Education as a Factor in Substance Abuse Prevention

Project Summary The aim of this project is to establish whether the tendency of young adults towards substance abuse can be reduced by introducing education on the hazardous effects of psychoactive substances on the normal functioning of individuals and whether there is any difference in effects when the lectures are given by peers as opposed to adults.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Education as a Factor in Substance Abuse Prevention specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The guiding hypothesis of the research is that the children exposed to information about the way in which psychoactive substances influence functioning of human body will exhibit reduced tendency towards substance abuse. Studies have shown that substance abuse risk is affected by several factors. First, social status of the individual contributes greatly to the risk of substance abuse (Hawkins et al., 1992). Moreover, family history of substance abuse and other characteristics of the family are also important factors to consider when determining the chances a child has of developing a substance abuse disorder (Substance Abuse – Family Factors). In addition, a fairly recent study has pointed out that there are significant differences in the patterns of alcohol and drug use between urban and rural populations in that rural populations tend to exhibit a higher rate of substance abuse (mainly alcohol due to its status as the dominant drug in rural communities) than their urban counterparts (Warner Leukefield, 2001). Because the array of contributing factors is so wide, in order for this research to give representative and valid results, we need three broad sets of sample populations. While doing the research on freshmen-high school students, we should make sure that the two experimental groups and control group have the same structural features. The three groups should have equal numbers of children who come from famili es with a history of drug abuse and the patterns of social standing within the groups should match closely. Furthermore, we should have parallel groups in urban and rural areas so we could make sure that the only variable we are introducing is education on the effects psychoactive substances have on human body. The first experimental group should consist of five hundred students in an urban area and five hundred children in a rural area. All of them should attend lectures on the effects of substance abuse on humans for an hour a week for three months in groups of twenty. The crucial thing with this group is that the lectures would be given by a peer. The other two groups would be exactly the same, except that in the experimental group number 2 lectures would be given by an adult professional and the third group would have no lectures at all.Advertising Looking for proposal on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Before b eginning the study a survey would be taken to find out how many students had contact with psychoactive substances and which ones they used. After the initial three months, we would take the survey again and continue giving the survey periodically, every six months until the groups graduate from high school. The results of the surveys would help us answer the questions: (i) does education have an effect on preventing substance abuse?; (ii) is there a difference in the impact of the message when it is delivered by a peer as opposed to an adult professional?; and (iii) is there a difference in the effects of education when comparing children from urban and rural areas? Relevance One study conducted in New York has suggested that it is possible to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse among children by introducing 20 sessions in which the children were exposed to information about the hazards of drug use (Botvin et al. 1984). This study will, on the one hand, help us confirm those re sults but on the other, it will give us better understanding on the comparative similarities and differences between rural and urban groups and the effects education may have on each of the groups. The underlying presupposition here is that those two groups have significantly different ideas about psychoactive substances based on the attitude their environment has towards particular substances. A uniform style of education may help break those (mis)conceptions and create a correct, evidence-based, picture about the effects each of the substances can have on human body. Finally, we will be able to see if there is any difference in the impact of the message when it is delivered by a peer as opposed to an adult. Budget for the Initial Period We can mark the first three months of the project as the initial period. Since during this time, the students in the experimental groups would attend 12 one hour lectures, we would need to provide funds for the lecturers. The total number of lectur es held by professionals is 600 for the first group and we estimate that one lecture will cost around $40, which totals $24000. In the group in which the lectures are held by peers we estimate the sum to be at least three times smaller – around $8000 because it will be possible to find volunteers from youth clubs of various NGOs. For the third group, of course, there are no expenses for the lectures. Moreover, the two surveys which belong to this period add to the total sum. The expenses here come from the materials needed – 6000 surveys and some funds are needed to finance the team’s work on analyzing the data. This part would total around $3000. The classrooms needed for the lectures will hopefully be given by the schools in which the research is to take place. Therefore, the funds for the initial period total $35000.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Education as a Factor in Substance Abuse Prevention specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Budget for the Entire Proposed Project In addition to the initial funds, which in the case of this project really represent the major part of the total funds needed, this research entails some further costs. These expenses are related to the surveys which are to be given periodically after the period in which the students follow the lectures is over. As the surveys are to be given every six months, the total number of surveys not counting the first two, which belong to the initial period, is seven. Since we estimated the total expenses of the first two surveys to be around $3000, we can conclude that the remaining seven surveys would cost around $10000. Once that sum is added to the initial funds needed for the project, the total expenses of this research amount to $45000. As one of the recent studies suggested, if we, as a society, were ready to invest in prevention of substance abuse, the investments would return manifold in near fut ure (Miller Hendrie, 2008). In that light, I really hope that this grant proposal will be considered as a plea for an investment into the future of our society. References Botvin, G., Baker, E., Renick, N., Filazzola, A., Botvin, E. (1984). A cognitive-behavioral approach to substanceabuseprevention. Addictive Behaviors, 9(2), 137-147. Hawkins, D., Catalano, R., Miller, J. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 64-105. Hogan, J. A. (2003). Substance abuse prevention: the intersection of science and practice. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Miller, T., and Hendrie, D. (2008) Substance Abuse Prevention Dollars and Cents: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, DHHS Pub. No. (SMA) 07-4298. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Advertising Looking for proposal on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Substance Abuse – Family Factors Contributing To Risk And Resiliency – Single Parent, History, Parents, and Drug – JRank Articles. (n.d.). Marriage and Family Encyclopedia – JRank Articles . Retrieved from https://family.jrank.org/pages/1648/Substance-Abuse-Family-Factors-Contributing-Risk-Resiliency.html Warner, B., Leukefield, C. (2001). Rural-urban differences in substance use and treatment utilization among prisoners. The American Journal of Drug and Alcoghol Abuse, 27, 265-280. This proposal on Education as a Factor in Substance Abuse Prevention was written and submitted by user Kyr0n to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Alabama Education Lottery essays

The Alabama Education Lottery essays Last October Alabama voters rejected a referendum for a state education lottery by a vote of 54% to 46%. The proposed education lottery was Governor Don Seigalmans solution to a shortfall of $120 million dollars in the state budget. The budget shortage was created as a result of the United States Supreme Court in Washington declaring Alabamas franchise tax unconstitutional. Without new funding, Alabama would be forced to cut funding to its dysfunctional education and prison systems. After a crusade by church leaders throughout the state, the state education lottery was ultimately defeated. The defeat of the state lottery is but the latest example confirming the church stranglehold over the state government of Alabama. The state education lottery was a good idea that would have brought badly needed funding to Alabamas beleaguered education system. From my vantage point, the state lottery was a good solution to a terrible problem. I have first-hand experience of just how bad Alabamas public school systems are. Underpaid, uninterested teachers in trailers without heat taught many of my high school classes. In the dead of winter, I struggled mostly on keeping warm rather than learning. To keep my grades up, I was forced to learn on my own what I failed to learn in class. My high school experience also left me unprepared for the step up to the college level. It is hard for me to imagine how cutbacks have already impacted my former school system. The state education lotterys defeat only served to confirm my belief that Alabama had abandoned its future. Some counties in Alabama already have their own lottery anyway. I am from a small town in south Alabama that borders the state of Georgia. Whenever anyone from my hometown wants a lottery ticket, they simply drive one mile across the state line and buy it. When the lottery referendum was put on last years ballot my county voted overwhelmin...

The American Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The American Dream - Essay Example Far from being dead, the American dream is alive and kicking. For many people, home-ownership has been a large part of the American dream. Owning your own house means controlling your own destiny and having a large asset to borrow against. For many years, the government encouraged this idea and provided tax breaks and other incentives to ensure that people would be able to buy their own homes. While some suggest that these policies helped to create a housing bubble, this does not mean the dream is wrong. The problem begins when a dream is subsidized by the government. Governments are not responsible for giving us our dreams. They should move out of the way and let people be free to pursue their own ideas. Rather than killing the American dream, the governments program of subsidizing home ownership effectively distorted the dream out of recognition. Now it is back again as the economy recovers. Furthermore, the dream is expanding around the world. In Russia, almost 70 per cent of peop le live in apartment buildings and do not own their own homes. The Russian government wants to encourage more home ownership and copy this element of the American dream (Ustinova). There are other elements of the American dream which play an important role in the idea that the dream is alive and kicking. No one can dispute that America has had problems with racial issues in the past. Until the Civil War and emancipation, it can be argued that there was no such thing as the American dream, that it simply did not exist because a large number of Americans were enslaved. Following Reconstruction there was still a lot of racial problems and schools in the South were not desegregated until the 1950s. Perhaps then the dream really came to life as it became at least possible for African-Americans to achieve success in America. But in recent years this dream has come thrillingly to life. With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, America showed that the dream is more alive than ever. Indeed the long-standing American dream of upward mobility and fairness for all was wedded powerfully to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of racial equality. For the first time a black man was in the White House. Anything was possible. Some people dispute this and suggest that President Obama's father was African and not African-American and therefore did not have to fight the civil rights battles, but could simply walk into an American university unopposed. But this idea overlooks the true power of the American dream. If the American dream were dead, why would so many people wish to live in America. Why would America continue to be a beacon of hope and prosperity to the rest of the world. Americans live some of the most comfortable lives in the world (Ownby). Consumer and luxury goods are plentiful and available for excellent prices everywhere. Life for most Americans is good and getting better. Unemployment issues will soon be resolved. America is on path to make a more perfect union, welc oming new immigrants to share in their prosperity. Recent problems will not last. The dream is alive and well. It is so strong is cannot be knocked off course by a minor financial crisis. The truth is that America is not in decline. Its system is working fine and the current problems are just a blip on the radar. American is a powerful country that believes in freedom. Its home ownership market is improving and the economy is recovering. Minorities have never had as many opportunities as they do today and Barack Obama is President.

Financial Reporting and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Financial Reporting and Analysis - Essay Example n laid down by the IASB and the FASB together with the intension of providing a sound future for the accounting standards which have moved to becoming more principals based, internally consistent and internationally converged. This paper has also dealt with the pros and cons of this framework and the agreements are based around the ‘international’ conceptual framework. The IASB is a board which aims at developing and helping to improve the general purpose financial statements, to make sure that it meets to the public interest (Mill, et.al., 2003). The IASB is one of the single high qualities, simple to understand and also one of the only global accounting standards which needs complete information of the general purpose financial statements. The International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) has made various proposals to improve the conceptual framework for financial reporting. The International Accounting Standard Board has proposed to improvise the objectives of the General Purpose Financial Reports (Kitabjian, 2008). The International Accounting Standard Board has focused on improving the General Purpose Financial Reports for potential investors and lenders. They suggest that the report aims at these groups of individuals to help them make informed decisions regarding their capital investments (IASB, 2008). The IASB also works in cooperation wi th the national accounting standard setters which provides for a meeting point for all the accounting standards from across the world. The use of fair value as opposed to the historical cost accounting has always been quite a controversial choice. In this case the use of fair value would prove to be more beneficial when compared to the historical cost accounting as this would have reduced the impact of the credit crunch. In the time of a credit problem and a troubled economy, the use of fair value is one which is most beneficial. The use of fair value is beneficial majorly because the use of the fair value provides

Behavioral risk factors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Behavioral risk factors - Essay Example Academy of Sciences cites some specific behaviors that influence health such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical exercise and food intake, sexual practices, and disease diagnosis. Despite the availability of data on the direct effects of these behaviors on a person’s health and his contraction of potentially chronic diseases, they remain at a staggering level. Primary prevention with early screening and detection, together with an overall change in attitude are important to address illnesses prevention and obviate disease transmission (2001). The importance of community engagement in wholesome activities cannot be stressed enough. In this regard, the companies together with local health personnel should work together in implementing activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Sports activities that initiate larger group participation are ideal and convenient. Information drives through a wider audience employing the mass media will also be vital to update people of the most recent health hazards and various studies. In addition, the different companies should encourage their employees to avail of provided for medical consults at the onset of their health concerns to ensure early

High Rise And High Density Buildings Sociology Essay

High Rise And High Density Buildings Sociology Essay The subject of this research developed from a personal interest in the dichotomy between quality and the provision of housing in the U.K. In an interview with BBC Two news night the Planning Minister, Nick Boles, criticised the recent provision of housing. He states People look at the new housing estates that have been bolted on to their towns and villages in recent decades and observe that few of them are beautiful. Indeed, not to put too fine a point on it, many of them are pig-ugly (the Guardian, 2012). This is a valid point and is at the core over the provision of housing as literature provides sufficient evidence based on negative feedback on housing especially with houses built in the post war periods of the 1960s. However using the term pig ugly to describe the effort of others is perhaps too much of an exaggeration. Nevertheless, this develops interest in exploring further what the Minister considers to be pig ugly and what can be done to make these buildings better. With regards to providing housing for the community, Boles was pin pointing with particular criticism to the recent Harrison Wharf development in Purfleet, Essex, which he describes as an insult to the community. The Planning Minister states that whilst more land is needed for development, the right to houses is a basic moral right, like health-care and education, theres a right to a home with a bit ground around it to bring your family up in (the Guardian, 2012). With this criticism on a high density type of development consisting of 103 flats, not buildings of the 1960s either but a more recent development, raises curiosity as to what new developments offer in terms of quality in housing despite all the new policies and regulations in place. Exploring further research into the rights to houses will develop further evidence as to what extent a right to a home with a bit of ground is a necessity. Other evidence pointing towards the ideology of an ideal home being that with a garden includes that of the town planner Professor William Holford, whom on a report of symposium posits the view that in British housing, a tacit assumption is that the ideal house for young family with children is a cottage, a villa, or a semi-detached house with a garden. From this, it can be argued that high rise and high density flats in particular have come to be regarded as what Sir William Holford describes as a regrettable necessity, forced upon us by the shortage of land to accommodate the unfortunate who have to live in them Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Taking this into account, with consideration of the growing increase in high-rise and high density housing in the UK builds up controversy and develops the keenness to investigate further whether high-rise and high density housing really is a regrettable necessity or more satisfying projects can be achieved. The ideology of an ideal home being that with a garden described above may just be one characteristic of what the consequences of high-rise and high density housing seem to have. Literature provides other numerous consequences associated with high-rise and high density housing whereas at the same time, other literature reviews suggests that high density housing is increasingly being seen as a solution for the high demand for housing. The Planning Policy Guidance note 3 (PPG3), which sets out the governments policy on different aspects of planning requires local authorities to avoid inefficient use of land, hereby referring to developments that provide less dwellings per given area (PPG3). It is therefore evident that the government does encourage accommodating more using less space, whether it is encouraging developments which are considered as failures according to some literature sources, is a question that prompts further investigation. There is much debate about what the future housing is offering as a solution with consideration to the governments restrictions on land use. With the main drivers to high density housing being high house price inflation, a cultural shift bringing about the desire to live alone and several other drivers discussed further in a later chapter of this study, there has been an increased rate of household establishment (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). The effect of these price inflation in houses has led to what Hills (2007) terms as residualisation, where it is mainly the poor people adapting in the social rented tenure of housing. With this occurring in the last 20 years there is now a need to bring down this compactness of poverty and social exclusion. Evidence suggests that this solution can be brought about through high density housing that are affordable and of mixed tenure. (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). With particular reference to high-rise and high density development in the provision of housing as they are both designed on the basis of accommodating more in less space, the debate on whether better designed, affordable and mixed tenure housing can provide a solution that tackles the demand for housing to accommodate without derogating quality is the essence of what has developed interest in doing this research. Aims and Objectives The Aim of my research is to investigate whether high-rise and high density housing can provide good quality homes while providing housing to cater for the increasing demand. To aid my study of this aim, I will use the key question noted below. The following objectives will help in achieving the aim. Objectives: To provide an overview of the Increase in high-rise and high density housing in the U.K To identify factors that affect the quality of homes that will be used in this research To explore the negative and positive design features with high-rise and high density buildings and their effect on occupants Key question: Can better designed, affordable mixed tenure high-rise and high density housing provide a solution for quality homes for the future? Literature Review Scope of chapter This chapter will critically appraise the literature review, identify similarities of statements, commonalities and contradictions of the body of evidence. It is divided into the following five main sections Definition of high-rise and high density buildings (300) History and growth of high rise and high density buildings (500) High rise debate Evaluating the literature on the drivers and barriers of key features of good design in high-rise and high density buildings(2000) Definition of high rise and high density buildings High rise buildings: While the most prominent name for tall building remains high rise, in Britain and several other European countries high rise buildings are sometimes referred to as tower blocks. Various definitions are used to define high rise buildings as the terms do not have agreed definitions recognised internationally. Langdon and Everest et al (2002) affirm that it is not possible to define high rise buildings using absolute measures. Most sources define high rise building to suit the subject being studied, the definitions not always expressed in terms of number of storeys but rather in linear height feet and meters. According to the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (1969), a high rise building can be defined as a building of 10 storeys or more. Craighead (2009) defines a high rise building as that which extends between 75 feet (23metres) and 100 feet (30 meters) or about seven to ten storeys depending on slab to slab distance between floors. For the purpose of this research the defi nition of high rise buildings is considered that of Langdon and Everest et al (2002) who believe that; In relative terms tall buildings are best understood as buildings whos planning, design construction and occupation is influenced by height in ways that are not normally associated with more typical, local developments. High density buildings ( might need adding more) Literature suggests that measuring density figures is problematic as there are many differences in the approximations of determining density figures. A wide variety of measurements to density have been used since 1918 including: dwellings per hectare, persons per hectare, habitable rooms per hectare, floor spaces per hectare and bed spaces per hectare (Woodford et al., 1976 cited in Jenks 2005). Although the common unit recommended by the research for the government is the dwelling per hectare the rest of the measurement are also frequently used (DETR, 1998). To give a base for the purpose of this study, density in housing is considered the ratio between the number of households or people and the land area they occupy, the government considers 60 and above dwellings per hectare and 140persons per acre to be high density. As mentioned above the planning policy guidance 3(PPG3) encourages high density building by setting requirements for more efficient use of land stating that new developments should aim for a density which is not less than 30 dwellings per hectare (Ibid). Therefore where high rise housing is mentioned throughout this study, it is referred to that of which is considered to be of high density. History and growth of high rise and high density buildings According to Reddy (nd), the growth of a city is closely linked with the growth of high-rise buildings. In England, the tallest buildings that were above the skyline were always the cathedrals, churches, palaces, castles and public buildings. The stable skyline in England was primarily contributed by the locally applied height restrictions and lack of demand for housing. In Britain, high rise buildings were first developed after the Second World War in the 1930s (). The high rise buildings construction went hand in hand with the demolition of Georgian and Victorian housing. The destruction of houses and drastic population growth were among the main reasons that led to the construction of high rise buildings. High rise buildings seemed to be a quick fix to the population problem in order to accommodate more people at that time. Built in central locations with excellent views, high-rise buildings were welcomed as were seen as modern living. The construction of high-rise buildings was r eckoned as the modern and most effective way to handle the demand for more housing issue and the shortage of land issue. In addition to population growth after the war, the ageing 19th century houses also led to the growth of high rise buildings in the United Kingdom. High rise buildings seemed unpopular in Britain as the English houses concept had dominated most parts of the country. However, the situation seemed to be different in Scotland, as tenements (staircase-access blocks of any height, but most usually 3 or 4 storeys) appeared to be the common urban type for most people. Along the 19th century, different types of flats arose in London and other English towns. The four to six-storeyed tower blocks became popular among the lower classes of people and was subsequently seen developing in the west end of London as well (Glendinning Muthesius,1994). Up until the 1990s, an estimated 400,000 flats in 6500 multi-storey blocks were built in Britain, with the most booming period being the late fifties to the early seventies. To that end, about 20% of all public housing constructed post-Second World War was provided in tower blocks primarily with 6 or more storeys (Ibid). Glendinning and Muthesius (1994) contend that the high-rise construction trend continued during the post-war years in London and the majority being built by the local authorities. High rise and high density debate The debate arising from whether high rise and high density buildings have brought more harm or benefits to its occupants and society is rather challenging. Tall buildings seem to be an important topic of debate in London more than any place in the United Kingdom. A scheduled debate to discuss the planning decision for a tower near Vauxhall Bridge was held in June 2005 after the House of Lords reckoned it to be as a possible threat to the London skyline. Both the benefits and the unpleasant outcomes of high-rise buildings were discussed. To begin with, several reviews and early studies seem to have concluded that high rise and high density buildings have not had pleasant outcomes to their occupants as compared to their advantages (Cappon cited in Gifford 2006). Some major contributions to the high-rise debate are the reports commissioned by the Corporation of London, Tall buildings and sustainability (Pank 2002) and by Development Securities PLC, Tall Buildings: Vision of the Future or Victims of the Past? (LSE Cities Programme, 2002). The two reports both concur that high-rise buildings could for sure bring about an outstanding contribution to the inevitable new wave of redevelopment. However, the LSE report emphasises the need of highest standards of design for high-rise buildings whilst the Corporation of London report seems to be emphasising more on sustainable design. ADD DEBATE ON HIGH DENSITY HOUSING In terms of the societal level, high-rise buildings have been accused of exacerbating traffic problems, burthening existing services and infrastructure and in some ways inflicting damage on the character of neighbourhoods (Broyer cited in Gifford 2006). The attack that occurred in the United States of America in September 11th 2001 inflicted fear within occupants of multi storey buildings (Gifford, 2006). The fear that they may be attacked at any particular time raises questions as to whether high-rise buildings are good for people. This, according to sources, describes high-rise buildings as bad for its occupants people living fear of attack makes high rise buildings bad. As for the positive side of high rise buildings, they offer excellent views especially to the upper-level occupants and not forgetting urban privacy. As mentioned above in the growth of high rise buildings, the views that high-rise buildings offered its occupants was one of the primary reason they became popular among the working class in London, therefore this terms high rise as good for its residents. High rise and high density buildings are often although not always located in central urban location, therefore their location seems to point out that they are preferable to those who like central locations. Churchman (1999) highlights that the location of high rise buildings in central areas indicates that services and public transport systems are more likely to be near as well as a significant number of close neighbours therefore one may have greater choice of friends and acquaintances for support. High rise buildings, according to Kunstler and Salingaros (2001) have to some degree deformed the function, the quality and the long-term health of urbanism. The public realms of the streets are being clogged by the infrastructure of high rise buildings. Krier (1984 cited in Kunstler and Salingaros 2001) referred to this as urban hypertrophy. He further asserts that they prevent the organic development of new healthy, mixed urban fabric anywhere further than the centre. On the other hand, Broyer (2002) suggests that high rise buildings which are at times thin buildings leave more room for green space and parks. High rise buildings have smaller footprints than the low-rise houses, therefore take up less land area than the low-rise housing units. He further points out that the unused land near high rise buildings has been seen to be a no-mans land and frequently used by dangerous elements. ADD DEBATE ON HIGH DENSITY HOUSING As seen from the above points, the high-rise debate has raised many questions as to whether they are good or bad. High rise buildings have both the good and bad side of them. However, the negative side of high rise buildings seem to outweigh the positive sides of high-rise buildings. Drivers and barriers of key features of good design in high-rise and high density buildings The increase of population has been considered to have negative outcomes from the past when cities and towns in the UK experienced rapid growth and urbanisation. The seriousness of the state of high population density now can be seen by looking at how far back density brought about consciousness to the government and the public in general. According to Jenks (2005), it was since the 1840s where London was considered a huge city with a population of 21/2 million. More recent statistics from the Office of National Statistics indicate that the UK population is already at its fastest rate in growth and is estimated to increase from 62.3million in 2010 to 67.2million in the next ten years, taking into account higher birth rates than deaths. A further increase of 73.2million is projected in the next 25years, an estimated figure which makes up an average increased growth rate of 0.6%. (National trust). Migration figures also published by the Office of National Statistics show figures in the year 2010 to be 575,000 immigrants, a figure which is said not to have broadly changed since 2004, shows the effect of rising population due to migration into the UK. (HBA, 2011) = Population Increase is regarded by many sources as the core driver towards the demand for housing thus as the UK population continues to increase the demand for housing grows strongly. In London, where population is predicted to grow to 10million, a 2milion increase of Londoners will need housing over the next 20 years which means that 1million new homes will have to be built (Housing and planning consultant). Despite this, the National Housing Federation (NHF) (representatives and campaigners for better housing in England) point out that fewer houses are now being built than at any point since the Second World War. This gap between supply and demand in housing is a prominent issue in UK has instigated vast amount of research in this field. With regards to space required for these new homes and taking into account the restrictions of protecting the green-belt, Colin Wiles, a house and planning consultant implies that London has simply run out of space and its out-of-date green belt is the culprit(The Guardian). With only 4,000hectares of Brownfield land, it provides barely a fifth of the space required to build 1million new homes in London(The Guardian). To be able to house Londoners, Colin Wiles insists London must either build upwards or outwards hereby highlighting the demand for high-rise developments to solve the housing issues (Ibid). Many other sources including Mark Fairwether (2000) agree on the increase in population factor with planning policies that encourage development on Brownfield sites to protect the green as major influences to the market for high-rise and high density housing. Demographic changes in everyday living is yet another factor that is seen by many sources to be influencing the demand for housing. Without going further beyond the scope of the research, the following other factors are worth iterating when identifying the drivers to more housing in a place where land is very limited (parliament)= Increasing number of one-person households Life Expectance Rates Desire for city Living Cost of housing Housing trends Overseas influence Housing rights and Eligibility Add on more drivers Increasing number of one-person households Cost of housing Research Methodology Statement of research Aim It is vital to analyse the different strategies of research therefore understanding the difference between quantitative and qualitative, knowing the different sources and techniques of data collection and the ethics involved is what this chapter aims to cover. Having identified a topic and considered the purpose of study, a way of which this study is going to be performed has to be identified. It is important to determine the appropriate methodology and how to use it in order to carry out an investigation into living in high-rise and high density housing. It is by conducting this methodology that a conclusion will be arrived at (Peter, 2001). Getting to this conclusion however has to go through several steps which include collecting and analysing data that is relevant to the purpose of study (Naoum 2007). The choice of the methodology will depend on the kind of subject which has to suit the methodology that goes with it. As it may be possible to conduct the research for the subject of study without having knowledge of the various methods, having detailed knowledge of planning an investigation will give you an insight into different ways of doing so and also enhance your understanding of the literature (Bell 2010). The main importance is to make sure that the research maximises the chance of realising its objectives (Fellows 1997). It is important to first understand what research is about before actually conducting and planning the research. Although research can serve many purposes, the most common and effective ones are exploration, description and explanation (Babbie 2010). Exploratory research is used when only limited amount of knowledge is known for a particular subject or when a new interest is examined by the researcher. Research therefore is being done to explore more about the topic (Naoum 2012). Description serves the purpose of observing situations and events and then describing what was observed by answering questions such of what, where, when and how while explanation in the other hand tends to explain things answering questions of why (Babbie 2010). Foundations in Research As the type of research in this case is that of social research, it is essential to first consider the underlying of social research in order to prepare the way into which the research will be approached. Understanding and considering the two elements of science which are logic and explanation will mean that the findings have to first make sense and also correspond to what has or can be observed. These two important elements relate to three major aspects of social science representations; theory, data collection and data analysis. The theory deals with the aspect of logic in science, data collection deals with observations while data analysis analyses patterns achieved in the observations and compares what was logically expected to what was actually observed where necessary (Babbie, 2010). The order in which these three aspects can be approached is what differentiates the two important methods of reasoning in research which are; inductive and deductive. Inductive and Deductive Deductive theory takes the process of having a theory, reasoning it by deducing it into a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis which then gives you a pattern of observation which will help you confirm whether or not the theory is right or wrong (Deduction and Induction, 2006). Whilst deductive theory breaks down from the more general to the more precised, inductive reasoning works out the opposite. It moves from measured patterns of general observations which lead to the formation of tentative hypothesis that can then be explored into a general conclusion or theory. In understanding the social effects of living in high rise buildings, these two approaches both are effectual approaches which when both work together can provide more accurate and complete understandings. Quantitative Research Quantitative research uses a scientific approach and is objective in nature. Naoum (2007, p.37) defines quantitative research as:- An inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analysed with statistical procedures, in order to determine whether the hypothesis or theory hold true. Quantitative research therefore based on the above definition is strong and can be reliable. When there is presence of a theory and testing is needed to determine whether it holds true, a quantitative approach is to be considered (Naoum, 2007). It can also be used in the collection of known facts and studying the relationship between one set of facts to another evaluating them in numerical data (Bell, 2010). In the case of investigating living in high-rise and high density housing, whilst finding research from data and facts that have been collected previously, testing and analysing the variables and measuring it in numbers may contribute to achieving a conclusion. Whether the findings only achieved from this method of research will be enough is highly doubtable thus other strategies of research may need to be considered. Qualitative Research Qualitative research is more concerned and seeks to understand the purpose of study based on opinions and feelings of individuals perceptions of the world (Bell, 2010). Qualitative research is subjective by nature. It emphasises meanings, experiences (often verbally described), description, and so on.'(Naoum, 2007, p.40). The information obtained from this strategy of research falls in two categories; a) Exploratory research b) Attitudinal research. In order to explore more about a subject, Interview technique is usually used to collect data so as to diagnose a situation, screen alternatives and discover new ideas. Attitudinal research is used to evaluate opinions of people towards a particular object. The Object in this case refers to an attribute, a variable, a factor or a question. (Naoum, 2013). Babbie (2010) defines variables as logical groupings of attributes whereas attributes are characteristics of a person or things. The two ways in which data can be collected are primary data collection and secondary data collection. To investigate the living in high rise and high density buildings, using exploratory research would be beneficial to the study to personally question the residents using interview techniques hence getting their opinions of the effect of living in the schemes. Naoum (2012) describes primary data as that of which is collected at first hand coming directly from the source, while secondary is data that is obtained from other sources using desk study approach. Using both primary and secondary methods of collecting data may be useful, with secondary data helping to back up the views and opinions of people collected from primary sources which may be in question. Whilst the primary research method technique will be interviewing personnel, an awareness of any restrictions or requirements to be considered is worth knowing. Lutz (cited in Bell 2010) who writes about ethnographic research suggests that some type of contract should be established with the associated field, contract in this case referring to the set of restrictions and requirements that a researcher is to consider. Many professional bodies and organisations have set their own ethical guidelines as Lutz (cited in Bell 2010) stresses, it may well be that whilst investigating about living in high rise buildings issues such of care needed when involving children, manner of conducting the interview, rights of the interviewee, voluntary participation, what subject may or not be examined and more need to be considered before research is being done. The research being done in this case will represent an intrusion into peoples lives, knocking on peoples doors for them to participate in inte rviews perhaps is a disruption in the persons regular activities. Moreover, the information required may be personal and often not known to people associated to them let alone a stranger intending to research. Therefore it is worth reiterating that understanding the importance of ethical agreements about what is proper and improper when conducting research need to be considered beforehand. (Babbie, 2010, p.63) The studies were carried out by Joanne Bretherton and Nicholas Pleace who were greatly supported by Kathleen Kelly and Alison Darlow who managed the project on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree foundation. Case Studies This chapter will discuss three case studies. One in the North West of England, one in London and one in Scotland. The case studies will briefly describe the characteristics of the case study schemes, their design, location, number of storeys and their tenure mix. Subsequently, the case study schemes will also consider the following: Reasons as to why the occupants of the case study schemes moved in. The report findings on the attitudes of occupants towards living in the case study properties. Finally analyse the lessons learnt from the study that can towards establishing quality housing for the increasing demand. Case Study 1: Case study one is located in the North West of England and was completed in 2001. The developer of the scheme was a housing association. The size of the whole site was 0.49 hectares while the whole scheme was of 120 units per hectare built between four-to-six storeys including both accommodation and work sites. This scheme provided 75 flats set around a communal courtyard including: 14 one-bedroom flats 42 two-bedroom flats 19 three-bedroom flats. An on-site meeting room was also available on site. The primary focus of the scheme was providing social housing for rent and had a high level of involving the occupants in management. The main aim of the scheme is connected to urban regeneration as the entire area was being redeveloped. Other developments have come up around the area since the construction of the scheme. The design, however, is rather uncommon in trying to adhere to an outstanding architectural style in a user-friendly modern development (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). Case Study 2: Case study 2 is located in London and was completed in 2003. The developer of this scheme was also a housing association. The size of the whole site is 0.53 hectares with 122 dwellings per hectare; this had the highest density compared to the other case studies. The site had about 70 units per hectare, made up of: 31- one bedroom flats 12-two bedroom flats 16- three bedroom houses 6- Four bedroom houses. This scheme was built on brownfield and a large shared communal area around it. The whole site was affordable, providing social rented housing, key worker Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) and renting and LCHO. Accommodation for people with support needs was also available which was designed for easy access. The scheme was fundamentally designed as an example of low-cost housing in a very pricy part of the country within the remit of it being high density, energy economical and advanced in construction with a balanced sustainable mixed community (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). Case study 3: Case study 3 is located in a large urban area in Scotland and was completed in 2000. The size of the whole site is 1.6 hectares while the whole scheme was of 75 units per hectare in a two-to-four storey perimeter block with a community centre, surrounded by terraced gardens and enclosed by allotments for use by the occupants of the scheme. The development was made up of 120 flats including: 35-one bedroom flat 46-two bedroom flat 39-three bedroom flat. The tenure mix was chiefly balanced towards social renting, covering 70% of the flats, with most of the remainder being LCHO through shared possession. Some of the flats had been constructed for market sale owner occupation. Similar to case study 2, some of the flats were particularly designed for people with support needs. In contrast to the other case studies, this one was designed to be car free, ther

Counselling Theory Essay

Critically evaluate the practical use of person-Centred theory and its limitations as suggested by its critics. How does Person-Centred theory and practice differ from two other models and what ways if any is it similar? Carl Roger’s, the founder of the Person Centered theory came to his vision through his own life journey and relationship with clients as a psychologist. He believed in the potential being realised in all of us under the right core conditions (congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy) culminating in the actualising tendency: Rogers advocated that there is a tendency within all humans, animals and plants, to move toward completion or fulfilment of potentials, i.e., wholeness. Individuals must develop the concept of self and the awareness of their experiences becoming the person’s self perception and the perception of the organismic self (the true-self). (htt//webspace.ship/edu/cgboer/rogers.htm accessed 28/2/2008) Argument that this is not an argument that can sustain itself†¦.the potato and we are not potato. Roger’s was of the oponion that when there are incongruences between the ideal self and the self concept the more an individual will be fragmented and dysfunctional. Most of our conditions of worth have been set in place by the conditions and experiences of our upbringing and predominantly by parents or initial carers. Positive self regard is important and brought about by positive regard, a need for love and contact with another person where conditions of worth do not determine a persons self-esteem. If you do this then I will love you, hence you can only be successful if you fulfil other peoples expectations .The importance of self positive regard means you are freed from others peoples goals and expectations of you. Therefore you are more likely to fulfil your own expectations and become the whole person, a person you wish to be, an existence that should be harmonious and balanced and actualise the organismic self. ‘The counsellor should relate, not as a scientist to an object of study, not as physician expecting to diagnose and cure but as a person to a person.’ The counsellor must feel the client to be a person of unconditional self worth which means the client is valued whatever his feelings, behaviour and condition. When the counsellor is genuine and congruent and not attempting to hide behind a curtain of himself, touching  with experiences that are understood in his organismic self , and this will enable the counsellor to fully enter into this relationship regardless of where it may lead. ( Rodgers p.185 2004) As the client becomes aware that he/she is accepted unconditionally the process begins and this exploration is possible because the client becomes less threatened at damaging the old structured self he/she had previously been protecting. The client may start to experience emotions more fully which creates a congruence in himself that he is these feelings in all their intensity. Hence, he discovers himself more freely and this constructive change will be reflected in the clients newly experiencing self. Critiques of Rogers’s person-centred therapy begin with his basic conception of human nature as tending toward the good and the healthy. Some critics of Rogers’s theories have difficulty with the concept that therapists can, or should, establish a relationship of unconditional positive regard in the case of dangerously violent persons. There is doubt how parents might put into practice some of these ideas when bringing up children whose behaviour can be difficult and not show any outward appearance of disapproval. http://www.enotes.com/carl-rogers-criticism/rogers-carl accessed on 5/3/2012) The â€Å"organismic valuing process,† sometimes described as an internal monitor of a person’s experiences in life that, under favourable circumstances, allows the development of healthy men or women possessing optimum self-esteem and an accurate sense of who they â€Å"really are† as well as who they would ideally like to become. The obstacle to this development, according to Rogers, are conditions are those generally inflicted early in childhood in which the individual is denied â€Å"unconditional positive regard† and is thereby influenced by either positive or negative â€Å"conditions of worth† which instils values and behaviours that are at odds with a person’s organismic valuing process. The result of exposure to these conditions of worth is the development of individuals who look to the approval of others for their sense of identity rather than finding it within themselves. Consequently serious conflicts arise within the personality between its natural organismic valuing process and its perception of conditions of worth that are alien to it. Such conflicts are the source of the vast array of neurotic symptoms and disorders that have been catalogued since the  inception of psychology as a professional discipline. In order to cure his patients, whom he called â€Å"clients† so as to relate to them in a more equitable manner than did doctors or traditional psychoanalysts, Rogers provided them with the unconditional positive regard they were denied previously by practicing â€Å"nondirective† techniques of therapy that avoided communicating to the client the judgmental or interpretive conditions to which they had already been subjected in life and which were only perpetuated in other therapeutic methods, especially psychoanalysis. A technique of nondirective therapy is â€Å"reflection,† , the therapist literally restating, or reflecting back, what the clients have said so that they themselves may become pro-active and insightful in their own rehabilitation, discovering who they are and the type of person they would have become without the conditioning from others. There is the argument here too that it is an impossibility that we can evolve without any sort of conditioning a point critics love to get their teeth into, especially in our modern society. In On Becoming a Person Rogers explains it as this â€Å"Unless I had a need to demonstrate my own cleverness and learning, I would do better to rely upon the client for the direction of movement.† Roger’s felt that this empowerment by the client gave them the opportunity to attain the highest goal of â€Å"getting in touch with themselves. As Freud himself recognised, it is when the client comes to a realisation (interpretation) themselves that they most embrace it. The therapist can help the client to find the insight, but he cannot â€Å"give† it to him. This points to the valuable nature of the clients own discovery being of paramount importance in the healing process and not being ‘told’. ( A real high five here for person-centred!) However there are criticisms to Rogers technique of non-directivity. Most of these critiques have pre-conceived views that it is impossible for anyone to operate from this perspective and some dismiss the fundamental assumptions of the approach (actualising tendency, self-authority and self-directivity of the client).Lietaer’s (1998) work illustrates this, as he puts the client-centred therapist in the role of expert of ‘the process which is part based on Gendlin’s experiencing theory, seeing the therapist as expert. Cain (1986)although a promoter of the person centred theory takes the position which is identified as ‘instrumental non-directivity, in which  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœnon-directivity is important as long as it is useful intending the intervention only as a suggestion. Again this is taken up by another ( Khan (1999)who suggests ‘ the therapists authority is endorsed with the rationalization that the client is allowed to agree or disagree, ignore or confir m the therapists input’. This theory is alien to Rogers since the locus of control is switched to the therapist as intervention is defined as doing something to interfere in order to hinder or alter actions or behaviour. Maria Bowen a close friend and colleague of Roger’s suggested that non-directivity is a myth. In Roger’s interview with ‘JILL’ she considers a number of Rogers responses as interpretive and directive. She also concludes that Rogers seemed to avoid the ‘dark’ side and evaluated 25 of Roger’s therapy interviews to assess the idea that he operated on a positive bias based upon the question, ‘Did Carl Rogers positive of human nature bias his psychotherapy’. Interestingly enough, the findings showed that Rogers tended to veer more towards responding to the negative than to the positive client statements. Non-directivity does not necessarily lie in the particular responses which come from the person of the therapist. At this point I will look at a more directive module of therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy known as CBT. It originated from Sigmund Freud’s pioneering therapeutic approach to individuals who had suffered childhood sexual abuse in 1895, which involved retelling the traumatic event in order to release repressed emotions. This type of therapy involves cognitive and behavioural techniques whereby clients are encouraged and taught ways to change their thought patterns and expectations and relaxation techniques are used. It is often used for phobias, obsessions, eating disorders, stress related ailments and major depression(sometimes in conjunction with drug treatment).There are various techniques that focus on problem solving, such as homework, diary cards and behavioural analysis. Some patients do not respond well to change and feel their suffering and apparent loss of control over their lives were not understood which has more recently led to the introduction of dialectical b ehavioural therapy. This is described as an acceptance strategy that acknowledges clients behaviour (e.g. .drinking , drug use, self-harm )was the only way the person could deal with certain emotions. Cognitive therapy uses the power of the mind in influencing behaviour. The basis of the theory proposes that previous experience can  damage self image and this can affect attitude emotions and ability to deal with certain issues and life situations. The therapist helps the client to identify, question and change poor mental images of themselves that may help to resolve current negative responses and behaviour, resulting in more positive attitudes and optimistic life view. Person centred therapy also acknowledges that previous life experiences alter self images resulting in negative responses but allows the client to identify, question these and challenge their particular negative responses and behaviour. This comes back to the premise of non-directivity which ultimately is empowering for the client. CBT states that PCT will not be able to access certain suppressed emotion due to the tremendous trauma the brain has endured in the first place.and not be sufficient getting the patient past denial, getting the patient to discover suppressed emotion, and a therapist must be strong, they must push the patient, they must get them agitated in order to provoke the raw emotion that certain trauma locks away. A PCT environment does not achieve any of these things, and only draws the conclusion of lengthening the CBT treatment itself beyond what should be needed. CBT is an assertive therapy, and must be delivered especially in relation to trauma PTSD. CBT is often performed from 10 – 12 sessions, though can go for up-to 12 months if the trauma is of a more complex nature. Beyond this time limit it is presumed something is wrong; either the patient isn’t working hard enough, or the therapist isn’t delivering and pushing the patient to work hard enough. The real pluses for CBT, is that a majority of the structure can be delivered in a group environment, hence limiting the one-on-one patient / therapist time and achieving greater through put of patients, without disregard for end results. [7] CBT can also be used effectively by changing the delivery to suit children of any age, without losing effective purpose or outcomes. [8] CBT can be delivered online, through Internet Therapy known as Interapy, using a mixture of online tasks and electronic interaction with the therapist. These clear advantages are making it far more popular as the tool of choice with trauma specialists in relation to PTSD.(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). A study using neuro-imaging in anxiety disorders concluded that CBT physically affects the brain, specifically in the areas of empathy and forgiveness. Neuro-imaging also identified that CBT in combination with prescribed drugs that the two integrated to work collectively together in order to help open specific pathways within the brain helping regulate the dysfunctional neural circuits involved with the regulation of negative emotions and fear extinction. This again may only be temporary and there are no many medications that are being tested (but not always sufficiently) and prescribed that it will take quite a few years before we know the full impact of these substances on the mind body and spirit of the recipients. To use an analog from an article on various modules of counselling he suggests the human heart-mind could be compared to a concrete yard. The concrete represents the barrier, the defence mechanisms, between the conscious and the unconscious The weeds that grow through the cracks are the difficult thoughts. CBT tries to pull up the weeds as soon as they appear. But the cracks remain and so does the soil beneath, so the weeds keep coming through, naturally. Under pressure more cracks will appear and more weeds – just as for a person under pressure will see their negative thoughts multiply and grow . to block the weeds (and avoid harmful chemical spray: anti-depressants and tranquilisers) you need to tackle the problem at source: where the weeds are coming from, what is going on beneath the concrete. At the deeper levels of the self there are unconscious dynamics that need insight to be resolved .Hence why short term and pharmacology are not necessarily effective in the long term. In contrast to the CBT approach, it is through a basically person-centred approach, already outlined, that the person can be lead in this kind of deep, insight-based work.. No study exists to measure what clinicians claim and know from experience, due to the time based requirements involved on follow-up assessment five, or ten years later. There are then so many factors within such a time frame that would be insufficient to prove one method over the other clinically, ie. re-exposure to stressors, lifestyle changes, etc. Unfortunately due to these life restrictions, studies are typically only demonstrated for short-term gain vs. clinical experience where patients are monitored over years via feedback. | In the summary of the 2008  meta-analysis by Robert Elliot and Elizabeth Freire (Person-Centred/Experiential Therapies Are Highly Effective) looked at 78 studies where PCE therapies were compared to CBT, including 63 RCT’s (Randomised Clinical Trials). Apparently when all the PCE therapies were analysed they seemed to be slightly less effective than CBT . However when meta-analysis statistically controlled for the theoretical orientation of the researcher, otherwise known as researcher allegiance, the effects disappeared as the research was found to be bias which can be quite common in treatment research. After this other studies were done and to see if the superiority would decrease in relation to other supportive therapies and PCE therapies. It was found that pure PCT was statically equivalent in effectiveness to CBT, even without doing any control for researcher allegiance. They concluded that important PCE therapists do their own outcome research and ‘not trust watered down versions of what we do’as Roger’s said ‘the facts are friendly’ which is the legitimate version of Person-Centred Therapy. Transpersonal psychology was one of the first self- declared transpersonal academic disciplines to develop in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. It was building upon earlier studies into psychology of religion and mysticism by William James amongst others and from psychodynamic theorists (Jung and Assagioli) and humanistic psychology (Maslov). It focussed on the exploration of the higher reaches of human nature and experiences often influencing by Eastern religions, philosophies and practices. Transpersonal means ‘beyond’ or ‘through’ the personal, whereby our normal self is transcended resulting in a sense of connection to a larger, more meaningful reality.Transpersonal counselling is varied but are often based on Jungian, Person-Centred, Psychosynthesis, Buddhist, Holotropic principles, to name a few. Important focus’s in transpersonal counselling would be the some of the following: Is there life after death? How can I achieve greater happiness and fulfilment? What is enlightenment? How can I be more creative? Science is also now making headway to show that everything is interconnected in a beneficial mixture of experience.(e.g. Quantum psychiatry, physics and biology: a foetus still carries a cellular record of the agonizing experience and an enormous amount of pent up emotions and physi cal energies.) Transpersonal counsellors may used various methods and could appear directive or non directive and may  also practice meditation or guided fantasies and other creative pursuits. The processes are varied too ( from spiritiual healing and emergence to kundalini awakenings and mediumship.) For example spiritual emergence may be triggered by trauma, stress, illness, life changing events, immature spiritual practice or drugs. Spiritual emergence is considered to be an spiritual opportunity and transformation but can be very overwhelming and often indistinguishable from psychosis. This is why the understanding of a particular approach is essential because a person with these symptoms could be embraced by the therapist that believes it is a part of spiritual growth and by another therapist possibly put on medication and branded a pschizophrenic. it seems like the essence of transpersonal therapy is the valuing of the wholeness of being and self-realization on all levels and all the experi ences that a person has are valuable. Sensitivity to individuals beliefs and practices and major frames of reference are dismissed. Hence why Rogers and the transpersonal are similar in their embracing of the persons frame of reference. Another consideration may be atheist may object to seeing a transpersonal therapist and a religious or spiritual person may feel the need to be seen by therapist with similar spiritual beliefs. When religious belief systems can often be such major identity issues for clients it is important not to be dismissive as some therapeutic disciplines can be. Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Ramakrishna were diagnosed more recently as schizophrenic psychotics, hysterics or epileptics .and the famous psychoanalyst Franz Alexander described Buddhist meditation as ‘artificial catatonia’, which I personally find quite offensive! .Transpersonal combines the awakening of personal awareness and intuition (non-rational knowing)with the body’s ability to heal itself through compassionate self support. Some transpersonal experiences are ‘deep connection and love with other people, a sense of sacredness, euphoria, memories of previous life/lives , creative inspirations, out of body and death/birth experiences. I think that Person centred approach is also geered for creating a journey for personal awareness and intuition with the congruent nature of the discipline and the conditions that are at the core of Roger’s goal of the harmonious self.Techniques may be taught and supported explicitly in the therapy session and, at times shifts in consciousness may be cultivated to allow the individual to develop immediate  insight and inspiration that may not be available through more conventional means. This may provide clients with a skill they can practice on their own. Rogers speaks of something similar as he feels ‘‘all in one piece’ as he ‘settles into’ a holistic mode of perception. Losing awareness of his surroundings and even the sense of time, he demonstrates that he is experiencing , by definition, an altered state of consciousness’ ( Ludwig 1967) He states himself ‘he was able to be more aware , not less, aware than at other times. He states that he ‘never felt as whole or as much a person’ than he did in his therapeutic interviews. In 1961 he commented that ‘when there is this complete unity, singleness, fullness of experiencing in the relationship, then it acquires the ‘out –of-this-world’ quality which therapists have remarked upon, a sort of trance like feeling in the relationship from which both the client and he emerge at the end of the hour, as if from a deep well or tunnel. He spoke of his inner spirit reaching out and touching the inner spirit of the other and the relationship transcending itself, becoming part of something larger where he found profound growth, healing and energy were present.(Rogers p.202) Transpersonal experiences of psychological death, rebirth and oneness, with other people, with nature and the entire universe and the cosmic consciousness can reduce the level of aggression, increase compassion and tolerance and ultimately lead to high ecological awareness, an optimal strategy to lead a fulfilling life and a productive contribution to the collective well-being. This sounds very much like the fully-functioning person Rogers speaks of, the creative and free being that becomes that potential in its fullness in the cosmic picture.Rogers had a definite relationship with transpersonal ideologies although he did not become a transpersonal psychologist he seemed congenial to it, especially in his role in the humanistic psychology, his visits to mediums and attempts to explain his own mediumistic experiences in psychotherapy in the new age language. He was curious and experimental with the transpersonal but he remained a client centred psychotherapist.   CONCLUSION FOR THEORY ESSAY Moreover, Rogers’s work continues to serve as a foundation for the counseling profession (Capuzzi & Gross, 2001; Gibson & Mitchell, 1999; Gladding, 2000; Nugent, 2000). It also plays a major part in the practice of  the vast number of counselors, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists who describe their practice as â€Å"eclectic† or â€Å"integrative,† including the client-centered approach as a major component in their repertoire (Aspy, Aspy, Russel, & Wedel, 2000; Bergin & Garfield, 1994; Sharf, 2000). But Rogers’s influence extends beyond the field of psychology, just as the career of the man did during his lifetime. While some of Rogers’s critics felt that his theory was superficial (DeMott 1979), overly optimistic, and underestimated the capacity for human evil (May, 1982), the simplicity of his message and his unyielding belief in the strength and power of human potential is carried on in humanistic and transpersonal fields today (Sha rf, 2000; Cowley, 1993). At best, Rogers’s detractors claim, his ideas may be applied only among a limited range of clients, specifically those suffering from the milder forms of neurosis, acknowledging that while person-centred therapy may prove no more effective than any other method, it has yet to demonstrate that it is harmful in any way. Despite such criticisms, Rogers’s theory of personality and his therapeutic methodology continue to gain adherents and have become among the most widely influential trends in the history of psychology.(http://www.enotes.com/carl-rogers-criticism/rogers-carl accessed on 5/3/2012) And Finally, ‘This new world will be more human and humane. It will explore and develop the richness and capacities of the human mind and spirit. It will produce individuals who are more integrated and whole. It will be a world that prizes the individual person—the greatest of our resources.’ (Rogers, 1980, p. 356)

Brazil Race Relations

Brazil Race Relation Brazil is one of the most visited place in the world and also one of the most diverse countries in the world. More than 75millon people of African decent live in Brazil, this makes it the second largest black population in the world. Its attracts a large number of people because of it architecture, slums and rainforest. Brazil is contradictory because its was the last country to abolish slavery but also the first to claim that it was a racial democracy. Most people might not know that Brazil has its racial problems and that it has been going on for a long time.Brazilian race relations and conceptions of race are somewhat different from the United States. In Brazil most African descendents are people live in slums called the favelas. The favelas are small over-crowded communities, which are built on hills. One of the largest is in a city called Rio de Janeiro and it’s full of hundreds of poor urban people. Some Brazilians would argue that there aren’ t any racial inequalities in Brazil, which is actually false. Many brown and blacks who live in the favelas do not have the same opportunity as the white Brazilians who live in a more suitable environment.The â€Å"2010 census showed that 51% of Brazilians identify themselves as black or brown. † (The economist 2). The income of white Brazilians is more than the black and brown people in Brazil. African descendents have disadvantages in education level, medical treatment , and other important things. They are also at the bottom of the social pyramid, because of racial inequalities. They live in the poorest and most dangerous communities and there aren’t really any securities in the favelas. The social status and economic advantages were based on how light a person's skin was and if they have European ancestry.The United States and Brazil are different because in the U. S race is weighted in a very different way but in Brazil race is described as if one were describing the color of the rainbows. The United States is home to a lot of immigrants and has a middle class where if people were poor they could climb up the pyramid. People also argue that unlike in the U. S slavery , Brazil never segregated anyone. Although there was no segregation there is a huge difference in the gap between blacks and white in Brazil. In Brazil dark skinned Brazilian who made the same amount of income as the white Brazilian tends to live in concentrated poverty areas.During the slave trade, slaves were shipped to Brazil 10 times more than to the United States. Brazil had a cheaper slave trade and was more convenient. Slaves in Brazil were treated more brutally than the slaves brought to the U. S. Slaves in the U. S were fed more, had better places to sleep and had better clothes. The Brazilian society is still unequal for example, after slavery was abolish the white Brazilian wanted to eliminate the blacks by getting number of immigrants from Europe to come to Brazil. T hey wanted the white Immigrants to over populate the blacks and breed with them, so African decent would be eliminated.Brazil socially diminished blackness and encouraged the black Brazilians to detach themselves from their African ancestry. This kind of act never took place in the U. S rather blacks and whites were just segregated. Unlike the U. S where racism was open Brazil pretended as if though there was no racism. The United States has a Black president and some of the Blacks that lives there are millionaires different from Brazil where it’s not like that. Racism in Brazil is veiled and that is why most people think that there was no inequality or racism.In reality Brazil is one of the most racist and unequal countries in the world. Blacks in Brazil are not allowed to talk about race because it is believed in Brazil that racism doesn’t exist and that there is no inequality. Although Brazilians think that there is no racial inequality in Brazil there actually is. People who live in the slums of Brazil claim there is inequality. In some ways Brazil and the United States are similar, but some Brazilians might argue that racism in Brazil is very different from the United States. In both Brazil and the U.S the whites have more advantages than the blacks. They are ensured to get a job and a decent job too. For example, if black people apply for a job in U. S or in Brazil they are most likely not to get the job because of their race or skin color. Another example is that most African descendents in Brazil and the United states live in the poorest communities and are separated from the whites. Take for example Chicago; it is has some of the most segregated communities in Chicago. In these communities there are a lot of blacks living there , just like in Brazil with the favelas.The neighborhoods in some of the United States are just like some Neighborhoods in Brazil and it is very poor and there is violence in the communities. Also Brazil and Americ a are also alike when it comes to the way blacks are viewed and how they are looked down upon. In Brazil and United blacks were seen as ugly people and it was said that the black women were too muscular. In the wealthiest part of both the U. S and Brazil it is mostly whites that live there. for example in hotels, restaurants, television and magazine it only features white Brazilian.Moreover there are a lot of similarity between Brazil and American but both countries are denying having thing in common which they do. Black women in Brazil and the United States both of problems with their skin color, shortness and texture of their hair, which is why they do something about their hair for example, in brazil the women do not like the way their hair looks so they go to the salon to have it straighten or curled just like the women on the television. In both United States and Brazil the education system for the blacks are different from the whites.Also both of the countries have thought abo ut using affirmative action to help racial diversity. For example affirmative action in Brazil is to help get African decent in Brazil into universities. It is said that brazil only hope of achieving racial democracy is by affirmative action so that they can get the a little bit of privilege as the whites in brazil, just like in the United States. Blacks in Brazil and in the United States are treated unfairly and they have a lot of disadvantage over the whites. Just like the blacks in American help to build the U. S for 100 years so did the blacks in Brazil and they are the ones under the pyramid.It may seem like Brazil has no racism inequality in really does but because it is been veiled and pretend to be has it there is none. Most people wouldn’t know that Brazil has a lot of racial problems going on because of how it been covered. Regardless of it not been a segregated country or having klu Klux Klan it still is a very racist country where the majority of the people living there are living in poverty. Brazil is undergoing changes at this time hopefully it is able to clear up it racial problem, but it doesn’t look like it will be solved anytime soon.

Woolworths Financial Perfomance Essays

Woolworths Financial Perfomance Essays Woolworths Financial Perfomance Essay Woolworths Financial Perfomance Essay An analysis of Woolworth financial performance over the last two financial years show that the firm are improving their figures by raising or keeping their Liquidity, Gearing, Profitability or Efficiency consistent. This analysis can help provide insights on whether it is a smart choice to buy shares in Woolworth. Looking into the firms financial performance and proposed financial strategy an interpretation can be made on the risk and reliability of investing in Woolworth. Liquidity matches with the capability of companies to deal with short-term cash acquirement. The risk involved in investing into a company with low liquidity levels is that the business may experience cash flow problems. The inability for e. G. Woolworth not being able to pay their short-term liabilities could then later result in Woolworth becoming insolvent, meaning they are unable to pay debts altogether when they fall due. If Woolworth were unable to pay these debts, this would mean they would have to borrow money, which would affect (deteriorate) their profitability levels. With lower revenue, the WOW share price will not give their investors as much turn meaning not as many people will invest in Woolworth. Based on the financial report of Woolworth, It can be seen that Woolworth liquidity levels have risen consistently made sure they avoid the problems listed above through their Multiple Earnings Streams meaning they always have a consistent cash flow. Although firmly based in the retail sectors, Woolworth has multiple income streams that allow the company overall to continue to perform. In the worst of times, people always have to eat, so combined with Woolworth discounting business model, this earnings stream should perform reasonably well no matter what happens. Woolworth also operates discount department stores, consumer electronics outlets, as well as home improvement and hardware outlets such as Big W, Dan Murphys (directors report 2013). The retail nature of the business also means mainly cash sales so they business always have a source of cash flow coming into company. Woolworth have a steady rate of liquidity meaning they shouldnt have to deal with a cash flow problem allowing their profitability levels to reach their potential and also allowing their share price to continue rising. This share is definitely reliable because the company have cured ways to avoid any liquidity problems so that shareholders can receive maximum dividends. The profitability of the business is essential in deciding whether or not to invest in shares in the business. The company has a responsibility to provide maximum profits to shareholders. Woolworth have financial priorities such as acting on their portfolio to maximize shareholder value, maintaining their track record of building new growth businesses and putting in place the enablers for a new era of growth. They focus heavily on satisfying their shareholders. The chief executive of Woolworth Grant OBrien has proposed a new financial strategy. According to his statements, Woolworth plans to open 39 new supermarkets, seven new BIG Was and 15 new Masters Home Improvement stores before the end of the financial year. (http:// growth-strategy. HTML) This means more sources of income and profits. Growth is essential because the more the business is growing, the more the value of the share will rise because of capital gains which then leads to profit for the shareholders that had the shares before the growth period that sees share prices rise. Then the business must distribute the dividends to its shareholders. From there the shareholder must assess the stability of the share to hold its high price and it becomes a case of return vs Risk. The continuous growth of the Woolworth is clearly evident. This is extremely beneficial for investors as growth is the biggest driver of stock price. From analyzing Woolworth financial performance it is evident that they have kept a steady profitability rate of 26% over the past two financial years. An additional 1. Million customers on average every week came through our doors in the quarter. This drove increases in market share and basket size in our Australian Food and Liquor business, which recorded a 4. 5 per cent increase in sales, (Chief executive Grant OBrien GM). Through the evidence of satisfactory and consistent growth Woolworth achieve, buying shares in Woolworth at the right price would be a good choice because their continuous growth always ends up in more profit for the shareholders because their share value will continue rising. Teens those funds that have been supplied by the owners (equity) and those, which have been, borrowed debt. The higher the gearing levels of a business level are meaning the more risk an investor makes when buying shares but also a greater hence of making larger amounts of profits. When observing Woolworth balance sheet statistics from 2012 to 2013 it can be seen that there has been 0. 1% deterioration in their gearing levels from 1. 6 down to 1. 5 percent (Woolworth balance sheet 12-13). These gearing levels are relatively manageable meaning that there is low risk in investing in their shares because the company maintains a steady level of growth and profits meaning there share value cannot fluctuate too much because their financial performance is almost predictable so there isnt a high level of risk when investing in their company. If Woolworth choose to raise the leverage levels they can use equity to generate funds so that the business can distribute shares amongst its shareholders (new issues, rights issues, placements, share purchase price), which will result to a constant cash flow into the business. They may choose to do this so that the company can resolve liquidity problems as the business is constantly receiving capital to pay debts as they fall due to. This can then go on to resolve profitability problems. Investing in shares with Woolworth would not be overall a major risk but you wont be making as much profit as fast. These shares are definitely good for a slow and steady profit so I would invest in Woolworth shares. In conclusion, through the analysis of Woolworth financial performance over two financial years and examining their financial strategies, I think Woolworth have definitely found ways to achieve their objective of maximizing shareholder profits because they have kept consistent and keep improving in their yearly balance sheets and income statements. They also have financial strategies in place that will always support and help the share prices to reach their full potential so that investors will chive a steady and good amount of dividends from the company so I would definitely buy shares in Woolworth.

Life of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Rocket Science Pioneer

Life of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Rocket Science Pioneer Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky (September 17, 1857 –  September 19, 1935) was a scientist, mathematician, and theoretician whose work became the basis for the development of rocket science in the Soviet Union. During his lifetime, he speculated about the possibility of sending people into space. Inspired by science fiction writer Jules Verne and his stories of space travel,  Tsiolkovsky became known as the father of rocket science and dynamics whose work directly led to his countrys involvement in the space race. Early Years Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky was born on September 17, 1857 in Ishevskoye, Russia. His parents were Polish; they raised  17 children in the harsh environment of Siberia. They recognized the young Konstantins great interest in science, even as he suffered an attack of scarlet fever at the age of 10. This illness took away his hearing, and his formal schooling came to an end for a while, although he continued to learn by reading at home. Eventually, Tsiolkovsky was able to gain enough education to start college in Moscow. He finished his education and qualified to become a teacher, working in a school in a town called Borovsk. That is where he married Varvara Sokolova. Together, they raised two children, Ignaty and Lyubov. He spent much of his life living in Kaluga, a small village near Moscow. Developing the Principles of Rocketry Tsiokovsky began his development of rocketry by considering philosophical principles of flight. Over the course of his career, he ultimately wrote more than 400 papers on that and related subjects. His first works began in the late 1800s when he wrote a paper called Theory of Gases. In it, he examined the kinetics of gases, and then went on to study the theories of flight, aerodynamics, and the technical requirements for airships and other vehicles. Tsiokovsky continued exploring a variety of flight issues, and in 1903, he published The Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction Devices. His calculations for achieving orbit, along with designs for rocket craft set the stage for later developments. He focused on specifics of rocket flight, and his rocket equation related the change in velocity for a rocket to the effective exhaust velocity (that is, how fast the rocket goes per unit of fuel it consumes). This came to be known as the specific impulse. It also takes into account the mass of the rocket at the beginning of launch and its mass when the launch is finished. He went on to work on solving problems in rocket flight, focusing on the role of rocket fuel in lofting a vehicle to space. He published the second part to his earlier work, where he discussed the effort a rocket must expend to overcome the force of gravity. Tsiolkovsky stopped working on astronautics prior to World War I and spent the post-war years teaching mathematics. He was honored for his earlier work on astronautics by the newly formed Soviet government, which supplied backing for his continued research. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky died in 1935 and all his papers became the property of the Soviet state. For a while, they remained a closely guarded state secret. Nonetheless, his work influenced a generation of rocket scientists around the world. Tsiolkovskys Legacy In addition to his theoretical work, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky developed aerodynamics test systems and studied the mechanics of flight. His papers covered aspects of dirigible design and flight, as well as the development of powered airplanes with light fuselages. Thanks to his deep research into principles of rocket flight, he has long been considered the father of rocket science and dynamics. Ideas based on his work informed later achievements by such well-known Soviet rocket experts as Sergei Korolev  - an aircraft designer who became the chief rocket engineer for the Soviet Unions space efforts. The rocket engineer designer Valentin Glushko was also a follower of his work, and later in the early 20th century,  German rocket expert Hermann Oberth was influenced by his research. Tsiolkovsky is also often cited as the developer of astronautic theory. This body of work deals with the physics of navigation in space. To develop that, he carefully considered the types of masses that could be delivered to space, the conditions they would face in orbit, and how both rockets and astronauts would survive in the conditions of low Earth orbit. Without his painstaking research and writing, its quite likely that modern aeronautics and astronautics would not have advanced as fast as it did. Along with Hermann Oberth and Robert H. Goddard, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky is considered one of the three fathers of modern rocketry. Honors and Recognition Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was honored during his lifetime by the Soviet government, which elected him to the Socialist Academy in 1913. A monument to the Conquerors of Space in Moscow contains a statue of him. A crater on the Moon is named for him, and among other more modern honors, there was a Google Doodle created to honor his legacy. He was also honored on a commemorative coin in 1987. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky Fast Facts Full Name: Konstantin  Eduoardovich TsiolkovskyOccupation: Researcher and theorist  Born: Sept. 17, 1857 in  Izhevskoye, Russian EmpireParents: Eduoard Tsiolkovsky, mother: name not knownDied: September 19, 1935 in  Kaluka, Former Soviet UnionEducation: self-educated, became a teacher; attended college in Moscow.Key Publications: Investigations of Outer Space by Rocket Devices  (1911), Aims of Astronauts (1914)Spouses Name: Varvara SokolovaChildren: Ignaty (son); Lyubov (daughter)Research Area: Principles of aeronautics and astronautics Sources Dunbar, Brian. â€Å"Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky.† NASA, NASA, 5 June 2013, www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/rocketry/home/konstantin-tsiolkovsky.html.European Space Agency, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. ESA, 22 October 2004, esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Exploration/Konstantin_TsiolkovskyPetersen, C.C. Space Exploration: Past, Present, Future. Amberley Books, England, 2017.

Crime Data Sources Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crime Data Sources - Assignment Example For UCR program, crime data is collected in two ways: traditional summary reporting and National Incident-Based Reporting held at state level where all local agencies report to their respective state UCR programs. These two methods capture data from a myriad of primary and secondary sources. Information acquired is accessible to the public, researchers and the media on the existing crime levels in the US. The UCR is vital in key policy issues as it captures data for multiple years on different crimes (FBI, nd). These surveys collect data on a sample representative of the nation on personal and domestic victimization in the US. The survey has been ongoing from its inception in 1973. The sample size is estimated at 40000 households with an average population of 75000 where each household is surveyed twice in the year the household is selected, but a household can be interviewed for a period more than one year but not exceeding 3 years and limited to 7 interviews (BSJ, nd). The surveys target to gather information about crimes and their consequences; estimate unreported crimes; provide measures to curb selected crimes; and allow comparisons between different geographical areas over time. The survey is important as it provides data used to estimate probability of victimization for the population as a whole plus other interest segments like racial groups, geographical locations etc. NCVS also provides a national platform for victims to describe the effects of crime and profile violent offenders. These surveys are sponsored by the justice department through the Bureau of Justice statistics (Fisher& Lab, 2010). The international victimization survey provides worldwide information on crime victimization, allowing for contrast and evaluation between countries. The survey is administered by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and aspires to set the standard for victimization reporting. The survey is conducted through

SOC 318 question set 2 Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

SOC 318 question set 2 - Research Proposal Example The decline in unionization means the continued expansion of the part-time, temporary, and contingent workforce, less job security, more economic insecurity, and a growing underclass of working poor. The vast majority of people living in poverty in the United States are not the unemployed, but the working poor. More than forty million Americans have no access to health care. Studies show that in industries with a high level of unionization, the wages, benefits, and working conditions of all workers in the same industry improve, whether or not they are unionized. Nonunion employers will frequently match union wages and benefits to maintain a competitive workforce. Conversely, in industries with low levels of unionization, there is much less regulation, and workers have few protections at the workplace. (http://www.jil.go.jp/event/ko_forum/kouenroku/documents/resume.pdf) Choose a leader of the labor movement. Conduct your own Internet research. You may want to search Ceasar Chavez, Jimmy Hoffa, Kate Mullany, Samuel Gompers, Crystal Lee Sutton (Norma Rae) or someone else. Introduce us to the person you have selected and the grievances they had with the workplace. What lessons can be learned from this leader Let's suppose the Department of L... identify three most important challenges facing the extractive industries today, 2. identify the single most underlying cause of these problems, and 3. offer one viable suggestion. Present your report to the class and decide which policy suggestion from the class is most realistic. Three most important challenges facing the extractive industries today are lack of effective communication, low trust for management, and ineffective technical infrastructure.A scenario in which management and employees talk and listen to one another and resolve problems together will increase employees' trust in management. If employees are to believe what the management says, there has to be continuous clear and open verbal and written communication, and this will be done according to a specific strategic plan of action. By not asking, not listening, not talking, not taking action and not opening numerous channels of communication, companies will feed the adversarial relationships that lead to unionization and to slowdowns, walkouts and strikes in companies where unions already are in place. (Harrow, 2004) 4. Hazardous work Based on information from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, how do jobs in the extractive industries rate What three conclusions can you draw regarding the dangers in these workplaces Challenge or confirm the conclusions of your classmates. According to the Workforce Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century Forum, which was hosted in April 2004 by the GAO, the 21st century workforce in the United States is expected to have a very different set of challenges and opportunities than those encountered by previous generations. These observations certainly apply to the extractive