Psych 200 Week 6 - Personal reflections

For this week’s reflective post I am turning my attention towards the teenage brain its identity and decision processes. I found several ideas of interest which are worth addressing. As I read through” Inside the Teen Brain” I reflected on our text for the week as well. Specifically I was comparing the text of our 9.1 piece, and the search for identity, Erikson’s theory. From his 1968 research to more current 1999 article the research seems consistent. First I am going to look at our text then I will move to our article of the week.

Erickson believed that adolescents face a crisis between identity and role confusion. He believed if they are confused about their identity they can never experience identity in any human relationship. To achieve identity they use hypothetical reasoning skills from the formal-operational stage. Through other research by Nurmi, Poole, & Kalakoskim 1996 they are also experimenting with their advanced cognitive selves. Through this process they can experiment with the various aspects of career choice for example. Additionally it is thought that teens will fantasize about their future to see if it’s a good fit for them. This role searching according to Marcia’s four identity statuses is the diffusion state.  Erikson also believed that adolescents face a crisis between identity and role confusion. The summation is that it is an important phase for teenagers to manage effectively.

I was able to fit this together with the research of Dr. Jay Giedd who states “Adolescence is a time of tumultuous change in the brain” (Psychiatrist at National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda Md.). “Teenagers are choosing what their brains are going to be good at learning right-from wrong, responsibility or impulsivity, thinking or video games”. This got me thinking about the correlation between Erikson’s theory and more current data.

In both texts I could see the relationship between the studies. For the most part we can say that the brain is not fully developed probably until early adult hood. This being the case we can safely know that teenagers will and do make poor choices. The up side of this is that they are not entirely at fault. Indeed there are physiological forces at work determining when and how an adolescent’s brain is in the home stretch of maturation. These studies highly indicate that a brain more mature than teenagers, such as a parent or guardian, would be well served to be involved in a teenager’s decision making process.

This is true due to the fact that the frontal cortex is not yet matured. The article states that this part of a teen’s brain is basically asleep at the wheel. It also goes on to state that the limbic system where raw emotions such as anger are generated is entering a stage of development and going into hyper drive. Could this be why we see teen violence? I think so. I believe this because of the research. If a teen cannot decipher correctly images of facial emotions, why would we, or should we believe they are capable of making larger more significant choices. This is certainly an aspect of adolescent development to keep in mind as we maintain, and create safe environments for our teens. This information is well put together and makes sense. My opinions of past posts continue to be confirmed as we move deeper into the maturing human brain.

Psych 200 Week 5 blog post

This week’s article really got my attention! So much so that I am very passionate about what I read. The article to which I refer is titled Parenting: The Lost Art, Kay S. Hymowitz. The information cited in the article was from 2001. I am hoping that maybe our societal attitude has changed since then.

The article focused on a report put out by the FTC (federal trade commission). The main point was geared towards parents of 11 to 18 year olds. These children would be off spring from the baby boomers. I am speaking of person’s born in the late 50’s through the early to mid-60’s. These children are of parents who in 2001 would have been forty something’s. Ironically enough I am included as a baby boomer.

The thought process these parents had which was stated throughout the article included that parents wanted to be their kid’s friend. Additionally they were helping their children to corrupt themselves. Giving the kids alcohol, knowing they were having sex parties and not putting up boundaries. As a parent of three ages 24, 19 and 13 I cannot even put into words how angry and disgusted this information made me feel.  I haven’t even addressed the fact that many of the children researched are allowed to watch whatever they want on T.V.. Then when the government tries to step in and uncover media and the harmful effects on a child’s psyche, parents are absent from the conversation.

For me as a parent this is the exact reason why as a family we had no cable T.V. and still don’t. It is far too easy to become numb and complacent to all the world has to throw at us via the media. With all the violence and sex in our social media it is amazing to me there is not more violence committed against our fellow humans. This article although older is an incredible warning to all of society. Personally I believe the way to stop the craziness is to have self-control as adults by not giving in to our own needs. Unplug the cable television. Don’t put money into games, movies and toys that influence our culture negatively. The only way big corporations will stop promoting violence and sex is if there are no buyers. No buyers, no market no money.

Could it be that all of the school shootings as well as the violence and sex our culture proliferates could be stopped? Do we as a society have any control over all the negative vulgar atrocities are children are exposed to? Are we victims of corporate America? Are we going to fight back or roll over and have our ears tickled, back scratched and tummies rubbed? If we do where are our children going to end up 10, 20 or 30 years down the road? For me I am taking charge of my family and will do my best to continue to minimize the terrorist type of impact our culture is trying to instill upon us all.

Psych 200 Week 4 personal interest - Savants!

I was enlightened and pleased to learn about talented individuals called savants. These remarkable people are skilled in a unique area of their intelligence. This information came from our text pg. 216. The example was of Max, a young boy who upon hearing a song could play it back without ever having had any musical type of training (Shutter-Dyson, 1982). The photo showed a young boy playing a piano. Savants are persons with limited mental skills, who are extremely talented in one domain (Miller, 1999). It is such a beautiful opportunity for persons with cognitive delays to be so brilliant at one particular task. These special people also appear to highly enjoy their profound ability!

Interested in learning a bit more, I found this site on savants.

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/09/05/10-most-fascinating-savants-in-the-world/

In the article Dr. Allan Snyder, Center for the Mind conducted a test using low frequency magnetic pulses. He affected the left fronto temperal lobe and in doing so was able to create a savant like mental ability. Notice how they termed it ability, as opposed to a disability. That is just my own personal excitement due to my special experience with my Down syndrome daughter ; ). At any rate I thought that to be quite fascinating. Another point that grabbed my attention was young man by the name of Daniel Tammet. He is a high function autistic savant. Apparently he can perform very talented mental achievements, but has no significant cognitive development disability.

I would be very interested in researching this further. Maybe this is what my research paper will be about.
Thanks for reading my blog,
Tami

PSYCH 200 Week 3 20140-Reflection

This week what was really interesting to learn more about is the world of attachment. Primarily between an infant’s main care provider, and the effect this has on our brains. As Gabor Mate discusses, this dynamic influence in our society and culture is taking its toll. If we were only seeing this as a problem between our parents and children, individually, we wouldn’t be seeing the influential consequences socially. I believe he calls it a societal problem. Further explanation by Dr. Mate states that conditions for healthy child development are seen in hunter gatherer societies.

I find this issue of particular interest mostly because how our culture is so technological and fast paced. The information about hunter gatherer villages was new to me. The term “It takes a village”, referring to raising our children, has been a term which has been thrown around over the years. When he referenced that phrase in connection with raising healthy societal children I was really able to connect. Personally my beliefs have been that one of the richest ways to enhance a child’s life experiences is through connecting with many other healthy adults. At one point in raising my three children I realized as a single parent, in an abusive relationship, that I needed the help of my community. Our village consists of our church, child care providers, fathers, mothers, teachers, local store owners and workers.  It was only through the strong connections within our community I then felt my kids had a chance to do well in life.

If I had the time, and resources, my dream would be to educate our communities with regards to attachment disorders, are we doing it right? This whole idea of taking time to have a baby, and spending more than six weeks after baby’s birth with her, then not stressing your marriage and family life out, is so simple. What have we missed? Why are we so ignorant to these very basic truths? I believe the pace at which the Western civilization moves is greater than what our human brains can effectively handle. Additionally the affluence of money and bigger, better and nicer things is killing us. It is no wonder we have pockets of people who don’t want to go along with the “flow of society”, and stay secluded while wisely protecting their future generation of off spring.

I have lived mostly without big fancy tangible items. I have tried to keep life for my family simple and rich with love and legacy. As I look back, I see where I have done well. I also see many mistakes. If I could give a word of advice or encouragement, it would be to do life as simple as possible. Don’t fill up every minute of your day. Leave time for goofing off with your family. Never underestimate the idea of “free time”. Cherish each day you have with your kiddos. Remember it is your children’s legacy you are writing, so make firm what you believe. Mostly get rid of all the things that steal your time as a family. Enjoy each other for who you are. Love each other deeply, and cherish each other more than a job, or expensive item. Finally when your time here on earth is done, you can be sure that those who you cared most about will be by your side.

Psych 200 Week 2 Post - Personal Blog

Something I found interesting this week was in regards to the environment vs hereditary an the sculpting of the brain (pg51 of our text book). I had heard that this was indeed the case, but honestly not sure I really believed it. Being as that my daughter, 13, has Down Syndrome this has been an "idea" I have held on to closely. I have wanted to believe that through her environment, and parenting that indeed somehow her brain could be molded, or shaped, into something better than just a brain with trisonomy 21. Yes indeed she is cognitively slow, but with consistent therapy, instruction, and over and over explaining of concepts, I believe her intelligence level will be better for it.

Since she was also raised in an environment where there was a significant amount of mental violence, I have seen her heal and become less stunted emotionally. Where there was a quite voice, there is much talking. Where there has been fear, the episodes are less frequent or severe. I am hopeful that with the continued therapies she has available, as well as her nurturing she has a better chance for a more optimistic outcome.

There were several other items of interest for me. One being the current controversies regarding selective conception in the 21st century. For persons who are born below societal standards, this issue is a very hot topic. Being in a world where humankind could be near perfecet intellectually, psychologically, spiritually and physically would leave gaps in our ability to learn other important facets of being human. For instance caring for an individual who doesn't have the capacity to do this for herself. As a person, we grow as we care for and contribute to others who are less fortunate. This  act provides a foundation for individuals to gain compassion and understanding of those who can not function alone. As promising as this may sound at first, I must agree that selective picking of your child's characteristics, intellect and over all genotype, is a subject that really needs much further thought and discussion.

Also I found very interesting the post pregnancy depression in Holland and Sweden was very low as was their infant mortality. I wonder if the reason rests upon women not being forced back into the work place. Like in Ghana how women are able to focus solely on their infant and themselves for 40 days! That's a fabulous idea. It would be so nice if the United States would value that sort of nurture and rest for our Mothers and infants. I truly believe that with that type of value system, the U.S. would be able to also be in the forefront of countries who's infant mortality rate is very low. With the way our current system works, it is apparent that it doesn't fare well to other systems. Having had three children and virtually no community of family or support, I can speak from personal experience. Maybe one day we shall overcome some odd way of thinking that mothers are superwomen. We are not, and therefore need better care and comfort during our post par-tum time. I am hoping some day this will be a reality for many women.