PSYC 110 Week 8 Final Project

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Over the course of the past eight weeks, I have gained a foundational understanding of psychology. This includes an improved grasp of behavioral patterns and mental health disorders, compared to my knowledge prior to starting this class. This presentation serves as a reflection of my learning journey, showcasing the key concepts and theories I found most impactful. I have highlighted significant insights from each topic, with a focus on what I learned and internalized through the course outcomes.

Human Behavior: 1900s

Human Behavior: 2000s

Consciousness: 1900s

Consciousness: 2000s

Stress: 1900s

Stress: 2000s

Learning and Memory: 1900s

Learning and Memory: 2000s

Motivation and Personality: 1900s

Motivation and Personality: 2000s

Development: 1900s

Development: 2000s

Mental Disorders: 1900s

Mental Disorders: 2000s

References

Feldman, R. S. (2019). Understanding psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Freud, S., & Freud, S. (1995). The interpretation of dreams ; and On dreams: (1900-1901). London: Hogarth Press.

John B. Watson. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://hberglund210.weebly.com/john-b-watson.html

Jones, E. (2012, June). Shell Shocked. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/shell-shocked

PSYC 110 Week 8 Final Project

Mental Health Diagnoses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naminycmetro.org/diagnoses-mental-health/?gclid=CjwKCAiAy9jyBRA6EiwAeclQhNQfZ0bXmKcNa6GqpJNwba4xE1Dzlg_0r5JBrxuS-EreF-rbQChRBoC1_4QAvD_Bw

PSYC 110 Week 7 Psychological Disorders Create a Case Example

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Psychological Disorders: Case Study of Specific Phobia – Claustrophobia

Jack is a 25-year-old male residing in a high-rise apartment on the fifth floor. Despite having several friends living in the same building, many of whom reside above him, Jack has never visited their apartments. Although he has lived in the building for approximately two years, he avoids using the elevator, which his friends often joke about. Jack dismisses their teasing, claiming he prefers taking the stairs for the sake of physical exercise. However, his friends have begun to take offense, interpreting his reluctance to visit them as a sign of disinterest. They find it frustrating that they must always gather at Jack’s apartment. Sensing that his friendships are starting to suffer, Jack decides to open up about his avoidance of elevators.

During a lunch outing with his friends, Jack chooses to share the reason behind his refusal to visit their apartments. He recalls an incident from his childhood, explaining how he has harbored a fear of elevators ever since. When he was young, he and his mother were trapped in a malfunctioning elevator at a mall. His mother’s panic caused him to feel anxious and afraid. Both Jack and his mother began to breathe heavily, sweat, and experience intense anxiety during the ordeal. Since that day, Jack has avoided elevators and other enclosed spaces, as they trigger the same sense of panic he felt in that mall elevator.

PSYC 110 Week 7 Psychological Disorders Create a Case Example

Jack explains that while his friends live ten or more floors above him, the thought of using the elevator to reach their apartments fills him with dread. Although he is hesitant to climb numerous flights of stairs, his fear of enclosed spaces, particularly elevators, outweighs the inconvenience of walking. Jack tries to convey that while elevator rides may seem routine to them, they evoke a deep sense of prolonged anxiety and distress for him.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Managing Your Stress

Everyone encounters stress at some point in their lives. Stress is the body’s natural response to changes that require adjustment and action. These reactions can be physical, mental, or emotional, and stress can arise for various reasons at any time. Common sources of stress include preparing for exams, handling family issues, and managing the demands of a job. Interestingly, even positive events, like planning a wedding or a retirement party, can cause stress. As Feldman (2019) explains, “For people to consider an event stressful, they must perceive it as threatening or challenging and must lack all the resources to deal with it effectively” (p. 463).

Individuals manage stress in many ways, with some strategies being more constructive than others. For instance, some may seek comfort in loved ones or a therapist, while others may turn to harmful behaviors like excessive alcohol use or aggressive outbursts. Personally, I rely on social support from family and close friends when coping with stress. Social support has been linked to numerous mental health benefits, including improved immune and cardiovascular health, as well as reduced depression and anxiety (Scott, 2019). My preferred coping mechanism is “problem-focused,” meaning I target the root cause of the stress and work to reduce its impact on me. This approach not only allows for emotional release but also promotes growth and generates new ideas for managing future stressors. According to McLeod (2015), “Problem-focused strategies aim to remove or reduce the cause of the stressor, including problem-solving and time-management” (p. 2).

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

When confronted with stress, many individuals experience a process known as general adaptation syndrome (GAS). This theory suggests that stress responses follow a predictable pattern, regardless of the stressor’s cause (Feldman, 2019). Events such as a breakup, job loss, health issues, or financial difficulties are common triggers for GAS. Chronic, ongoing stress can exacerbate existing health problems and contribute to serious mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. People have different ways of dealing with stress, whether it’s through exercise, yoga, journaling, or focusing on diet and nutrition. A personal example of stress management occurred when I began nursing school. Juggling a full-time job, living on my own, and paying bills while pursuing my dream of becoming an RN was overwhelming. However, with the support of others, I was able to adapt and persevere.

Psychologists define social support as “acts that communicate caring; that validate the other’s words, feelings or actions; or that facilitate adaptive coping with problems through the provision of information, assistance or tangible resources” (Scott, 2019). Knowing that others support me alleviates the pressure I put on myself and reminds me that help is always available during difficult times.

In conclusion, stress is a natural response to life changes. While it can be beneficial in keeping individuals alert, motivated, and ready to face challenges, prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. It is essential to manage stress effectively by developing coping strategies and relying on social support when necessary.

References

Feldman, R. (2019). Understanding Psychology [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260883817/

McLeod, S. (2015, January 1). Stress Management. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-management.html

Porter, J. (2015, March 23). The Science Of Reading Your Coworkers’ Personalities. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3044030/how-to-get-better-at-reading-and-reacting-tocoworkers-personalities

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Scott, E. (2019, October 6). How Social Support Can Help You Relieve Stress in Your Life. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-social-support-research-3144460

PSYC 110 Week 5

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Part 1: Reflection

Before answering the reflection questions below, please wait until you complete Part 2 of the assignment. Once you’ve finished your vision board, write a 75- to 90-word response for each of the following four questions:

• Review your completed vision board. Which goal is most important to you and why?
  The most important goal for me is spending more quality one-on-one time with my children. I believe that the quality of our interactions matters more than the quantity of time spent together. As my kids grow older, I want to focus on creating meaningful experiences and giving my full attention to each child individually.

• What motivates you to achieve the goals on your vision board?
  My main motivation is to become a better version of myself. I know that by improving myself, I can positively impact everyone around me. I aim to be a happier, healthier person, and reaching my full potential will enable me to support others effectively.

PSYC 110 Week 5

• Which aspect of self-discipline will help you achieve your goals?
  Understanding my strengths and weaknesses will be crucial. This self-awareness allows me to adjust my approach, set clearer goals, and eliminate obstacles that lead to procrastination. By staying focused and organized, I can work toward each of my objectives more effectively.

• Which psychological concepts discussed over the past weeks will help you achieve your goals?
  Recognizing my emotional triggers and processing my feelings will be the most beneficial strategies for me. When my self-esteem fluctuates, it impacts various aspects of my life. Addressing stressors early can prevent potential health issues and keep me on track toward my ultimate goals.

Part 2: Vision Board

Before creating your vision board, take a look at the example provided.

Example Vision Board

Career/Life Path

• SMART Goal: I want to earn a promotion within my company in the next 6 months.
• Motivation: To continue advancing in a career I love.
• Action: Take available training offered by my company to prepare for the desired position.

Skills/Knowledge

• SMART Goal: I want to learn more about cybersecurity in the next year.
• Motivation: To protect my home computer network.
• Action: Complete two cybersecurity courses from edX.

Family/Home Life

• SMART Goal: I want our family to declutter our home in the next 2 months.
• Motivation: To have a more organized living space.
• Action: Clean one area of our home each weekend.

Finances/Prosperity

• SMART Goal: I want to pay off debt and increase savings within the next 12 months.
• Motivation: To use our money for enjoyable experiences.
• Action: Create a budget to pay off debt monthly while saving.

Health/Body/Emotions

• SMART Goal: I want to exercise and get in better shape within 6 months.
• Motivation: To be healthier.
• Action: Develop a daily workout schedule.

Support Network/Relationships

• SMART Goal: I want to spend more quality time with family and friends this year.
• Motivation: To enjoy time with loved ones.
• Action: Host monthly cookouts for family and friends.

Now, create your own vision board using the template or making a physical version on poster board. Include the same categories and details:

• A SMART goal
• Your motivation for achieving the goal
• The actions you will take to achieve the goal
• A picture to represent the goal

Your Vision Board

Career/Life Path

• SMART Goal: Advance in my current nursing home position.
• Motivation: To become more responsible and earn a higher salary.
• Action: Inquire about advancement opportunities and enroll in medical classes.

Skills/Knowledge

• SMART Goal: Earn my associate’s degree in cybersecurity.
• Motivation: To protect myself and others from cyber threats.
• Action: Learn the requirements and take additional classes to broaden my knowledge.

Family/Home Life

• SMART Goal: Spend more quality time with my children.
• Motivation: To strengthen my bond with them.
• Action: Engage in more one-on-one activities with each child.

Finances/Prosperity

• SMART Goal: Pay off my car loan and save for a family vacation.
• Motivation: To have funds for a Disney vacation with my kids.
• Action: Allocate extra cash to pay off the loan faster and save spare change.

Health/Body/Emotions

• SMART Goal: Get in better shape.
• Motivation: To be healthier and more active for my children.
• Action: Monitor my eating habits, establish a sleep routine, and track workouts using apps.

Support Network/Relationships

• SMART Goal: Improve my communication skills.
• Motivation: To enhance my emotional processing and relationships.
• Action: Practice active listening, establish new connections, and maintain eye contact in conversations.

PSYC 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

PSY 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet: Stress Effects

Problem:

The Impact of Stress on My Life
Due to the significant amount of stress I experience, I’ve found myself giving up on challenges more easily. Stress has led me to avoid many situations and flee from overwhelming issues. The anxiety caused by stress influences both my work and home life.

Challenges or Barriers Contributing to This Problem:

One major obstacle I face is my tendency to give up when feeling overwhelmed, whether at home, work, or with friends and family. I struggle to express my concerns and communicate effectively with others to resolve issues. Engaging in conversations during stressful situations only heightens my anxiety.

Solutions:

Solution #1:

Practice Relaxation Techniques (Meditation and Deep Breathing)

Advantages:

1. Staying calm enables me to maintain focus and work more efficiently.
2. Relaxation techniques can help regulate blood pressure.
3. Clearing my mind of negativity can foster a more positive mindset.

Disadvantages:

1. Focusing too much on stress might distract me from other life challenges.
2. Busy, stressful days may limit my ability to practice relaxation techniques.
3. Overemphasis on managing anxiety might interfere with family time and other responsibilities.

Solution #2:

Keep a Record of Short-Term Goals

Advantages:

1. Documenting goals provides clarity on what I need to accomplish next.
2. Short-term goals can motivate me to achieve them.
3. Goal setting enhances responsibility and organization when facing challenges.

Disadvantages:

1. Goals can evolve, making it hard to keep accurate records.
2. Unexpected events like illness can disrupt my plans.
3. Setting too many goals can create unrealistic expectations, leading to additional stress.

Solution #3:

Listen to Relaxing Music

Advantages:

1. Soothing music can help lower blood pressure.
2. Music positively impacts brain function.
3. It aids in maintaining focus and distracting from daily stress.

Disadvantages:

1. High volumes can harm hearing and distract from surroundings.
2. Some music can negatively affect blood pressure and stress levels.
3. Listening to music may not be feasible in every work environment.

Solution and Rationale:

Practicing relaxation and breathing techniques will help me manage tension without escalating negative emotions. By setting short-term goals, I can achieve manageable objectives while progressing toward long-term goals. Additionally, I will listen to calming music to stay relaxed in stressful situations.

Actions to Take:

• I will find a meditation class to learn relaxation exercises and breathing techniques.
• I will create a designated meditation space at home.
• I’ll maintain a calendar to track my goals and jot down future ideas.
• I will purchase headphones and curate a playlist of calming music that positively influences me.

Evaluation of Solution:

Meditation and breathing techniques have previously proven effective for reducing stress. I plan to research various methods and affordable classes that suit my needs. Learning effective relaxation strategies is a valuable investment of my time. Keeping track of my goals has also worked for me in the past, and with adequate time management, I can achieve both short- and long-term goals. Although music can be a helpful tool, I recognize the need for techniques that I can employ anytime and anywhere.

PSYC 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet

Next Steps if the Solution Isn’t Working:

If my solutions fail, I must identify the root cause of the issue. If relaxation techniques aren’t effective, I might need to explore the underlying problems more deeply. It’s important to reconsider my approach and possibly seek more proactive solutions rather than simply focusing on relaxation. Evaluating past strategies will allow me to adjust my approach and explore alternative solutions. Keeping an open mind to new ideas and being willing to experiment is crucial when my initial solutions don’t yield the desired results.

PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Discussion: Learning & Memory

Option 1

Psychologists define learning as a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience. To illustrate this concept through observational learning: a child (the observer) watches her older brother (the model) organizing his books. Their parents praise him for this task, and the child perceives this as a reward. As a result, she imitates his behavior by organizing her toys. While classical and operant conditioning are covered in the lesson on learned behavior, they are not the sole methods of learning, though they significantly impact our lives. Reflect on your own experiences with classical and operant conditioning and write a two-paragraph essay, each containing three examples from your life. For instance, you might notice that when you turn on a white noise machine at night, you start feeling sleepier due to classical conditioning. Alternatively, you could be cooking more dinners because you appreciate the praise from your family, showcasing operant conditioning.

PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory

Habituation occurs naturally when a stimulus is repeatedly presented. It is beneficial to become accustomed to common sounds or events in our surroundings. Identify three instances in your life where habituation has taken place and write a paragraph describing those experiences. For example, when you moved to a new house near train tracks, you may have initially been awakened by the train sounds at night, but over time, you became desensitized and were able to sleep through the night without noticing the trains.

References:

• Brookfield, Stephen D. Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995. Print.
• Brown, Sally, and Peter Knight. Assessing Learners in Higher Education. 1st ed. London; Philadelphia: Routledge, 1998. Print.

PSYC 110 Week 2 Assignment Alopes

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

How We Perceive Our Surroundings

Social interaction is a vital part of human life. For this week’s assignment, I chose to explore option 2, which focuses on how our sense of hearing helps us adapt to and engage with our environment. The process of hearing involves several steps that allow us to perceive sounds. As outlined in the Week 2 Course Module Lesson, sound waves first enter our auditory system through the pinna. They then travel down the auditory canal, causing the eardrum to vibrate. This vibration sets off a chain reaction, causing the hammer, anvil, and stirrup to vibrate as well. The stirrup’s movement activates the oval window, stimulating the fluid in the cochlea. This fluid movement causes the basilar membrane to vibrate, which in turn activates the organ of Corti, prompting it to move upward. The hair cells within our ears serve as sensory receptors, and when they are bent and stimulated, they send action potentials through our auditory nerve. This anatomical process enables our brain to interpret and experience the sensation of hearing (Franklin, 2022, p. 3).

For option 2, I conducted an experiment where I abstained from using my sense of hearing for 15 to 30 minutes while performing daily tasks. I used my AirPods to block out sound, aiming to carry out my typical activities relying solely on my other senses: sight, smell, touch, and taste. I decided to integrate this experiment into my gym workout to see how my weightlifting was affected by the absence of hearing. By activating the noise-canceling feature on my AirPods, I eliminated sound completely. I found that I primarily depended on my sense of sight and touch to complete the exercises. My vision was crucial for interacting with the weights and executing the correct movements, while my sense of touch helped me gauge the weights and maintain proper form.

During the workout, my reliance on sight was evident as I navigated the equipment and ensured I was performing each lift correctly. Touch also played a significant role, allowing me to communicate non-verbally with others in the gym. However, the absence of hearing revealed aspects I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Without music, I struggled to stay motivated and focused, often allowing my mind to wander. The workout felt slower and more tedious. Conversely, the lack of auditory distractions from others in the gym was surprisingly beneficial; I found myself less affected by noises like dropped weights or loud exercises.

PSYC 110 Week 2 Assignment Alopes

According to Feldman (2018), habituation is the decrease in response to a stimulus due to repeated exposure. I experienced this during the experiment as my peripheral vision drew my attention initially, but over time, I became less reactive. Additionally, sensory adaptation—an adjustment in sensory capacity after prolonged exposure to unchanging stimuli—also became apparent as I grew accustomed to the absence of sound (Feldman, 2018). Although it was challenging at first, I gradually adapted and was able to complete my workout effectively without relying on my hearing. This experience was a fascinating illustration of the brain’s capacity to adapt to new situations.

While I found it intriguing to witness my brain’s adaptability during this experiment, I can only imagine the difficulty of permanently losing hearing. Such a change would necessitate a profound shift in how I perceive and navigate my environment. My respect for those who are deaf or hard of hearing has deepened significantly through this experience. Despite the differences between those who can hear and those who cannot, I believe everyone has the capacity to adapt to their circumstances. Just as I learned to manage without hearing during my workout, individuals with permanent hearing loss can find ways to thrive in their surroundings. Overall, I enjoyed this experiment and gained valuable insights about myself and my workout that I otherwise wouldn’t have discovered.

References

Feldman, R. S. (2018). Understanding Psychology. Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.

Week 2 Lesson: Sensation, Perception, and Consciousness (Week 2 Course Shell).

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

In my first week of assignments, I explored five significant perspectives in psychology that are frequently applied in daily life: the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and neuroscientific/biopsychological perspectives (Chamberlain, 2019). Each perspective offers a distinct lens for understanding the motivations behind human behavior.

On a different note, in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via their official Instagram account that they would be stepping back from their roles as “senior” royals, intending to divide their time between the UK and North America (Bruner & McCuskey, 2020).

Overview

According to a post by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they have chosen to transition away from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family to establish a new, progressive role within the institution while achieving financial independence. Their plan includes spending time in both Britain and North America while continuing to support the Queen (Bruner & McCuskey, 2020, p. 1). The primary motivation behind this decision is to seek greater privacy. However, some people speculate that the Duchess of Sussex may be creating tension between the Duke and his family (Daniels, 2020, p. 1).

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Behavioral Perspective

Two psychological perspectives relevant to analyzing the Sussexes’ decision to step back from the royal family are the behavioral and cognitive approaches. Behavioral psychologists argue that an individual’s behavior is influenced by external environmental factors and can be conditioned. From this viewpoint, a behavioral psychologist might suggest that the Sussexes are not swayed by media or public opinion, and their choice to separate from the royal family stems solely from their internal motivations. Conversely, cognitive psychologists would examine the mental processes involved in their decision-making, looking at the thought patterns and cognitive biases that may have shaped their choices.

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Cognitive Perspective

In contrast to behavioral psychologists, cognitive psychologists emphasize how an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and expectations influence their behavior. Since Princess Meghan Markle did not grow up in a royal environment, her expectations regarding privacy and her children’s upbringing may differ significantly. A cognitive psychologist might argue that her choice to distance herself from the royal family is driven by a desire to provide her family with greater privacy and autonomy.

Conclusion

In summary, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to step back from their positions as senior members of the Royal Family and to share their time between Britain and North America. While some criticize the Duchess for purportedly distancing her husband from his family, others recognize that this is ultimately their personal choice. Behavioral psychologists might suggest that external factors and conditioning play a role in their decision, whereas cognitive psychologists could highlight the Duchess’s upbringing and expectations as key influences in her quest for privacy and independence.

References

Bruner, R., & McCuskey, M. (2020, January 13). Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Step Down: Everything We Know. Retrieved from https://time.com/5761547/prince-harry-meghan-markle-step-back-senior-royals/.

Chamberlain University. (2019). Lesson 1. Retrieved from https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/55959/pages/week-1-lesson-introduction-research-and-biological-foundations?module_item_id=7259100.

PSYC 110 Week 1 Assignment

Daniels, N. (2020, January 10). What Do You Think About Prince Harry and Meghan ‘Stepping Back’? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/10/learning/what-do-you-think-about-prince-harry-and-meghan-stepping-back.html.