Couple Tried To Sell Baby At Walmart For $25

In class we have talked about the personal value and self-worth. Well, now we know exactly how much a life is worth, if we were to believe a couple from northern California who tried to sell their 6-month old baby to strangers.

• What were the parents' motivation for attempting to sell their child?
• What might the parents' level of their own self-esteem be?
• What are some of the barriers to the child's self-esteem, in this story?

Read more about this outrageous story at CBSnews.com

What is especially ironic is Walmart's slogan: Save Money. Live Better.
-Jeff
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Posture, Your Key to Success!

Can you hear your mom's voice, reminding you "don't slouch" and "sit up straight"? It turns out that she was on to something... that posture communicates more about personal power than role or title.

In an article at Psychology Today, researchers found that posture contributed significantly to actions related to power, even when the study subjects did not have a leadership role.

Questions for you to consider:

• What are the two types of posture defined in the article?
• How was the research designed to study the effects of posture? Do those make sense as valid measures of power?
• According to the studies, what things were activated by good posture?
• How do you think posture might affect one's self-esteem and confidence?

Here's a link to the article at PsychologyToday.com...

Posture, Your Key to Success!

Now is the time to hold your head high, and add your comment to this entry.
-Jeff
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Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide

Any article about suicide is sad to read, but some like this one just makes me angry. The story details the purposeful and sustained bullying by teen peers at a high school in Massachusetts.

I wonder if it's possible to have enough self-esteem at age 15 to fend off this campaign of hatefulness? We will discuss in class the research that indicates that self-esteem in adolescent females tends to diminish over the four years of high school.

• What was the preceding event that triggered the bullying?
• What might have been some of the recent changes for Phoebe that might have contributed to her sense of isolation?
• What needed to happen to protect Phoebe, and why didn't it happen?
• What do you think is the sociological function of bullying? Why do you think it is so difficult to control?
  

Here is the article...

Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide
[click here to visit article]

Please work to help curb bullying in your community.
-Jeff
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Photos of overweight mom spark backlash

In our Husr 224 textbook, Nathaniel Branden states that we build our self-respect when we defend our worth against unnecessary criticism.

I thought that the attached article featured a quote from the person who is the subject of the article, that demonstrated good defense of her worth.

• What was the woman criticized for?
• How did she defend her worth?
• What elements of her statement do you think make good examples of a person with self-respect?
• What did the woman suggest might be the reason that people were being cruel?
  

Here's the article...

Photos of overweight mom spark backlash
[click here to view]

Don't forget, you have the right to defend your dignity!
-Jeff
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The luckiest man in pajamas

I was drawn to this article because of the intriguing headline. But very soon I was on the verge of tears.

This is a story of hardship being neutralized by the overwhelming power of friendships. The man who is the subject of the story has built an amazing following of friends who have volunteered to become caretakers and companions. Certainly anyone who can pull of this amazing feat must have oodles of self-esteem that is attractive to others.

• What are the multiple hardships that this man has faced?
• What are some examples from the story that imply he has self-respect and self-efficacy?
• What qualities and characteristics discussed in lecture do you think this man has used in his life to defend his self-esteem against hardships?
• Has his story inspired you to consider doing something differently in your own life?

Here's a link to the story...

The Luckiest Man In Pajamas

[read article here]

I'll leave you with this thought... learn how to smile with your eyes!
-Jeff
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To save his life, hiker cuts off arm

I don't really have a fascination with grotesque stories, but I do think that this story provides an extreme example of someone placing such a high value on their life as to do the unthinkable.

If you get queasy easily, then maybe another article would be better for you to read than this one.

Okay, you're still reading, so here's the story... a hiker exploring the wilderness gets trapped by a boulder, and ends up cutting off his own arm with a pocket knife to free himself.

• How might this suggest examples of self-regard and self-efficacy?
• Could you do it? Would you do it?

Here's a link to the article...

To Save His Life, Hiker Cuts Off Arm
[read article here]

You've got to hand it to this guy, he pulled off something amazing!
-Jeff

Postscript, 2011: This event has been turned into a movie in current release, titled "127 Hours"

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British Social Policy And The Construction Of The Problem Of Self-Esteem

British Social Policy and the Construction of the Problem of Self-Esteem

This is a lengthy and cerebral article in a British newspaper that provides an alternative [and critical] view of the concept of self-esteem. The author suggests that the term "self-esteem" is too broad, is inappropriately attributed to individual and social problems, and has been eaterly adopted by institutions and governments who seek to advance their agenda to benefit society and its' people.

Here are some conversation starters:

• Do you believe that the concept of self-esteem is valid, or merely a feel-good attempt at cheerleading people who are down?
• What do institutions (schools, governments) have to gain by promoting self-esteem education and programs?
• Is there a downside to the concept of self-esteem?

Making People Feel Good About Themselves: British Social Policy and the Construction of the Problem of Self-Esteem
-Jeff
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The lowdown on upbeat

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Why is it that happiness has to be pursued, anyway? Why don't we just buzz with euphoria 24/7/365?

Well, a local university has established a doctoral program for studying the fleeting nature of happiness and well-being.

• What does the PhD program hope to address?
• Why might this field of interest be so under-explored, do you think?
• What is a technique that the researchers plan to utilize, to explore the nature of happiness?

The Lowdown on Upbeat
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/15/local/me-happy15

As the wise philosopher Bobby McFerrin once wrote, "don't worry, be happy".
-Jeff
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Why he lit himself on fire and leapt to death

I'll just warn you that this is a pretty serious post involving true human trajedy... suicide. But the story gives some insight into the struggles one man had with many challenges throughout his [brief] life.
In class we'll discuss the similarites and differences of mental disorders and self-esteem. As you read this news account, consider some of the factors in this person's life that may have delivered challenges to his self-esteem.

• What messages might he have drawn from his family environment?
• What factors might have limited his ability to form a meaningful support system?
• How was he attempting to make good out of bad with his life?

A-List Had Something to Say: Why He Lit Himself on Fire and Leapt to Death

As I will mention in class, suicide is a long-term solution to a short-term problem.
-Jeff
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Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles

A research finding recently reports a contradiction, that the use of antidepressants has doubled over ten years (to 27 MILLION!), while the number of people seeking professional help has declined. The irony is that, as our understanding of some of the biological processes of depression has grown and with that knowledge a surge in new medicines, our nation would seem to be experiencing more depression than ever.

You might want to review the article to learn...

• What percentage of Americans now are prescribed an antidepressant? Does the number alarm you?
• What does the increase in the use of medication potentially mean?
• What are some of the other (off-label) uses of antidepressants? Why do you imagine that these medications might be used in that way?
• What does the article suggest as the reason why more people are asking for an antidepressant?

Here's the link to the original article...

Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-03-antidepressants_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Human services workers will benefit by having thorough knowledge of depression, and the separate ways in which medication and psychotherapy work to alleviate suffering from this disorder.

-Jeff

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Peer counseling may help women with postpartum depression

Sometimes the most potent part of our helping role in human services comes from the journey of our own experiences. This is a core strength of group counseling and peer counseling.

A recent study looked at the potential benefit of peer counseling for women with postpartum depression. When exploring this article, consider the following...

• What are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression?
• How were peers utilized to help new mothers?
• What scale was used to quantify the strength of the depression? What does it measure?
• What kind of training would you think would be helpful to someone considering volunteer work as a peer counselor? Have you ever provided peer counseling?

Here's a link to the article...

Peer counseling may help women with postpartum depression
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/01/peer-counseling.html

This is a great reminder that you can be a healing part of others' lives at any level of training.
-Jeff
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Panel tries to help teens in depression

Adolescence can be a time of strong emotions, conflict and self doubt. Universal to this developmental stage is the experience of occasional (yet transient) sadness and hopelessness. Perhaps because "the teenage blues" are so common and short-lived, there may be a tendency to discount or misjudge the frequency and impact of clinical depression in children.
This article reports on the findings of a health research panel on the importance of conducting depression screening with adolesents.

• What percentage of the teen population are estimated to experience clinical depression?
• What were the recommendations of the panel?
• Why is now a pivotal time in addressing this issue?
• Read more about the panel's findings, including the names of the two questionnaires referenced in the article, at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf09/depression/chdeprrs.htm

Here's the link to the source article...

Panel tries to help depression
http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/depression-19890-health-children.html

We could all use a reminder that developmental crises might also mask other emotional disorders.
-Jeff
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Money doesn't make us happy but experiences do

We've always heard that money can't buy happiness, and while we laugh about the statement and wish that we had more money, this study seems to reinforce the truism.

• Why might experiences bring more happiness than money?
• What does the author suggest is the "return on investment" for spending money on experiences rather than belongings?
• Is the study sample large enough to convince you that the findings have scientific reliability?
• What would you rather get for your next birthday... something to own, or a shared entertainment experience? If so, what might you enjoy?

Here's the article at LA Times.com...

Money doesn't make us happy but experiences do
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/02/money-doesnt-ma.html

Here's hoping that this year brings you better experiences AND more money!

-Jeff

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Army sees sharp rise in suicide rate

In an earlier blog entry, I referenced an article about the reported increase in drug abuse amongst military members. In today's link, you'll find a report of the increase in the incidence of suicides in military personnel.

• To what does the military attribute the increase in military suicides?
• Are all suicides occuring in battlefield assignments?
• What are some of the many steps the military is taking to respond to the problem?
• How might military culture contribute to the problem of suicidal soldiers?
• How could the human services worker help this population?

Here's a link to the article in the LA Times.com...

Army sees sharp rise in suicide rate
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-army-suicides30-2009jan30,0,6065061.story

Keep up the studies, we need you in this field more now than ever.
-Jeff
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ER doc sees economy sickness

One of the invisible costs of an economic reccession is the impact financial worries place upon one's mental health. As worry increases, it can manifest itself with symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and even depression.
The article of interest takes the view of this through the perspective of an emergency room physician.

• How widespread is the incidence of stress due to the economy?
• What symptoms of stress can mirror that of a medical condition?
• What two types of unusual advice does the physician give his stressed patients?
• How is the economy impacting you or those close to you?
• How do men and women experience economic stress differently, according to the APA survey?

Here's a link to the article in the OC Register...

ER doc sees economy sickness
http://healthyliving.freedomblogging.com/2008/10/23/er-doc-sees-economy-sickness/300/

And a link to the APA survey referenced in the OC Register article:

APA POLL FINDS WOMEN BEAR BRUNT OF NATION'S STRESS, FINANCIAL DOWNTURN
http://www.apa.org/releases/women-stress1008.html

It appears that this will be a time when we will all benefit from our skills of resilience.
-Jeff
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Happiness is contagious in social networks

Can a friend of a friend of a friend (that is, by three degrees of separation) affect how happy you are? According to the research reported in this article, it is quite possible, and increases with the level of happiness of those closer to you.

• Which is more contagious and lasts longer... happiness or unhappiness?
• What other health issues were being studied using the similar methodology?
• Have you noticed the "contagion level" of certain emotions when socializing? Have you ever left a social event or quit an online group because the emotional temperature didn't match your own?
• How purposeful would you say you are in seeking out social networks that match your emotional life?
• What is your reaction to the concept that your own mood has far-reaching effects to others you may not even know?
  

Here's a link to the article...

Happiness is contagious in social networks
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/12/05/happiness.social.network/index.html

It appears that there's new proof that "birds of a feather flock together"!
-Jeff
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Kids Konnected offers sense of belonging

It is said "necessity is the mother of invention." That is, we create things to fill a void and fulfill a need.
This article talks about a self-help group created by a teenager who wanted to connect with other teens going through the same predicament. The group has survived and grown over several years.

• What is the focus of the group?
• What need does this fulfill for its' participants? Why do you imagine there was a void previously?
• What are the potential benefits of this group beyond what a counselor can provide?
• What 'expertise' have you possibly developed because of something you encountered or endured?
  

Here's the link to the article in the OC Register...

Kids Konnected offers sense of belonging
http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/kids_7424___article.html/konnected_cummings.html

and a related article...

Kids Konnected links children of cancer patients to their peers
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kids-snell-says-2235020-children-cancer

Look for the everyday ways in which you can help your community.
-Jeff
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Giant poodles save the day

Okay, not all articles relating to human services work have to be somber, this is a fun one. No matter what you think of it, pet therapy is well-established and here to stay.

This article profiles a child therapist who includes her two dogs as a part of the therapeutic environment. These aren't your typical dogs, and not your typical therapist, either. Together, they seek to console children who have been traumatized or otherwise troulbed in some manner.

• What do you think about the use of animals in therapy?
• Why do dogs constitute the majority of pet therapy animals?
• How does pet therapy work, and how does it differ from other forms of pscyhotherapy?
• Has a pet in your own life had a therapeutic benefit for youself?

Here's a link to the article...

Giant poodles save the day
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/stark-jim-rita-2259529-says-poodle#

Unleash your opinions by sharing a comment on this blog entry!
-Jeff
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