dr. Ellis in the 1950s. After spending several years practicing psychoanalysis, he found the he disliked the in-efficient and in-directive nature (National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists, 2008). Dr. Ellis established the ABC model of emotions, which was later modified into A-B-C-D-E approach. Sessions Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions have a structure. Structure is important, because it allows for the most effective use of time. CBT sessions are usually only about 50 minutes long, happen once a week or once every two weeks, and only continue for a few months to a year. In the beginning of therapy the client and counselor discuss what issues and trouble the client is having. Next, they work on prioritizing the issues. These activities fall under stage I of the Egan Model. Under stage II, the client discusses their ideal self or what they want. This allows the client, with the guidance of the helper, to set realistic goals for themselves. In the final stage, the client and counselor explore the options available and there are always options and find the option or options that best work for the client. The last step is to produce an action plan. Throughout the process the client often has homework. This homework is usually meant to help the client identify the triggers for their anxiety or problems and the feelings that surround those events. As the process moves forward the assignments will coincide with whatever step the client is currently working on. Techniques Due to the blending of theories and therapies, there are more than three dozen techniques available to cognitive-behavioral therapists. The selection includes cognitive, emotive, and behavioral techniques that make a well-rounded selection that can be tailored to the individual clients needs and wants. The ABC (also known as the ABCDE) Technique is most closely identified by its creator, Dr. Ellis, and under REBT. Other major techniques include cognitive reconstruction, exposure, reframing, and journal writing. Another widely used, yet somewhat controversial technique is self-disclosure. ABC/ABCDE Technique or Rational Self-Analysis Dr. Ellis created this technique to help people identify and understand why they are behaving the way they are to certain Activating Events. The Activating Event ((A)) is often seen as the reason for the clients initial emotions and behaviors (Consequences or (C)). In reality there is another step in between the clients Beliefs ((B)). While the (A) triggers the (C), the (B) is what actually causes the (C). Dr. Ellis went continued to develop this technique and it was later modified to include three additional steps Disputing ((D)), New Effect ((E)), and Further Action ((F)). Once the client has been able to identify the (A), (B), and (C), they are then able to move forward and challenge their Beliefs through Disputing. They, also, evaluate how they would prefer to feel or behave the New Effect. Finally, the client develops their Further Action plan to avoid a relapse. Cognitive Restructuring While Rational Self-Analysis is part of the process of Cognitive Restructuring, it is not the whole process. Cognitive Restructuring is a set of techniques that helps the client identify, challenge, and change their distorted thoughts. Common thought distortions often include words like: always, must, and never. They also stem from Dr. Elliss list of irrational beliefs (appendix A) and a list of cognitive distortions influenced by Dr. Beck (appendix B). There is a Cognitive Restructuring Worksheet (Appendix C) that counselors and clients may find useful in when utilizing this technique. Exposure Exposure Therapy is an emotionally intense, yet effective way for clients to confront their fears, especially those with anxiety disorders. Through a series of extremely carefully planned sessions, the client is introduced or exposed to the trigger (stimuli) that is causing the anxiety (classically conditioned response). Over time the client is able to see and comprehend that nothing bad will happen and the anxiety lessens. The therapist often uses Exposure Therapy in conjunction with relaxation skills and cognitive reconstruction techniques. In addition to anxiety disorders, an adaptation of Exposure Therapy is sometimes used for people with sexual disorders. Self-disclosure Self-disclosure is when the therapist briefly tells the client something personal about themselves that may be of value to the client and the therapeutic relationship. This technique can be difficult to manage effectively and is somewhat controversial. If the therapist is going to utilize this technique, they must use it carefully and sparingly. Where this technique can become problematic is when the focus shifts from the client to counselor. Too much divulging of information can lead to the client being uncomfortable or feeling like the relationship has changed. When used appropriately; however it can show the therapists empathy to the situation the client is facing. Case Study Synopsis Client is a 52-year-old female widower with two daughters. Her husband died seven years ago. Her relatives live 50 miles away. Client was accused of a work-related incident, after which she became anxious. Client is currently on medication with effects consistent with an antidepressant. Presenting problems included poor memory, lack of concentration, confusion and slowness. The client met the DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode. The client was given several clinical scales to rate herself on. These scales were completed prior to every session and discussed briefly during the session.as a means of verifying efficacy. The therapist used the five systems model to help the client analyze her thoughts and recognized negative automatic thoughts and behaviors. She was given daily activity monitoring sheets, although she was successful at many activities very few gave her any pleasure. Due, in part, to years of sexual abuse by her father, the client felt that something was wrong w ith her. She felt like she didnt fit into her family. By using a more detailed variation of the ABC Technique, the client and therapist were able to identify stressful situations; discuss the emotions, behavior and physical reactions to the situations; and recognized the underlying negative beliefs. The therapist utilized behavioral experiments to help the client challenge her core beliefs and recognize the differences in how she felt. Final Thoughts I chose this theory because I felt that it is the one I was most likely going to use, when I become a licensed psychologist. The multiple views and varied techniques available for the client make it seem like the one theory that can be tailor fit for each individual. What I found out through my research; however, is that the cognitive-behavioral approach does not dig deeply into the why someone has the beliefs they do. The why is what drew me to the field of psychology and human services in the first place, so I need to investigate other theories, career opportunities, and techniques to find my right fit. Ideally, I would like to investigate the criminal mind more closely and help the prison population overcome their psychopathological issues. I still feel that many of the cognitive-behavioral techniques can be useful in discovering the why, so I will likely use them in my ultimate career field.

Body Image Portrayed by the Media Essay -- essays research papers

Through the use of imagery, the display of life-styles, and the reinforcement of values, advertisements are communicators of culturally defined concepts such as success, worth, love, sexuality, popularity, and normalcy. Of particular concern over the past two decades has been excessive use of sexual stereotypes, especially of women. Women are directly affected by this advertising, beyond the mere desire to purchase the product or service described. The influence of the media on people is tremendous, and the effect of advertisements that direct images of beauty, and the perfect slim figure have a harmful effect on a great deal of the world's population, especially women. The media has portrayed the â€Å"perfect body image† so successfully, that women’s self-image, self-esteem and even their health is affected. Looking at the media, it’s almost impossible to ignore the many images of thin, beautiful women. In many women’s magazines, nearly every other page is covered with an advertisement that displays a person with the â€Å"ideal body†, a slim figure, a happy face, and trendy or chic clothes. Most of the advertisements in magazines try to present models as realistic representations for consumers, particularly women, to compare themselves. Not only do magazines try to portray the â€Å"perfect image,† but also television advertisements try to achieve this representation of the perfect body. Television broadcasts events and shows like â€Å"Miss America,† and â€Å"Baywatch† that represent unrealistic body types for ordinary women. To accomplish the goal of looking like the models being displayed all over the media, women think they need to diet. If it was dieting just for the fact of making women feel better, it would be all right, but the purpose of most people is different. When women compare themselves to models and pictures of people in advertisements, they believe the only way they will get noticed i s if they also appear the in the same image of the models. To achieve this goal, they begin to starve themselves. They start to believe that by eating anything at all they will get fat and the most important thing to them is not to be fat. It becomes a compulsion to become thin and some women will do anything to get there. Women need to realize that what the media displays as the â€Å"perfect body† and what really is the healthy body are two different things. Even if a woman does get d... ...haracters in the show are the â€Å"fat ugly guy and fat ugly lady† who live across the street and are objects of constant ridicule. The same can be said for virtually all mainstream shows on television. It is a continual barrage of beautiful people that are exposed to viewers. Unfortunately, it is becoming accepted that society should indeed look like television actors. There is essentially no one in this medium saying that it is okay to be oneself, to look how women want to look and feel good at the same time. What society must do is tell the beauty industry, tell the magazines, and tell Hollywood that what they are doing is not acceptable. The image they portray is unrealistic, unhealthy, and irresponsible. However, it is unlikely that the beauty industry will loosen its grip on the minds of women and try so hard to make them think they are ugly. That would of course hurt sales and cause them to make only millions instead of billions of dollars. It is also improbable th at Hollywood will break perhaps its only rule, because that too would disrupt the bottom line. So, for the time being anyway, we are a society being told how to look, and trying to live up to an impossible standard.

Great Expectations: Injustices And Poor Conditions Committed On Women :: Great Expectations Essays

Great Expectations: Injustices and Poor Conditions Committed On Women and Children Great Expectations, authored by Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, is considered one of his finest works of literature. It was indicative of Dickens's strong feelings for injustices and poor conditions committed on women and children of that time. Through the main character, Pip, Dickens's demonstrated the compassion he felt for children. Most readers, like myself, are able to associate Pip's experiences with their own. Pip endeavored upon many things that I can see myself doing. From the beginning of the novel Pip had felt an impending feeling of guilt. It is a common theme in Great Expectations and is one that I have felt numerous times before. In one instance, my friends and I were at a party playing with a water balloon launcher shooting balloons down the street. My neighbors had just put in a new set of porch windows that were quite expensive. With a slight aiming misalignment we broke a window and had to confess to my neighbor and give her our apologies. Pip, however, had the guilt weighed on his conscience forever-he did not have the courage to tell Mrs. Joe that he had taken a pork pie that was for Christmas dinner. Mrs. Joe only made it harder for Pip when she asked, "And were the deuce ha' you been?" (page 20). Pip had to make a moral judgment about whether or not to tell the truth about what he did and is challenged with many more of these decisions throughout the book. Pip was later introduced to Estella, Ms. Havisham's adopted daughter, whom was taught to pursue retribution on all of the male population for her "mother". Pip became easily infatuated with Estella's good looks, money, and attitude. Estella considered Pip to be common and pointed out the ways when she said, "He calls the knaves, jacks, this boy! And what coarse hands he has! And what thick boots!" (page 55). Pip once again has the feeling of guilt, this time for just being a common laborer and the humility of his background. I have felt intimidated just as Pip was. It is extremely uncomfortable to be around someone who arrogantly shows that they are of a "higher class" than you. In my own experience some adults speak condescendingly to teenagers and it causes me to feel like less of a person just like Pip did. Pip has also felt extreme amounts of stress throughout the novel. Everyone is always encouraging him to satisfy his "great expectations". I have been pressured in a comparable way in early schooling when I was accepted to the

The Importance of Sex Education Essays -- Children Sex Ed Youth Educ

Children and young adults today distinguish right from wrong based on their previous knowledge. The education they receive plays a major role in the way they make decisions. Sex is a controversial topic brought up frequently throughout a child's life. Based on the way it is taught, the child makes decisions that may forever change his or her life. (Sex Education That 3) Although it is often opposed, the two most essential ways children learn about sex today is the education they receive at home and at school. The relationship and behavior between children and their parents is crucial to the ways these children shape their own sexual ideas and values A child who perceives his relationship to his parents as supportive and close, is more likely to sexually behave in a way approved by his or her parents than a child brought up in an unhealthy environment. (Single-Sex Education 1) Furthermore, communication is more effective in a loving family relationship, and a child who feels loved generally feels good about his or her general outlook on sex. (Straight Talk About 56) Along with normal education, sex education must progress and grow with the individual child. Often, there is a real communication barrier between parents and children when it comes to talking about sex. (Sex Education That 2 ) The children sometimes feel awkward asking parents personal questions. In numerous situations, kids are left with many unanswered questions. A small number of adults know for sure what their kids think about sex, or do not know their son's or daughter's sexual experiences. (Choosing Virginity 68 )Parents frequently wish to talk to their children but are sometimes too ashamed or just too ignorant. Yet, adults still do not seek wa... ...fected. (Single Sex Education 5)They also argue that a million teenage girls get pregnant each year and at least half of these girls have an abortion. (Virgin Cool 71) The government hasn't yet taken its case anywhere, but will most likely in the years to come. Ultimately, it is up to the children to decide how he or she interprets the sex education of which they receive. (Straight Talk About 45) The most effective deterrents include a strong self-esteem, the ability to make informed choices, and meaningful options that give young people futures worth protecting and healthy ways to protect their identity. (Sexual Values 29) The choices they make will forever impact their lives. The controversy of sex education will, as well, forever stay the same. Whether at home or at school, children will always be faced with many tough decisions to make. (Sex Education That 45)

J. Pierpont Morgan and Andrew Carnegie

Viviana Kucharski AMH 2020 Sep 20 2012 J. Pierpont Morgan & Andrew Carnegie It is difficult to image two men born in such a different social condition have so much in common. Two men that opened his way to the success based in hard work and somehow shared that success with others less fortunate. J P Morgan and Andrew Carnegie were two powerful men; disciplined, intelligent, and hard workers. President Roosevelt described J P Morgan as a sincere and trustful man. He developed a social and professional confidence, and his corpulent body and deep black eyes were intimidating.He was born as a natural leader. In the other hand Andrew Carnegie was compassionate, ethic, humble, a truth optimistic. His mother taught him the value of hard work. â€Å"He was devoted to his mother and deeply lover her. † (www. biography. com, minute10’55’). He believed in qualities of all men. Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 in the womb of a working class family. Since school w asn't mandatory his formal education didn't start until age of 8, however his father and uncles led his early education.In the other side of the world, in Connecticut, America â€Å"J P Morgan was born into a prosperous mercantile-banking family in 1837†. (American Eras. Vol. 8. ) He was raised in Hartford, Boston, and London. His formal education began in New England schools and continued in Switzerland and Germany. After a year in University his father placed in one of his affiliate firms. Instead, once Andrew arrived to America at age of 13, his school’s days were over. Andrew’s first job was a bobbin boy and then in the O'Reilly Telegraph Company. â€Å"Andrew saw this job as a first step on his road toward success. † (Machen Rau, pg 36. After years or learning and observing, Andrew invested in the Adams Express Company and in the Woodruff Sleeping Car Company and it turned out to be a successful investment that brought him lots of money. Unlike Carne gie, Morgan first job was on the board of a financial firm. Morgan possessed a unique skill at transforming struggling business and management to make them highly profitable, and this includes the remorganization of the railroad dramatically affected by the depression of 1893, and the Government of U. S. A. , which he saved twice, first in the Gold treasury Crisis and later in the depression of 1907.Meanwhile, in 1863 Andrew realized that wood structures could be replaced by iron. He formed the Keystone Bridge Company and after years of doubts he finally invested in the Carnegie Steel Company, which Morgan would buy years after to form in 1901 the U. S. Steel Company. In two decades J P Morgan managed the formation of different companies including the well-known General Electric and Carnegie turned his life from being a bobbin boy to being the richest man in the world. Andrew Carnegie and J P Morgan left a tremendous legacy focused in education, scientific research, and foundations. Carnegie’s legacy also includes the improvement in steel quality and its production to make it more affordable. J P Morgan also left a legacy consistent in financial corporations that still working these days touching the life of thousand of people. Andrew Carnegie and J P Morgan were two powerful men that made a fantastic input in the life of millions of people helping to transform America from an agrarian nation to an industrial and economic leader of the world. Sources: †¢ â€Å"Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel† 2012. Biography. com Authors: Rick Davis, Jack Perkins, Jaffe Productions; Hearts Entertainment Publisher: New York, New York.Bio. 2008, 1995 http://www. biography. com/people/andrew-carnegie-9238756 †¢ â€Å"J. Pierpont Morgan: emperor of Wall Street† 2012 Biography. com Authors: Jack Perkins; Jaffe Productions; Actuality Productions; Hearts Entertainment Publisher: New York: A ; E Home Video: Distributed in the U. S. by New Video Group, 19 96 http://www. biography. com/people/jhon-pierpont-morgan-9414735 †¢ â€Å"John Pierpont Morgan. † American Eras. Vol 8. Detroit: Gale, 1997. Gale Biography In Context. Gale Document Number: Gale|K2438000252 †¢ Dana, Meachen. Captain of Industry. Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 1971.