The Natural Born Citizen Essay Example for Free

The Natural Born Citizen Essay The President of the United States of America is the most powerful man in the world. The decisions that he makes and the policies that he enforce are things that have direct or indirect effects not only on the U. S citizenry but also on people living in other countries. This fact makes it imperative that a man or a woman who is going to assume the office as the President of the United States must have full control of his mental, physical, and emotional faculties when he takes over this important position. This is the primary reason why individuals who intend to hold office as president of the United States should be a â€Å"Natural Born† citizen. The wording â€Å"Natural born† means that the candidate should have been born into this world via natural birthing methods. THE NATURAL BORN CITIZEN THE FACTS ABOUT NATURAL BIRTHING Being born via a Natural birthing method ensures that the child has a huge probability of having full control over his Mental, physical and emotional faculties in comparison to those born via unnatural birthing methods (Caesarian method). Being born via Caesarian method has the following adverse effects namely: (a) The change that may take place on a child’s brain because of the chemical effects of anaesthetic drugs like morphine and lidocaine. These are drugs that are administered on laboring mothers to counter the immense pains associated to childbirth. Effects may include but would not be limited to cognitive and behavioral problems like long term Brain damage, ADHD and Autism (Stacey 2008). (b) Psycho social problems have a higher risk of occurrence on Caesarian born children than those who were born via natural means. According to Dr. Stanislov Grof, caesarian-born children often displays particular attitudes and personality traits like low self esteem, and difficulty in completing a task. CONCLUSION There is no question that the Position as Chief Executive of a country is a very demanding position that entails commitment and sound mental faculties. A person who is bound to get this office should have mental, physical and emotional resources that he could call upon to serve his country especially in troubled times. Caesarian born individuals are not fit to hold this office because there is a huge possibility that they are not intrinsically, physically and mentally fit enough to assume their duties as the president of the most powerful country in the World. This office demands that the person who holds office should have a nearly perfect if not fully unblemished mental and physical faculties. The THE NATURAL BORN CITIZEN position is not created by the constitution to be a testing laboratory for a potentially unfit individual. This position is not for the feeble minded, and the weak of heart. Any possibility of handing this position over to an individual who may be emotionally and mentally unstable is an unjustifiable risk that the most prominent country in the world cannot take. Such an undertaking is untenable and prejudicial to the best interest of the United States of America and her citizenry. The individual that should lead this great nation should have a sound body and mind at his disposal to best serve his country and his fellowmen. Anything less is a travesty to Democracy and Good Governance. References: Common Drugs Used During Labor and Their Side Effects. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from World wide web: http://natural-childbirth. net/tag/effects-of-drugs-on-baby/ Emerson, W. (1993). Treating birth trauma during infancy: Dynamic outcomes. CA: Emerson Training Seminars. Emerson, W. (1996). Treating birth trauma during infancy: Cord trauma. [Video-tape]. CA: Emerson Training Seminars English, J. (1985). Different doorway. Adventures of a cesarean born. CA: Earth Heart Press. Grof, S. (1998). Realms of the human unconscious. New York: Viking Press.

Evaluating Treating Through Therapy For Borderline Personality Disorder Nursing Essay

Evaluating Treating Through Therapy For Borderline Personality Disorder Nursing Essay Despite the many treatment options for people with BPD, Many professionals in mental health services continue to believe that personality disorders are untreatable. This essay provides evidence the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with Borderline Personality Disorder. Background To understand BPD, I will attempt to give a historical overview of BPD. In the 1800s, Philippe Pinel first used the French term manie sans delire (mania without delirium) to designate those individuals engaging in deviant behavior but showing no signs of a thought disorder such as hallucinations or delusions, psychiatry began to think about borderline personality disorders as early as 1801. Although the meaning of the term has changed through many writings on the subject over time, the writing of Cleckley and his use of the label psychopath in The Mask of Sanity brought the term into accepted usage (Meloy 1998). The Mask of Sanity is a book written by Hervey Cleckley first published in 1941; he gave the most significant clinical description of psychopathy in the 20th century. An expanded edition of the book was published in 1982, when the name was changed from psychopathy to Personality Disorder. In 1972, newer editions of the book reflected a closer alliance with Kernbergss (1984) borderline level of personality organization, in particular defining the structural criteria of the psychopaths identity integration, defensive operations and reality testing. The diagnosis borderline was introduced in the 1930s to label patients with problems that seemed to fall somewhere in between neurosis and psychosis (Stern, 1938). In 1938, the psychoanalyst Adolph Stern first described most of the symptoms that are now considered as criteria of borderline disorder. He suggested the possible causes of the disorder, and what he believed to be the most successful form of psychotherapy for these patients, he also renamed the disorder again, and he named the disorder by referring to patients with the symptoms he described as the border line group (Freidel 2004). In 1940, the psychoanalyst Robert Knight introduced the concept of ego psychology into his explanation of borderline disorder. Ego psychology deals with mental functions that allow us to effectively combine our thoughts and feelings and to develop helpful responses to life around us. He suggested that people with borderline disorder have impairments in a lot of of these functions, and he referred to them as borderline states (Friedel 2004). The next important input was made by the psychoanalyst Otto Kernberg (1967); he introduced the term borderline personality organisation. He proposed that mental disorders were determined by three distinctive personality organisations: psychotic, neurotic and borderline personality. Kernberg has been a strong promoter of modified psychoanalytic therapy for patients with borderline disorder (Friedel 2004). Roy Grinker in 1968 published results of the first research conducted on patients with borderline disorder, which he referred to as the borderline syndrome (Friedel 2004). The next major advance in the field occurred when Gunderson and Singer (1975) published a widely acclaimed article that synthesized the relevant, published information on borderline disorder, and defined its major characteristics. Gunderson then published a specific research instrument to enhance the accurate diagnosis of borderline disorder. This instrument enabled researchers over the world to verify the validity and integrity of borderline disorder. Subsequently, borderline personality disorder first appeared in DSM-III as a bona fide psychiatric diagnosis in 1980 (Friedel 2004). Personality disorder categories are not firmly grounded in theory, nor are they empirically based (Livesley, 1998). Some critics say that personality disorder categories are so flawed that the best option is to abolish them and start afresh, but most pragmatists recognise that so much has been invested in them that they are very likely here to stay (Blackburn 2000a; Livesley, 1998). Borderline personality disorder is associated with significant impairment, especially in relation to the capacity to sustain stable relationships as a result of personal and emotional instability (NICE 2009). For many, the severity of symptoms and behaviours that characterise borderline personality disorder, correlate with the severity of personal, social and occupational impairments. However, this is not always the case, and some people with what appears to be, in other ways, marked borderline personality disorder may be able to function at very high levels in their careers (Stone, 1993). Paris (1994) stated that about one-third of patients with BPD report severe abuse involving an incestuous perpetrator; about one-third report milder forms of abuse; and about one-third do not report abuse. Personality disorders are common conditions; studies indicate prevalence of 10-13% of the adult population in the community and are more common among younger age groups (24-44 yrs) and equally distributed between males and females. However, the sex ratio for specific types of personality disorder is variable e.g. antisocial personality disorder is more common among males, and borderline personality disorder more common amongst females (DOH 2003). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can be seen as an umbrella term for many different therapies that share some common elements. The earliest form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy was developed by Albert Ellis in the early 1950s. Aaron T.Beck independently developed another CBT approach, called Cognitive Therapy, in the 1960s. Cognitive Therapy rapidly became a favorite intervention to study in psychotherapy research in academic settings. In initial studies, it was often contrasted with behavioral treatments to see which was most effective. However, in recent years, cognitive and behavioral techniques have often been combined into cognitive behavioral treatment. This is arguably the primary type of psychological treatment being studied in research today. One specific form of cognitive-behavioural therapy is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a broad-based, cognitive-behavioural programme developed specifically to reduce self-harm in women with borderline personality disorders (Linehan, 1993a; Linehan 1993b). Recent research has shown that dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is one of the first therapies that have demonstrated to be effective for treating borderline personality disorder as well as being effective in treating people who display varied symptoms and behaviours associated with mood disorders, including self-harm. DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioural techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of mindful-awareness, distress tolerance, and acceptance. 1.2 Rationale As a mental health nurse coming from a forensic background, I have experience of working with clients with personality disorder. I feel that by getting more of an understanding of CBT interventions, it will make a huge difference to my future practice in the future. McKenna et al (1999) state that it is unacceptable for health care not to be based on sound evidence of its effectiveness, and back up their practice with research-based evidence (NMC, 2008) to ensure effective clinical practice. Often nurses find it frustrating working with disorders of personality. These clients can be manipulative, socially inappropriate and difficult, for these reasons, such clients need all the patience and skills nurses have to offer. Until recently, personality disorder services in the NHS had been diverse, spasmodic and inconsistent (Department of Health, 2003). Besides functional impairment and emotional distress, borderline personality disorder is also associated with significant financial costs to the healthcare system, social services and the wider society (NICE 2009). 1.3 Aims and objectives The aims and objectives of this project are to review the evidence on the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy with people who have Borderline Personality. 1.4 Methodology and parameters This literature review was conducted using the following resources Electronic databases: Cochrane library, CINHAL, Medline, Psychinfo, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences and Academic Search Premier Key journals were hand searched: British Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Personality Disorders, Mental Health Practice, Journal of Personality and Mental Health University and Trust libraries Google Google scholar The following types of literature were sought and reviewed where available Randomised control trials Systematic and structured review Quantitative and Qualitative research studies Position statements/guidelines from professional bodies Government policies (NICE (2009), NSF (1999) Text Books Inclusion and exclusion criteria Eligibility for this review was determined by the following criteria: à ¢-  Participants: adults with BPD (diagnosed according to DSM-III/DSM-III-R, DSM-IV, DSM-IV-TR or ICD-10 criteria for BPD), with or without co-morbidity. à ¢-  Intervention: psychological therapies, including CBT, DBT à ¢-  Comparators: CBT/DBT or treatment as usual à ¢-  Outcomes: self-harm, suicide, interpersonal and social functioning à ¢-  Study type: published papers were assessed according to the accepted hierarchy of evidence, whereby systematic reviews of RCTs are taken to be the most authoritative forms of evidence, with uncontrolled observational studies the least authoritative. à ¢-  Exclusion criteria: papers on personality disorder without separate BPD subgroup analyses. The studies were obtained through a number of sources, as above. Searches were performed by entering the key words Borderline Personality Disorder, Cognitive behaviour therapy into several databases, which yielded many secondary references of current best evidence. Search filters developed consisted of a combination of subject headings. The topic-specific filters were combined with appropriate research design filters developed for systematic reviews, RCTs and other appropriate research designs. These articles were selected after careful reading of the title and abstract to identify the most useful. I then limited my search to full articles which made my search a lot easier. The definitive text that will be used to aid my search will be NICE Clinical Guidelines for Personality disorder 78. This guideline makes recommendations for the treatment and management of borderline personality disorder in adults and young people (under the age of 18) who meet criteria for the diagnosis in prim ary, secondary and tertiary care. Borderline personality disorder is present in just under 1% of the population, and is most common in early adulthood. Women present to services more often than men. Borderline personality disorder is often not formally diagnosed before the age of 18, but the features of the disorder can be identified earlier. Its course is variable and although many people recover (NICE 2009). This search will comprise both British and international articles. When choosing which articles were going to be relevant, I found it impossible to ignore the amount of articles I had on DBT and as DBT was evolved from CBT and made specifically for BPD, I decided to bring it into my research project. The articles are mixed quantitative and qualitative research. The qualitative means of gathering subjective data is centred on an individuals experience, beliefs, empowerment and quality of care and does not solely concentrate on clinical outcomes for the individual. One could argue that this is the most appropriate aspect of research for mental health nurses as mental illness is individual for each person involved in the process and although BPD is not a mental illness The National Service Framework for adult mental health sets out our responsibilities to provide evidence based, effective services for all those with severe mental illness, including people with personality disorder who experience significant distress or difficulty (NIMH 2003). While these can be misconceived as an easy option form of research, qualitative research offers rich, reflective and exhaustive data that is invaluable and has a profound contribution to make to take to practice. The qualitative evidence was li mited with regards to the treatments reviewed, with an emphasis on DBT. Quantitative research is a formal, objective, and rigorous statistical process for generating information about the world (Burns Grove 1999), whereby the researcher would gather a range of numerical data in order to answer the research question, or prove, disprove a hypothesis (Parahoo 2006). Philosophies or schools of thought in research are called paradigms (Parahoo 2006). One such paradigm is positivism. Parahoo (2006) asserts that positivism relies on observations by the human senses to create fact (empiricism), and believe in the unity of science, and the notion of cause and effect (determinism). The positivist researcher will endeavour to test a hypothesis or theory using the deductive process of a course of experiments. This paradigm utilises a quantitative approach in its research methods. For the positivists, quantitative research is believed to provide hard evidence and objective fact that can provide knowledge on which to base best practice (Parahoo 2006). Efficacy studies focus on the usefulness of a specific helping methodology for a particular kind of problem. Comparisons are made between the methodology in question and some other methodology between clients with some disorder who do receive the treatment and those who do not or between two different methodologies for treating the same disorder. These studies are carried out under controlled conditions. Many of the studies are well designed and demonstrate efficacy. In a healthcare context, efficacy indicates the capacity for beneficial change (or therapeutic effect) of a given intervention. Chapter 2 The Literature Review Having undertaken a critical review of the literature, I have come to explore a number of issues which I feel necessary to consider, key themes emerging from this literature review are the impact of CBT DBT on suicidal behaviours, the impact of CBT DBT on self-harming behaviours, and the impact of CBT DBT on engagement. This chapter sets out to explore these themes in more detail. The most appropriate research design to answer this is the RCT; therefore the evidence base reviewed comprised available RCTs undertaken in people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The causes of borderline personality disorder are complex and remain uncertain. The following may all be contributing factors: genetics and constitutional vulnerabilities; neurophysiological and neurobiological dysfunctions of emotional regulation and stress; psychosocial histories of childhood maltreatment and abuse; and disorganisation of aspects of the behavioural system, most particularly the attachment system (NICE 2009). The history of specific psychological interventions designed to help people with borderline personality disorder is intertwined with changing conceptions of the nature of the disorder itself. Given the confusion that surrounds the nature of personality disorder, it is not surprising that this has impacted on NHS care for people with this diagnosis. Until recently, personality disorder services in the NHS had been diverse, spasmodic and inconsistent (Department of Health, 2003). Borderline personality disorder is particularly common among people who are drug and/or alcohol dependent, and within drug and alcohol services there will be more women with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder than men (Swartz 1990). Borderline personality disorder is also more common in those with an eating disorder (Zanarini et al., 1998), and also among people presenting with chronic self-harming behaviour (Linehan et al., 1991). 2.1 Defining Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a structured psychological treatment that focuses on helping a person make connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. CBT was originally developed as a treatment for depression, and has since been modified for the treatment of people with personality disorders including borderline personality disorder. CBT focuses on altering the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of patients by teaching them skills to challenge and modify beliefs, to engage in experimental reality testing, and to develop better coping strategies. The goals of these interventions are to decrease the conviction of delusional beliefs, and hence their severity, and to promote more effective coping and reductions in distress. This essay will attempt to assess the contribution of CBT the disorder by discussing reviews on efficacy and long term effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy  for borderline personality disorder (CBT for BPD) was developed on the premise that people with the disorder have learned distorted beliefs and thought patterns. These, in turn, result in the distressing emotional responses and behaviors that characterize borderline personality disorder. It is the initial objective of CBT for  BPD  to  identify the distorted, automatic thoughts and  beliefs held by the patient with borderline disorder.  Such beliefs outlined by Beck Freeman(1990) typically include those related to dependency (I am needy and weak),  distrust  (People will get me if I dont get them first), rigid, all-or-nothing (dichotomous) perceptions,  and other thought patterns  that characterize the main cognitive-perceptual symptoms of the disorder. These distorted thoughts are then modified by self-monitoring,  logical analysis and by questioning and testing them.  It is adapted for people with borderline personality disorder and pays attention to the structure of the therapy and the problems that can disrupt the therapeutic relationship , such as non-engagement in treatment, shifting problems and goals, losing focus on the aims of therapy, losing structure and lack of compliance with assignments (Davidson, 2000). In addition, CBT for BPD attempts to produce positive change by improving the attitude of the patient toward treatment, the enhancement of specific skills, and the reduction of hopelessness. The CBT therapist and the patient typically construct a list of specific problem areas. They then develop a set of tasks or exercises that generate and reinforce new attitudes, behaviors, and interpersonal strategies that replace the ones that have proven to be ineffective. Within the past 15 years, another, newer psychosocial treatment termed Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was developed. DBT combines standard cognitive behavioural techniques with acceptance based strategies, as well as strategies designed to keep the therapy balanced between change and acceptance (dialectical strategies). Marsha M. Linehan, a psychologist from the University of Washington in Seattle, developed DBT specifically for people with BPD, especially those who engage in frequent self-destructive and self-injurious behaviours. DBT is based on the belief that the symptoms of BPD result from biological impairments in the brain mechanisms that regulate emotional responses. The early behavioural effects of this impairment are magnified, as the person with this biological risk factor interacts with people who dont validate their emotional pain and dont help them learn effective coping skills. DBT has gained considerable favour in the treatment of BPD because of the results it ha s achieved in several research studies. It has been shown that DBT can be taught to and used by many, but not all, mental health professionals. For the time being this seriously limits the broad use of this effective treatment approach. DBT seeks to validate feelings and problems, but it balances this acceptance by gently pushing to make productive changes. DBT also deals with other opposing or dialectical tensions or conflicts that arise, such as the patients perceived need for a high level of dependence on the therapists and others, and the fear and guilt aroused by such excessive dependency. DBT combines both cognitive and behavioural techniques and designed specifically to treat BPD. It is a combination of individual psychotherapy and psychosocial skills training that has been shown via controlled clinical trial to be effective in treating individuals with BPD (Linehan, 1993b). In practice, the limiting factor in providing access to psychological therapies is the very small prop ortion of NHS staff trained to deliver these to a competent standard. Fourteen women with borderline personality disorder were interviewed to ascertain what is effective about DBT and why (Cunningham et al., 2004).Participants reported that DBT allowed them to see the disorder as a controllable part of themselves rather than something that controlled them, providing them with tools to help them deal with the illness. Service users reported that DBT had had a positive effect on their relationships in day-to-day interactions, and although problems with friends and family did not disappear, they were more manageable (NICE 2009). Clients also expressed higher levels of hope and a desire to live more independently (Cunningham et al., 2004) 2.2 Suicidal acts Definition: deliberate; life threatening; resulted in medical attention; medical assessment consistent with suicide attempt. Suicide is common in people with borderline personality disorder and may occur several years after the first presentation of symptoms (Paris Zweig-Frank, 2001). A well-documented association exists between borderline personality disorder and depression (Skodol et al., 1999; Zanarini et al., 1998), and the combination of the two conditions has been shown to increase the number and seriousness of suicide attempts (Soloff et al., 2000). People with borderline personality disorder may engage in a variety of destructive and impulsive behaviours including self-harm, eating problems and excessive use of alcohol and illicit substances. Self-harming behaviour in borderline personality disorder is associated with a variety of different meanings for the person, including relief from acute distress and feelings, such as emptiness and anger, and to reconnect with feelings after a period of dissociation. As a result of the frequency with which they self-harm, people with borderline personality di sorder are at increased risk of suicide (Cheng et al, 1997), with 60 to 70% attempting suicide at some point in their life (Oldham, 2006). The rate of completed suicide in people with borderline personality disorder has been estimated to be approximately 10% (Oldham, 2006). A behavioural approach to self-harm and suicidality that incorporated skills training in emotion regulation and validation of client experience developed into dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a specific intervention for borderline personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioural therapy along the lines of Beck, Freeman, Associates (1990) has been investigated in at least two uncontrolled trials. Brown, Newman, Charlesworth, and Chrits-Cristoph (2003) found significant decreases on suicide ideation, hopelessness, depression, number of BPD symptoms, and dysfunctional beliefs after 1 year of cognitive-behavioural therapy for suicidal or self-mutilating patients with BPD. Results were maintained at a 6 months follow- up. Effect sizes were moderate (0.22-0.55). Dropout rate was 9.4%. Arntz (1999a) found positive effects of long-lasting cognitive-behavioural therapy in a mixed sample of personality disorders, including 6 patients with BPD. Two patients with BPD dropped out prematurely, but the other four attained good results. A randomized clinical trial was conducted by Linehan et al. (1991) with 44 subjects to evaluate the effectiveness of DBT for the treatment of chronically parasuicidal women who met criteria for BPD. Patients who received DBT had an average of 8.46 inpatient days per year compared to 38.86 days for the control group. It was also noted that it did not appear that there were differences between the two groups on measures of depression, hopelessness, suicide ideation, or reasons for living. Linehan et al. (1993) conducted a naturalistic follow-up review of 39 of these subjects to determine whether the effects of DBT were maintained over one year post treatment. In the 12 to 18 month period, subjects completing DBT had fewer parasuicidal episodes and fewer medically treated episodes. In the 18- to 24-month period, there were no significant between-group differences on parasuicide measurements, although psychiatric inpatient days during this time were lower for subjects in the DBT group. Rathus et al. (2002) conducted a study with a group of suicidal adolescents with borderline personality features. Participants included 111 outpatient admissions. Eighty-two participants were assigned to treatment as usual (TAU) and 29 were assigned to DBT. The groups were not randomized, but it was noted that there was more severe pre-treatment symptomtology in the DBT group than the TAU group. The group treated with DBT had significantly fewer inpatient psychiatric hospitalisations during the 12 weeks of treatment. The groups did not differ significantly in number of suicide attempts made during treatment. There was a slightly higher rate of treatment completion in the DBT group. Hengeveld et al (1996) report a case series of nine female outpatients who had attempted suicide on at least two occasions and were offered up to ten sessions of group CBT. Seven of the nine met criteria for personality disorder and of these four had borderline personality disorder. Ten months after the last session, recurrence of self-harm was examined using telephone contacts with participants and examination of hospital records. Four of the seven participants reported further suicide attempts all four had borderline personality disorder. Linehan et al. (2006) conducted a one-year randomized controlled trial with one year of post-treatment follow up. The objective was to evaluate the hypothesis that unique aspects of DBT are more efficacious compared to treatment offered by non-behavioural psychotherapy experts. The study included 101 female participants with recent suicidal and self-injurious behaviours that met DSM-IV criteria. The subjects who received DBT were half as likely to make a suicide attempt. 2.3 Suicidal acts Definition: deliberate; resulted in visible tissue damage, nursing or medical intervention required. Self-harming behaviour in borderline personality disorder is associated with a variety of different meanings for the person, including relief from acute distress and feelings, such as emptiness and anger, and to reconnect with feelings after a period of dissociation. As a result of the frequency with which they self-harm, people with borderline personality disorder are at increased risk of suicide (Cheng et al., 1997). Service users have been positive about DBT because it has helped them to improve their relationships and their ability to control their emotions and reduce self harm. However, while some valued the structure of the approach, others preferred the programme to be more tailored and flexible. In a large sample, Tyrer et al (2003) found that CBT was equivalent to TAU for the treatment of recurrent self-harm and noted that this method was less effective for patients with BPD. Brown (2004) conducted an uncontrolled cohort study participants with borderline personality disorder who reported suicidal ideation or engaged in self-injurious behaviour received weekly CBT over a 12-month period and were followed up over an 18-month period. Individual sessions lasting 1 hour were supplemented by access to emergency telephone contact with an on-call therapist between sessions. Verheul et al. (2003) conducted a randomized controlled study for the purpose of comparing the effectiveness of DBT with TAU for patients with BPD and to examine the impact of baseline severity on effectiveness. The study included 58 women who were randomized to either DBT or TAU and who received treatment over one year. The results included: DBT had a substantially lower 12-month attrition rate (37%) compared with TAU (77%); treatment with DBT resulted in greater reduction of self-mutilating and self-damaging impulsive acts than TAU. Van den Bosch et al. (2005) published a follow-up review of this study that examined whether the treatment results in the Verheul study were sustained over six-month follow-up or up to week 78. It was noted that in the six months after treatment discontinuation, the benefits of DBT over TAU in terms of lower levels of impulsive and self-mutilating behaviours were sustained. However, it must be noted that parasuicide activity had been defined in slightly different ways in the RCTs and therefore might not be comparable across studies. Alper (2001) presents outcome data on a case series of 15 court committed women with a clinical diagnosis of borderline personality disorder that underwent treatment with nurse-led DBT in an inpatient forensic setting. There was a reduction in the frequency of self-harm over the 4-week period. In addition, the authors conducted qualitative interviews with four nurses to describe their experience of administering DBT; their responses were uniformly positive. Bateman Tryer (2004) state that the widespread adoption of dialectical behaviour therapy is a tribute both to the energy and charisma of its founder, Marsha Linehan, and to the attractiveness of the treatment, with its combination of acceptance and change, skills training, excellent manualisation, and a climate of opinion that is willing and able to embrace this multifaceted approach. It is not, however, justified by the strength of the evidence (Tyrer, 2002b) and conclusions about the long-term effectiveness of this therapy as a treatment for the personality itself are premature. Since the original trial which was handicapped by many methodological limitations, there has only been one randomised study that supports the findings unequivocally, that of Verheul et al (2003). 2.4 Non-engagement For effective treatment, commitment to therapy is required, and research shows that fewer people drop out of DBT than other therapies (verheul et al 2003) According to service users interviewed by Haigh (2002), services could be improved if: professionals acknowledged that personality disorder is treatable; they received a more positive experience on initial referral as this would make engagement with a service more likely; if the ending of a therapeutic relationship was addressed adequately; and if services were not removed as soon as people showed any signs of improvement, because this tended to increase anxiety and discourage maintenance of any improvement. In a study by Hodgetts and colleagues (2007) of five people with borderline personality disorder being treated in a DBT service, the participants reported that DBT was presented to them as the only treatment for personality disorder. This may have raised anxieties in service users about what was expected of them. While some valued the sense of structure to the treatment, others would have preferred a more tailored and flexible approach. There were also mixed feelings about the co mbination of individual therapy and group skills training. For one person the challenges of DBT proved too much so she left the programme. Another factor in her leaving was that she believed she was refused supp

Effects Of Crime And Violence On Television

Effects Of Crime And Violence On Television As we turn on the television today, there seems to be more shows that have violence in them then ever before. The same goes true for movies and video games which the violence has a damaging effect on the society. Studies done over the last forty years show that there is a link between media violence and an increase in violet acts committed by juveniles (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.html). With a rise in the violence in juveniles it raises the question whether the media industry has any duty with the violence it shows. Some facts need to be considered when looking at media violence and children. One factor is that many of todays population watches TV. Many say that the crime rates are going up and down due to the media. Also the shows show types of criminal behavior that could be of interest to the public. Unfortunately with many studies done over the forty years scientist have looked at media and crime they have notice a fine line which cant be crossed. When watching the news do you remember hearing about fourteen year old Michael Carneal firing a .22caliberr into a prayer group (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article)? How about sixteen Luke Woodham and fifteen year old Kip Kinkel who both shot their parent and then went to school and shot some classmates (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article)? When the media represents a crime such as this the people who do the crime and its affects is how the people began to see that population (Bjornstorm, Kaufman, Peterson, Slater 2010 p.269-293). Crisis such as can be a time when a population is over-presented as to be a bad person or even under presented as if what was happening did not mattered. When this happens those who are watching TV can end up thinking this behavior is okay and start acting like them (Bjornstorm, Kaufman, Peterson, Slater 2010 p.269-293). Since the 1950s many college professors studied how crime in cartoons and TV shows affected young children (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). They found that after watching the cartoons the children are more aggressive immediately afterward. Also when the parents are involved the child seems to be less aggressive as well (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). Scientist today say that crime images may be a factor as to why young kids chose a life of crime. Yet if their parents are involved in their everyday lives they are less likely to live a life of crime (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). As you can see the findings from the 1950s is the same the findings today. One can see that there is no real evidence to say whether watching crime on TV leads to a life of crime they allow more research to be done. With forty years of research it is still hard to say ya or nah (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_doe s-media-cause-crime.htm). In the case of the three teens, there was a interest that the juvenile crime rate would raise even though there was a sixty-eight percent decrease between 1993 and 1999 (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Of the four major crimes juveniles are arrested for such as robbery, rape, murder, and aggravated assault it dropped by thirty-six percent between 1994 and 1999 (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). However these statistics are deceive able due to such shootings as the three teens (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). The shootings only proofed that there is an increase in juvenile crime and not a decrease like the statistics believe. When it comes down to just how much crime juveniles are responsible for there is a tug a war between the Gallup Poll and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). The 2000 Gallup Poll believes that the juveniles are responsible for forty-three percent while OJJD P believes juveniles are only responsible for twelve percent (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). To me it is not not how much crime they are responsible for, but what gave them the idea to do the crime. After being arrested for the crimes he committed, Michael Carneal was asked what gave him the idea to commit such a crime in such a way (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). He said he had in the 1995 movie The Basketball Diaries (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). For anyone who has seen The Basketball Diaries know that there is a character who is a promising young poet and basketball player (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). He turns to the sleazy life of someone who is addicted to heroin (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). In one of his highs he goes into a dream sequence in which after breaking the door to his high school down he kills his fellow classmates (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). It is scenes like these that lead to real teens thinking that if they have a problem at school this is how they should deal with it. The example of Carneal is proof that television has brainwashed our daily lives. We have become addicted to the television as if it was its own special kind of drug. The media which is placed on the television can be said to target young adults and teenagers. As shown by Carneal the media influences teens to demonstrate through their body image, peer/ media pressure and sexual misconduct. Based on a study done in 1994 by the National Cable Television Association this is very true. They found that violent content of television shows increased from over one-half of prime time. By the end of the study violence took the majority of television sending bad messages to teens (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). On top of that villains of the violent scenes seem to not get in trouble for the crimes they commit as well as the villain having no injury even after getting wounded (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Such depiction give teenagers the sense that it is okay to act like this and get the teenage image which is not always a good image. We all know how important a teenagers image is everything to them. They look to actors and singers on television to give them that image they are looking for. Unfortunately, singers such as TuPac, 50 cent, Britney Spear, and and Lil Kim are some who catch our teens eye. Under the image are what use to be young people who started making the right choices, but made the wrong choices. Producers of the television shows and the market pick these people due to their invisible attitude and sex appeal. Spending a few millions of dollars in advertising is no big deal to them when they sell their clothing (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-teens-a14289). When you see teenager spending so much money to fit in or to be seen by the opposite sex with that sex appeal that is advertised it is really scary. There are those who ask the advertiser why they spend millions of dollars on advertising to contract teenagers and they will deny it (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-te ens-a14289). At first glance the thug image is of someone in prison, which is what it is. Criminals receive a one size fits all outfits when they are brought to the jail. Teens try to re-create this prison image, but that is not the only thing they re-create. With the image comes the actions that comes with it. The same goes for the girls. No girl wants to put a belly shirt on or low cut jeans when they feel as though their over weight (http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/). This is when many girls become obsess with their bodies and become anorexic. All over the television you see young girls and women portrayed as femme fatale, supermom, or sex kitten (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-teens-a14289). It does not matter the role the women still looks good and gets what she wants in the end. These portrayals are what pushes them to join health clubs and attempt the fashion body as well as the anorexia. Both the thug image and the image of the you ng girls have something today with the crime since they are getting the ideas from the media. You are probably wondering what does image and violence seen on television have to do with crime caused by the media. It has more to do with it then anyone of us can about. When a villain gets shot and he does not die on top of the cool thug look it is tell guys that if they dress this way or act that way nothing will happen. In 1982 NIMH report reinforced this conclusion, and many other organizations took part in viewing media violence this way as well (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). They saw media violence as a serious threat to public health because it stimulates violent behavior by youth (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). An example of this would be on New York channels during a one week of content analysis of prime-time output, there were 3,421 acts and threats of violence observed (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). When looking at the violent committed many of these acts were committed without any compensation for the action (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Maybe that is why by the 1990s most researchers had arrived to the idea that the effect of media violence on aggressive and violent behavior was real, causal, and significant (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Once they realized that media violence and aggression was a problem they need to figure out how to fix the problem and the long and short-term effects. Some of the short-term effects are thought to be due to observational learning and imitation (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). There is arousal and excitation as well as priming (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Arousal and excitation are not harmful as long as the person does not start a fantasy about how a curtain girl should be. Long-term effects range from observational learning to emotional habituation (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). On the flip side some researchers see observational learning as a short-term effect. You have to remember that the reinforcements a person receives when intimidating a behavior are largely responsible for whether the behavior persists (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Some how the consequences of sho rt-term and long-term effects are different. A good way to look at aggression is with a longitudinal study. In chapter three three we learned that that a longitudinal study is where people measured at two or more points (Aron et. al, 2008, p. 86). In this study they surveyed sixth- and seventh-grade from twenty middle schools across the US on four different occasions (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Two components of media violence and aggressiveness were measured for three thing a piece. Media violence was measured for assessing the frequency of watching action movies, playing video games involving firing a weapon, and visiting Internet sites that describe or recommend violence (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Aggressiveness was measured by aggressive cognition, values, and behavior (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). What makes it on the graph is on the vertical line you have average effect size represented by r (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf /pspi/pspi43.pdf). On horizontal line you have five behaviors. Three have to do with aggressiveness while the last two have have to do with helping behavior and physiological arousal. There is also an standard error. Standard errors are shown in research articles as the lines that go above the tops of the bars (Aron et. al, 2008, p. 186). When they were done with the study they said that it was weak and that more studies needed to be done. That is where the meta-analysis comes in and the fact that maybe parents should play a bigger role. Meta-analysis looked at the methodological feature of the study in greater detail (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). When they did so they divided the study into two categories without using the methodological problems (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). In doing so for the five behaviors the best study was chosen to show how they affect each child. Here is an example of the graph from the article I got my information from. 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 -0.4 Aggessive aggressive Aggressive Helping PH behavior cognition affect behavior arousal Parents have a big responsibility to make sure that their children are watching the right television shows. Even though there are some parents out there who do not care what their children watch there are ways to educate parents what these shows are doing to our children. A study done by Singer and Singer stated that when parents take an active interest in what their children are watching the child is more likely to tell the difference between realism and not (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). It has also been reported that when a parent restricts access to violent television there is a report of lower aggressive tendencies (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). We all know that when parents are involved children are less to get in trouble. Parents cant do all the work. The government and those who make the shows nee to take responsibility for what they make as well. Today efforts such as the V-chip and media education have been used to lessen the effects of media violence, but there is still not a stop. They talk about a gap that needs to be filled when it comes to some parts of the research (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). What they do know is that when you reduce exposure you reduce aggression (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Even with the V-chip and educating parents the media world is changing and so how parents protect their children from aggression will change as well. It seems like they will like to see the media world helping as well (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf).

The Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System Essay -- Education, Asse

Introduction The Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) developed in 1997 by Naglieri and Das conceptualizing on the works of A. R. Luria PASS model theory, represents an analytic measurement of cognitive abilities based on neuropsychological construct. The PASS theory, acronym for planning, attention, simultaneous, and successive, focuses on the neuropsychological foundation in which cognitive processing and human intelligences based on the functional brain and mental activities of input, processing, and output (Das, 1999). Endorsement of the PASS theory endures understanding of human intelligence as it relates to cognitive abilities. Psychometrical Component The CAS is a standardized test geared to capturing the essence of cognitive abilities by placing emphasis on brain functioning and the cognitive processes. The psychometrical properties for the CAS include standardization based on the sampling 2,200 children ranging in ages five through 17. Standardization was based on random sampling using the United States 1990 Census in which the norms of the diverse population is branched by race, gender, region, educational background, environmental setting, and parent educational attainment (Reynolds & Fletcher-Janzen, 2003) In addition, normalization of instruments are reported in four-month intervals (Naglieri & Das, 2010). The instrument is available in two versions, the standard battery that requires 60 minutes to complete and basic battery, which is a shorter version of the standard battery and only requires 40 minutes to complete. For the validity of psychometric measurement, the PASS scales and Full Scale (FS) are used. The psychometrical measurement for the CAS involves taking raw scores from each subtests and c... ...the development of instructional training are questionable. The ethical concerns of using the CAS for instructional and remedial purposes is the reliability of score interpretation and the effectiveness of categorization of cognitive deficiencies. For example, the simultaneous process emphasis on grouping related stimuli by using the cognitive task of integration of information. Naglieri and Goldstein (2009) argued the simultaneous process engages in the visual-spatial perspective by relying on visual memory that might display cognitive weakness in reading comprehension or verbal concepts. The complication of interpreting and profiling an individual with weaknesses in reading comprehension or cognitive deficiencies in word grouping based on the CAS subscale simultaneous involves disregarding phonological skills as a means of declined reading skills (Aaron, 2002).

The Blackfoot Indians :: essays research papers

The Blackfoot Indians The wind blows across the lone prairie, causing the golden heads of grass to sway in a synchronized motion. On the horizon stands a herd of buffalo with bowed heads silhouetted by the slowly sinking sun. In the east stands an Indian war party mounted on horseback, each individual in different multicolored attire, all with either bows or spears in hand. As they move in for the attack, the mystical scene slowly fades from vision.... This dreamlike scene was once everyday life to the American Indian before they were robbed of all that made their life real. The Indians originally came over to North America via the Bering Strait at a time when the ice age caused the gap to freeze over. They came from Asia by following herds and in search of more. During their travels, some decided to stop and settle down, hence the many different tribes. The Blackfoot occupied the region of modern day Alberta in Canada, and Montana in the U.S. The Blackfoot consisted of three main tribes: the Northern Blackfoot(Siksika), the Piegan(Pikuni), and the Blood(Kainah). The tribes differed little in their speech, but were politically independent. Blackfoot population varied, but was less affected by the arrival of the white man than some tribes due to their location. "In 1855, there were approximately 2,400 Northern Blackfoot, 2,000 Blood, and 3,200 Piegan. The total population of Blackfoot varied as follows: 15,000(1780), 9,000(1801), 7,600(1855), and 4,600(1932)" ( ). The decline of population was most likely due to the white man's diseases and the annihilation of the buffalo. In 1781, the Blackfoot had their first serious attack of smallpox. An epidemic of smallpox again occurred in 1838, 1845 1857, and 1864. In the winter of 1864, the tribe was struck with measles and about 780 died. In the winter of 1883 to 1884, more than 1/4 the Piegan population died of starvation (600). This was mainly the result of official stupidity and the disappearance of the buffalo. The Blackfoot were typically large-game hunters and were mainly dependant on the buffalo for their diet, clothing, and receptacles. They also hunted such animals as the elk, deer, and antelope. There were four main methods of hunting, one of which was the "surround". This method required the use of horses and was done by surrounding the herd, after which they were shot down. Another method was accomplished by driving the game down a cliff, in which the fall would injure the animal enough to hinder their escape. A third method used was impounding, which resembled modern day cow herding. The hunting party would build fences into which they would herd the animals.

Storm Born Chapter Twelve

I finally worked up the courage to see my mom and Roland a few days later. Tim had left for the day, but he'd apparently baked this morning. A plate of almond poppy seed muffins sat on the kitchen table, and I grabbed two for the road. My ability to think clearly had improved with some rest, but my anger and pain hadn't really faded. I still felt betrayed and not just by Wil. If anything, I could forgive him more easily than anyone else. He had not fostered a years-long secret. His actions had been open and desperate. They had not been so insidious as Kiyo's, my mom's, and Roland's. When I arrived at the house, I didn't bother knocking. The front door was open, and I pushed inside, slamming it loudly behind me. â€Å"Genie?† I heard my mom call. â€Å"Is that you?† I walked across the wood floor, my shoes echoing in the foyer. Mom and Roland sat at the kitchen table, eating lunch. Bread and cold cuts were laid out, along with assorted condiments. It looked so normal. So peaceful and innocent. My mom half-rose when she saw me. â€Å"Thank God you're back safe. I've been so – what's the matter?† I loved these people so much, but seeing them increased my fury, maybe because I did love them so much. For a moment, I couldn't get the words out. I just stared at them, looking from face to face. â€Å"Eugenie?† she asked tentatively. â€Å"Who's my father?† I demanded of her. â€Å"Was I born in the Otherworld?† I saw her go pale, her dark eyes widening in fear. In an instant, Roland was up beside her. â€Å"Eugenie, listen – † The look on his face spoke legions. â€Å"Jesus. It really is true.† I saw him open his mouth to protest, but then he thought better of it. â€Å"How did you find out?† Honesty, at least. â€Å"It's all over the Otherworld. Everyone knows. I'm apparently next in line for world domination.† â€Å"That's not true,† he said. â€Å"Forget about it. You aren't like them.† â€Å"But I am one of them, right? At least half?† â€Å"By blood only. Everything else†¦well, for all intents and purposes, you're human. You have nothing to do with them.† â€Å"Except killing and banishing them. How could you set me up for that†¦if I'm†¦?† One of them, I wanted to finish. But I couldn't get the words out. â€Å"Because you have a talent for it. One we need. You know what they can do.† â€Å"Yes. And you've made sure I do, telling me all the horror stories growing up. But there's a hell of a lot more than that. They're weird, yes, but not all evil.† My mother suddenly joined the conversation, eyes wild and frantic. â€Å"Yes! They are! You don't know what you're talking about. When did you have this revelation? A day ago? A week ago? I lived with them for three years, Eugenie. Three years.† Her voice dropped to a whisper. â€Å"Three years, and I never once encountered a decent one. No one who would help me. No one who would keep me from Tirigan.† â€Å"Who?† â€Å"Storm King,† said Roland. â€Å"That's his name. Was his name.† â€Å"They say you saved her from him.† He nodded. â€Å"I was there chasing down a kelpie when I heard rumors of a captured human woman. I went to investigate and found her and you. You were a baby. I slipped you both out of there and hid you.† â€Å"But Dorian†¦someone I met†¦said Storm King came looking for us.† â€Å"He did. And he found you.† I frowned. From what Dorian had said, I should have been a young teenager then. â€Å"I don't remember that.† Roland nodded again. â€Å"Once close enough, he could reach out and call to you. He summoned you to him. By the time I tracked you down, you were out in the desert, very near a crossroads. You'd walked miles to get to him.† â€Å"I don't remember that,† I repeated. In some ways, what Roland told me now was crazier than what I'd learned at Aeson's. â€Å"His magic spoke to yours. He wanted to take you back with him, and you fought against him. You were struck by lightning in the process.† â€Å"Wait, I know I'd remember that.† â€Å"No. I hypnotized you and repressed it. I killed him, but your magic had still been awakened. After seeing what I'd seen, I was afraid you couldn't control it – that it would control you instead.† â€Å"I don't have any magic. Not gentry magic anyway.† â€Å"Not that you know of. It's hidden away. I made you forget. After that, I started teaching you the craft in the hope of protecting you. I didn't know if others would follow him or if someone else could reawaken you or summon you. I needed to give you the tools you'd need for defense.† He suddenly looked tired. â€Å"I never realized how well you'd take to them.† I felt as tired as he looked, despite all the sleep. I pulled up one of the chairs and sat; they continued to stand. So I had met Storm King. I had answered his summons. And I had been struck by lightning? That was interesting, because in a lot of cultures, shamans are called to their art through some traumatic event. Lightning strikes are actually common ones. Many of the local Indian shamans – already skeptical of the plethora of New Age white shamans – did not consider me authentic since I'd had no such profound initiation. Turns out I had. Score one for me. â€Å"You made me forget. You got inside my head, and you made me forget. All this time†¦both of you have known and never told me.† â€Å"We wanted to protect you,† he said. â€Å"And what then? Did you think I'd never find out?† The heat rose in my voice again. â€Å"I had to hear it from gentry. I would have rather heard it from you.† My mother closed her eyes, and one tear trailed down her cheek. Roland regarded me calmly. â€Å"In hindsight, yes, that would have been better. But we never thought it would actually come out.† â€Å"It's out,† I said bitterly. â€Å"Everyone knows it. And now everyone wants a piece of this prophecy – and of me.† â€Å"What prophecy?† I told them. When I finished, my mother sat down and buried her face in her hands, crying softly. I could hear her murmuring, â€Å"It'll happen to her. It'll happen to her too.† Roland rested a hand on her shoulder. â€Å"Don't put much stock in gentry prophecies. They come out with a new one every day.† â€Å"Doesn't matter, if they believe it. They're still going to come after me.† â€Å"You should stay with us. I'll help protect you.† I stood up, glancing at my mother. No way would I expose her to more gentry. â€Å"No. This is my problem. Besides, don't take this too badly† – I felt myself start to choke up – â€Å"but I don't really want to see you guys for a while. I guess you meant well, but†¦I need to†¦I don't know. I need to think.† â€Å"Eugenie – † I saw raw pain on his face. My mom's sobs grew louder. I stood up, averting my eyes from both of them. Suddenly, I couldn't stay here anymore. â€Å"I've got to go.† Roland was still calling after me when I practically ran out of the house. But I needed to get away, or I'd say something stupid. I didn't want to hurt them, even though I probably had. But they'd hurt me too, and we all needed to deal with that. While opening my car door, I looked up and saw a red fox watching me from the same spot as last time. I strode toward him, close but not too close. â€Å"Go away!† I shouted. He stared at me, unmoving. â€Å"I mean it. I'm not speaking to you. You're as bad as the rest of them.† He lay down, resting his chin on crossed paws while he continued to regard me solemnly. â€Å"I don't care how cute you are, okay? I'm through with you.† A woman working in her yard next door gave me an uneasy look. I turned my back on the fox, got in the car, and drove home. Yet, as I did, I couldn't help but feel relieved Kiyo had survived. I honestly hadn't known if he would. Strong and vicious he might be, but Aeson had been slinging fire at him. The question was, had Kiyo merely escaped? Or had he managed to kill the king? What had happened to Jasmine? Tim still wasn't back when I got home. I decided then I didn't want to leave my house that day or make any pretense of productivity. I wanted to hit the sauna, put on pajamas, and then watch bad TV while eating Milky Ways. It seemed like a pretty solid plan, and I set out to make it happen. Twenty minutes later, I sat immersed in hot steam, draped in humidity. Heat was great for loosening muscles, although that only made me realize how much I'd hurt them. At least I'd made it out alive. That was the real miracle, considering what a disaster last night had turned into. I didn't want to think much about it or about Mom and Roland, but it was hard not to. Part of me still believed – still hoped – that all of this was a mistake. After all, wasn't it just everyone's say-so? Of course, somehow I doubted my parents would make all that up. But really. Where was the DNA test? The photographic evidence? I had nothing tangible. Nothing I could see and believe. Except my own memories. The memories Roland had covered up for me. Hypnotism wasn't uncommon in our line of work. It was just another state of unconsciousness. Shamans who served as religious leaders and healers used similar techniques on their followers and patients to heal the body and mind. Roland and I, as â€Å"freelance shamans,† didn't really have much need for it. Our contact with the spirit world often became more physical and direct. But I had done some healings and soul retrievals, so I knew the basics. Leaning my head against the wall, I closed my eyes and thought about the tattoo of Selene on my back. She was my earthly connection, the grounding of my body and soul and mind in this world. I focused on her image and what she represented and then slowly altered my state of mind. Rather than slipping out to another plane, I crossed inward, back into the far reaches of myself and the parts of me buried in my unconscious. It probably didn't take long, but in that state, it was painstakingly slow. I browsed through pieces of me, both memories and hidden truths alike. All the things that made me Eugenie Markham. I concentrated on lightning, hoping it would snag my attention. Surely a lightning strike couldn't be buried forever. There. A faint tug. I dove in after it, trying to grasp it and the memory it linked to. It was difficult. The image was slippery, like trying to hold on to a fish. Each time I thought I had it, it wriggled away. Roland had done a good job. Steeling myself, I fought against the layers, clawing and fighting until – I woke up in bed. But it wasn't the bed in my house. It was a different bed, a smaller bed covered in a pink comforter. The bed of my childhood. I lay in it, staring up at a ceiling covered in plastic stars just like the one I had as an adult. It was the middle of the night, and I couldn't sleep. I'd been an insomniac then, just as now. This time, however, it was different. Something other than my churning mind was keeping me awake. Somewhere, outside, I could hear a voice calling me. No, not a voice exactly, but it was a pull. A pull I couldn't shut out. Climbing out of bed, I slipped my feet into dirty sneakers and put a light jacket on over my pajamas. In the hallway, the door to Mom and Roland's room was closed. I moved past as quietly as possible, down the stairs and then out the door. Outside, the air was still warm. It was high summer. Earlier temperatures had been in the 100s; even now, they had dropped only to the 80s. I walked down the quiet street of our neighborhood, past all the familiar cars and houses. With each step, the call grew louder. I followed, my feet moving on their own. The call led me away from our street, our subdivision, and even the small suburb we lived in. I traveled off of main roads, moving onto trails I'd never known existed. Then, after almost two hours, I stopped. I didn't know where I was. The desert, obviously, because that and the mountains were all that surrounded Tucson. The foothills were larger than at home, so I must have gone north. Otherwise, there were no distinguishing features. Prickly pears and saguaros spread out around me in quiet watchfulness. Suddenly, I felt the air around me charge. There was a presence with me. A person. I turned and saw a man standing and watching me, far taller than my twelve-year-old self. His features were indistinct; I could not make them out no matter how hard I tried. He was only a dark shape, crackling with power. â€Å"Eugenie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I took three steps back, but he held his hand out to me. â€Å"Eugenie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I shook off the thrall that had brought me out here. Desperately, I realized I had to get away as quickly as I could. But I no longer knew the way back. The trails I'd followed were a blur. So, I backed up farther, but he kept coming, beckoning to me. My feet stumbled, and I fell. Still facing him, I tried to get up, but he stood over me now. In his indistinct features, I could make out a crown on his head, glittering silver and purple. â€Å"Come,† he said, extending his arm to help me up. â€Å"It's time to go.† I was trapped. Helpless and trapped and out of options. I had never felt so desperate in my young life. It terrified me. I decided then and there that if I survived this, I would make sure I could never be helpless again. His hand touched my shoulder, and I screamed. As I did, some part of me reached out beyond my body and grasped the power lying around us – I blinked. Steam swirled around me in the sauna, and I felt lightheaded. I'd been in there too long; it was a wonder I hadn't passed out. Standing up, I had to grip the wall for support and close my eyes. My heart raced from the vision, the vision that finally convinced me all of this was true. I knew – knew with absolute certainty – that the dark man had been Storm King, my father. I could feel it within me. In my soul. Overcome, I sat back down, needing a few more moments to consider all this and get my bearings. Yet, the longer I sat there, the more I began to despair. Storm King really was my father. And as for the rest of my life†¦well, things were bad. And they were only going to get worse. Every horny gentry wanted to knock me up; the rest probably still wanted to kill me. I'd never have a moment of peace again. Minutes passed as I ruminated on all this, falling deeper and deeper into depression – as well as exhaustion. I felt fatigued, too apathetic to care about any of it now. What was the point? I had snubbed my parents today. I'd let Jasmine Delaney down. I had nothing to look forward to ever again except a life of fighting and running. And really, why should I even bother fighting anymore? Nothing mattered. It was hopeless. I should just cross over to the Otherworld and give myself up. At least it'd stop the agony of – I opened my eyes and sat bolt upright. What was wrong with me? Things were grim, but this†¦this wasn't natural. I blinked rapidly, trying to gain focus as I took deep breaths. There it was. I could feel it. A thick, unseen darkness wrapping itself around me. It touched me, crawling along my skin. It was trying to drag me down, to suck away all of my energy. All of my hope. Standing up, no longer dizzy, I pulled my robe off its hook and put it on. Slowly, I opened the door of the sauna and stuck my head out. I saw nothing too disconcerting, but that bleak feeling continued to swirl around me. The light almost seemed dimmer, darker than it should be for late afternoon. I squinted, trying to break the illusion, for that's what it was. Stepping completely out of the sauna, I tried to assess the source. The sauna was in the center of my house. Turn left to go to the kitchen and living room, right toward the bathroom and bedrooms. My weapons were in my bedroom; that was where I wanted to be. But if the thing was in the front of the house, I didn't want to turn my back on it. At last, I compromised by putting my back up to the hall's wall and sliding down it toward my bedroom. The distance wasn't far, but when you had to inch your way there, it felt like miles. Creeping, I passed Tim's closed bedroom door, grateful he wasn't here. He knew about my shamanic adventures, but that didn't mean I wanted him exposed to them. Next came the bathroom. Yeah, the only bathroom. The thing about cute little houses was the â€Å"little† part. I loved everything else about this place, but next time, I'd make sure my house had at least as many bathrooms as occupants. Tim and I had gotten into some nasty rumbles when – A hand reached out for me from within the dark bathroom, but I saw it coming out of my periphery. I ducked and slid across the hall as he lumbered out. A Gray Man. That had been one of my top three culprits for the negativity zone my house had become. Gray Men cast an aura of despair around them, feeding off physical energy and positive feelings. This one was, well, gray, of course. Other than that, he looked more or less human-shaped, with dark eyes and scraggly white hair. He was even dressed, which I took as a plus since other monsters and sometimes elemental gentry often came over in loincloths or nothing at all, depending on their strength. Considering what everyone wanted to do to me, I was pretty happy about keeping genitalia covered up. I tried to scramble toward my bedroom, but his long arm reached out and grabbed me by the hair. I yelled out as he dragged me toward him, pressing me to his body. At least he didn't say anything suggestive; Gray Men were apparently strong, silent types. But the way he grappled with my robe left little to the imagination about what he wanted to do. Struggling in his strong grasp, I tried to break free but mostly managed to loosen my robe more. Swearing, I decided if I couldn't get away, then I'd at least delay his amorous actions. My knee jutted up in one hard motion, hitting him in the groin. His hold on me loosened, and he groaned as one hand instinctively reached down between his legs. I broke away from him, still trying to make for my bedroom. Deciding he could ignore the pain, he lunged toward me, just stopping me from getting to my bedroom doorway. Gripping me by both shoulders, he shoved me up against the wall so that I faced it. Using that hard surface as a constraint, he held me with one arm against it while his other finished pulling off the robe. I felt his tongue lick my neck, but the truly disgusting nature of that couldn't really permeate me. I was in survival mode now. I struggled against him, hoping to make it difficult for him to get his own pants off. Being pinned liked this gave me fewer options for escape. Moving my hands against the wall, I groped around for something – anything – I could use as a weapon. Then my fingers brushed over a small decorative mirror that had been my grandmother's. It wasn't very big, but its frame was shaped like a sun – with sharp, pointed metal rays. Not only that, they were silver rays. Grabbing it from the wall, I held it in my left hand, not my dominant hand, but the hand I wore my amethyst ring on. The amethyst could cut through magic and glamour and also focus my own intentions. It wasn't as good as a wand, but it had to do. Concentrating on the stone, I let my will pour into it. The stone amplified my energy and then sent it into the silver frame. In as fluid a motion as I could manage in my confined state, I swung the mirror back, driving it into any flesh I could find. The Gray Man screamed, and I smelled something burning. He released me, and I turned around, not wasting any time, though I uneasily realized I'd dumped more energy into that silver than I should have been capable of. The mirror had stuck in his side and was smoking. It wouldn't kill him, but having it lodged in there was pretty serious. He reached out toward it with hesitant fingers, knowing he had to touch it to pull it out. I sprinted to my bedroom. He was only seconds behind me, but it was all I needed to arm myself in my bedroom. He came running in after me, but this time I was on the offensive. I used the silver athame to draw the death symbol on his chest, eliciting a tortured scream from him. Iron was the bane of gentry, but for whatever other reasons, silver hurt anything else Otherworldly. I didn't know why, but I didn't question it either. Especially when it had just proven so handy. Hurt or no, he pushed me backward. I landed on my bed, head hitting with a crack against the wall. It slowed me, but I had already started connecting beyond this world. I reached out, touched the world of death, and sent that connection through the wand. It leapt out at the Gray Man, sucking him in. He fought it, thrashing as though physical action might fight the pull. It couldn't. A moment later, he vanished. Almost immediately, the spell of despair in my house disappeared. It was like emerging from underwater. I could breathe again. I let my body slump and relax. I wanted to lean my head against the wall but knew that wouldn't feel too good after the hard blow I'd just sustained. A loud sound cracked out from the front of my house, like the door being kicked open. I jerked up, adrenaline going a second round as I heard footsteps pounding down the hall. I was reaching for the gun when a familiar voice yelled, â€Å"Eugenie?† Relaxing – only slightly – I watched as Kiyo burst into my room.

Report: Sustainability in Audi AG

Personal Development & Careers Task 7 Environmental Sustainability in Audi AG By 1213666 To: Romas Malevicius 22. 11. 2012 Table of contents List of Figures Summary Introduction 1 Audi AG Sustainability Procedures 1. 1 Technologies 1. 2 Waste & water management 2. Sustainability as a part of Audi’s CSR 2. 1 Audi Environmental Foundation 2. 2 Environmental Pact for Bavaria & EMAS 2. 4 Recognition 3. Criticism 3. 1 General criticism towards the automobile industry 3. 2 â€Å"Greenwashing† Conclusions Bibliography List of figures * Figure 1. 3 p. 7 From: http://wip. audi. no/photoalbum/view/? ize=org&id=15902&type=1 (Accessed 21. 11. 2012) Summary This report covers Audi AG’s current operational and strategic procedures for environmental sustainability. It looks at sustainability as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and views critical analysis of the automobile industry to enable making balanced conclusions. Introduction A report by the Un ited Nations entitled Our Common Future (1987) defined sustainable development as ‘development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to this, so called ‘intergenerational equity’ has remained a theme in defining environmental sustainability. Essentially it means seeking the minimization of any adverse (long-term) impacts on future generations. The aim of this report is to investigate the actualizations of the aforesaid principles in the corporate actions of Audi AG. Audi AG is a motor vehicle manufacturer, which comprises of the brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini. It is a multinational company (MNE) that employs some 46,000 people and has an annual output of over 1,3 million units.Audi AG is part of Volkswagen Group, headquartered from Ingolstadt, Germany. 1. Audi AG Sustainability Procedures 1. 1 Technologies Audi admits that a car manufacturer can never claim to have a p ositive impact on the environment. They are, however, investing billions of pounds in responsible technologies. These include lightweight space frames, diesel engines and Start-Stop technologies. The purpose of these is to reduce fuel consumption and hence cut CO2 emissions. 1. 2 Waste & water management Audi’s slogan ‘Advancement Through Technology’ essentially outlines the company’s principle of constant innovation.The brand values also state that corporate activities are â€Å"shaped by the desire to preserve resources and take a responsible approach to the environment†. They have undertaken numerous actions to introduce these principles. For instance, assembly line waste is separated & sorted on-site and packaging is optimised in the planning stage, which reduce transport needs substantially. Audi uses various sources of energy, such as a local waste processing plant and the Combined Heat, Cooling and Power production facility (CHCP) in the Ingo lstadt factory.Together they save the company 37,000 tonnes of CO2 a year. For car production the company collects rainwater. They also feed 96. 3 per cent of total water into a closed-loop system, so only a very small amount of water is lost. Moreover, Audi encourages recycling vehicle parts and batteries. As a result their production output has substantially increased in the last two decades but overall energy use has remained virtually the same. Figure 1. 3. Figure 1. 3 illustrates the decrease in waste water volume per vehicle in Audi’d main production plants in Germany between the years 1990 and 1999.The total decrease is 4,5m3/vehicle in Neckarsulm and correspondingly 2,3m3/vehicle in Ingolstadt. 2. Sustainability as a part of Audi’s CSR 2. 1 Audi Environmental Foundation Audi’s commitment to the environment and society is an integral part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The most compelling evindence is the Audi Environmental Foundation Ltd . , which takes voluntary action in environmental, social and economic issues by conducting and funding research projects. 2. 2 Environmental Pact for Bavaria & EMASAudi was a founder member of the Environmental Pact for Bavaria, which now includes around 1,350 companies. The Pact was formed in 1995 as a voluntary agreement between the Bavarian industry and government to do more for the environment. The Pact includes Audi’s European plants participating in the EC Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The purpose of this is to introduce an environmental management system, which helps improve operational environmental protection on site. 2. 4 RecognitionBased on the above-mentioned policies it can be stated that as a car manufacturer Audi is advanced in promoting sustainability. Audi has also received recognition for this, such as the 2012 Logistics Sustainability Prize. Audi works diligently to improve its image as a â€Å"green† company. Audi of America President Joh an de Nysschen’s spoke at the company’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2009 (Audi MediaServices, 2009): â€Å"We and our consumers (also) want to drive at something better – a more sustainable future.   The company also published a commercial for the 2010 Super Bowl entitled â€Å"Green Police† where they track down Americans who stick to carbon-unfriendly practices. This was seen as a change of marketing strategy and it received mixed reviews. 3. Criticism 3. 1 General criticism towards the automobile industry The arrival of thousands of motor vehicles in large cities has given the pollution problem completely new dimensions. Research shows that car exhaust contributes half of the (atmospheric) pollutants in large cities and contributes to the â€Å"Greenhouse effect† raising the Earth’s temperature.Among other manufacturers, Audi has hence carried out developments of alternative power sources such as electric and internal combustion e ngines, which gives them a competitive edge. 3. 2 â€Å"Greenwashing† Greenwashing  is a form of propaganda in Public Relations (PR) where green marketing is misleadingly used to create an illusion of an organization's aims and policies being environmentally friendly. After publishing their 2010 Super Bowl commercial â€Å"Green Police† Audi was accused of greenwashing. Creating what is perceived as a genuinely environmentally friendly strategy in all their functional areas is one of their largest current challenges.A quote from Jamey Boiter's  Brand Innovatr blog (Fast Company, 2010): â€Å"†¦Audi are evolving – – They must commit to this evolution in everything about their brands, from product development to communications to industry involvement, to prove they are not greenwashing. † One of Audi’s strengths is that they have been involved in responsible projects for years, dating back to as long as 1960. That being said, their mo st significant competitors such as BMW & Mercedes Benz are increasingly starting to embrace sustainable strategies, which forms a possible threat to Audi.Conclusions The automotive industry is still perceived as one of the largest agents of adverse effects to the environment. As a result of consumers becoming more sophisticated and educated on environmental sustainability, the competition in the industry gets more intense. It can be recommended for Audi to shift their marketing strategy even more towards sustainability and practice product differentiation to this direction whenever possible. Audi should try shaking off the â€Å"greenwashing† claims and coming across as a genuinely responsible corporation.Taking advantage of the decades’ worth of experience and data that they have gathered could do this and possibly gain them a head start from their competitors. Word count: 1000 Bibliography Abuelsamid, S. 2009. Autobloggreen: Audi to add solar power to Ingolstadt fact ory,(online) Available at: http://green. autoblog. com/2009/12/16/audi-to-add-solar-power-to-ingolstadt-headquarters-factory/ (Accessed 21. 11. 2012) Audi AG, 2012. Audi Environmental Foundation Ltd. , (online) Available at: http://www. audi-umweltstiftung. de/auws/brand/de. html (Accessed 22. 11. 2012)Audi AG, 2012. Encounter: The Audi Sustainability Magazine, (online) Available at: http://www. audi-journals. de/eJournals/mz3/2. 0. 7/index_dialoge_en_2010. html#/0 (Accessed 22. 11. 2012) Audi AG, 2000. Interim Review: Environment Report of AUDI AG, (online) Available at: http://wip. audi. no/photoalbum/view/? size=org&id=15902&type=1 (Accessed 22. 11. 2012) Audi AG, 2012. Vorsprung Durch Technik: Environmental Protection at Audi, (online) Available at: http://www. audi. com/com/brand/en/company/environmental_protection/products/recycling. html#source=http://www. audi. om/com/brand/en/company/environmental_protection/environmental_protection_at_audi. html&container=page (Accessed 22 . 11. 2012) Audi MediaServices, 2012. Press release: Audi awarded the 2012 Logistics Sustainability Prize, (online) Available at: https://www. audi-mediaservices. com/publish/ms/content/en/public/pressemitteilungen/2012/03/16/audi_awarded_the_2012. html (Accessed 21. 11. 2012)   Audi United Kingdom, 2012. : Environment, (online) Available at: http://www. audi. co. uk/about-audi/environment. html (Accessed 22. 11. 2012) Audi United Kingdom, 2012. Audi ‘green’ issues and sustainability, (online) Available at: http://www. udi. co. uk/content/dam/audi/production/PDF/Fleet/FleetSalesPDF231209/Audi_Green_issues_and_Sustainability_Jan2010. pdf (Accessed 21. 11. 2012) Boiter, J. 2010. Fast Company: Can Brands Launch Sustainable Campaigns Without Being Accused of Greenwashing? , (online) Available at: http://www. fastcompany. com/1563389/can-brands-launch-sustainable-campaigns-without-being-accused-greenwashing (Accessed 21. 11. 2012) Britannica Encyclopedia, 2012. Automotive Industry, (online) Available at: http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/45050/automotive-industry/65791/Adv