Poi's Psychology Blog

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Hi, this is Poi's blog.
I'm rather interesting, really.
I heart psychology.
I believe in parallel universes.

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Sunday, August 20, 2006

There have been many major psychological changes this century. The advancement in technology at the turn of the century has caused an up-rise in modern psychology, revolutionizing all fields of psychology, clinical psychology, brain science, and pharmacology as well as aspects of sexual and technological psychology. It is easier to get therapy without paying a fortune now that group therapy, seminars, self-help books, cassettes, computer based programs have been approved by experts. In the past, psychology held a one-culture mentality, but is replaced by modern multicultural therapy, where therapists also take account of the patients’ culture and background. Modern psychology also has affected labor force, business and school in the area of addiction with tools such as the 12-steps (for alcoholics and drug addicts). In the past, major methods such as cognitive-behavior psychology were not popular, but nowadays it is common for therapists to fuse many therapies into one theory; as opposed to having one “school of thought”. Advancements in both neurological and biological psychology has picked up speed; allowing improvements in medication for mental disorders. In the early 20th century; researchers did not impose much thought on the spiritual aspect of psychology. However, it has been proved that religious and spiritual issues play a significant role in the human condition and contribute in aiding people with disturbances. Rational and spiritual research is now popular in the late 20th century psychotherapy. Hopefully, these advancements and new research may profoundly help human kind in understanding themselves and their society; so we no longer have to dwell in confusion of self.
There are many significant researches discussed in the article, one being about how the sight of food can make people hungry due to the raised insulin levels upon seeing mouth watering food. Research on obesity showed that certain people’s food obsessions are controlled by hormones. Judith Rodin concluded that to lose weight permanently, one must be in command of life; and not let the temptation to eat uncontrollably become a burden. This is the most important article, in my opinion, because I have a very unhealthy relationship with food and I agree that there will be no quick way to lose weight unless I start being in control of what I eat. It is said that 1 out of 5 female adolescents will battle an eating disorder, and I think this research should motivate them to overcome food obsessions (like compulsive binge eating disorder) and be in control of their own life.
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences also struck me as significant. He imposed the fact that the word “intelligence” should include abilities besides language and logic, such as self-knowledge, musical intelligence and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. It is very reasonable why Gardner came up with this theory. Society tries to measure us, while not understanding that one person excels in one area, while another in a different area; and yet its only those people who are good at things that “matter” (like being intelligent) that becomes successful in life.
Erikson’s proposal that emotional and intellectual development occurs throughout life, arguing that it did not cease at age 12, was also another important article. Erikson’s theory of 8 stages of life was reasonable and strikingly true; because trust, shame, guilt, fear of inferiority, identity confusion, isolation, stagnation and despair are all factors in composing a person. Things that affect you in the past are all stepping stones to the future, and trauma that happens to you at age 3 or age 30 will change you just as significantly. According to Erikson, what failure or accomplishment you encounter in the past will make you who you are, which is something I agree with.
The humanistic approach to group therapy, by Rogers, became a breakthrough in group therapy. He suggested that therapists should be open, genuine and positive, to help patients feel comfort. The group experience helps lead the patient away from isolation and alienation in life. With group therapy, the patient can be open about experiences and feel more secure around people who shares similar past stories. Group therapy is a better way to achieve help as well as being able to socialize in the process. This article is important in enabling people that getting help is nothing to be ashamed of, it can help and heal and make friends with commonalities as well.
The theory of “learned helplessness” found in a research on dogs suggests that punishment during childhood can create an adult who feels helpless and depressed. Unconditional punishment has persistent and serious long term emotional effects, and this is significant research to those parents who care about their child’s emotional well being in the future. If it were my child, I would not punish him, I would reason with him or let him learn of mistakes and consequences himself, so this article is significantly important in the aspect of raising efficient and happy children. These research has shown how psychology plays a profound role in enabling humans to understand themselves and their society, as well as their weaknesses and flaws, which is why I chose the five I think are most important, because they all reflect the advancements in the field of psychology that leave us hope of finally understanding things around us.

poi [ 7:38 AM ]

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