Hadith: Islam and Islamic Community Essay

The Islamic faith began with one man and his spiritual encounters with god and his angel Gabriel. Muhammad, the Prophet, as he is referred to by his followers, is considered to be the last prophet sent by god to interact with human beings on earth. Due to his importance and his influence over the people of his time his words and actions have been collected, over a mass number of years into a book referred to as, The Hadith. The Hadith, is second in line of importance in the Islamic community only behind the Qur’an. The term, Hadith, has been interpreted to mean talk or speech due to the innards of the book being collections of the words and actions of Muhammad (Bentley, 211). During its creation years numerous pieces, referred to as canons, were collected and studied by scholars to prove legitimacy. As it grew the canons were proved either to be accurate or false of authenticity. However, with its completion the Hadith serves as more than just religious guidelines as it sheds light upon social, political, economical, and cultural aspects of the Islamic community similar to works of other faiths and philosophical views. In the early years of many religions government seemed to be greatly influenced by the beliefs and traditions of its people. In the Islamic community Muhammad paved a path for Muslims that not only constructed the foundation of the faith, but also called the attention of government officials to follow and practice the ways of Islam. Before Muhammad’s death he chose no successor to take the role of a religious leader. This may be due to the fact that he was deemed â€Å"the seal of the prophets,† no other human being would have the role of a prophet bequeathed upon them. Within a year after his death the Islamic community saw it important, to at the very least, place one person in as somewhat of a substitute for Muhammad. This person was dubbed a caliph (deputy). The role of a caliph besides being the head of the Islamic state included many other aspects. He took on the role as head of military and a chief judge. This is just one spot where it is evident that the religion took on a larger role than just a stream of spiritual beliefs. In a reading pertaining to Muhammad and his words about the peoples’ role under their rulers he stresses the importance of obedience, â€Å"Obedience is the duty of a Muslim man† (Reilly, 290). The words attributed to Muhammad in this section are a part of the Hadith and break through a singular religious subject. They marry quite a few aspects together, such as: religion, politics, and social order. â€Å"Do not revile the Sultan, for he is God’s shadow on God’s earth† (Reilly, 290). By Muhammad saying that it is the duty of a Muslim man to obey his rulers he is implying, very strongly, that these leaders follow the same spiritual path as the people and that it unites them as a community. A community consists of a cornucopia of factors and a few of them being shared religious belief, government (or a basic code of conduct), and unity. An individual is considered to be a part of the Muslim community if he or she has accepted the Islamic faith (Bentley, 205). Within the collection of the Forty Hadith Qudsi many deal with the proper way in which Islamic people were to handle social and economic situations. One in particular pertains to the order in which one may handle an issue of debt. This pulls in a human’s sense of humane economics. In Hadith 12 Muhammad is quoted as he relayed a message from Allah, â€Å"We are worthier that you of that. Let him off.† What is being demonstrated in this canon is that an individual that finds himself in a debt of another and incapable of repaying said debt may be let off due to good character. If the one in debt has proved himself to a be a person of upstanding character then he should be viewed as a man who is in need of a certain charity for he has done nothing to cross the man in which he owes. Good character and an absence of greed were seen to be crucial in dealing with social and economic situations. The hand of religion has once again been spotted molding the world in which these people live cultivating a society where faith and societal structure are one in the same. In some aspects the Hadith spells out similar messages to Muslims like the Bible does for Christians. Fearing god is a theme in which both religions share. This fear is not a sensation that one would feel in the presence of danger, but rather it describes a lifestyle of consequence. God, in both religions, is seen as a judge, one who holds the fate of each individual in his hands. To live the life that has been preached by religious leaders is the path to follow to reach a heavenly paradise after a human’s departure from the physical world. This lifestyle which the people of both religions are to follow created a domino effect into a cultural standard. The scripts of both these religions hold many similarities. The following examples exemplify a communal guideline to form a structured and righteous community, a culture. Hadith 23 reads: â€Å"Where are those who love one another through My glory? Today I shall give them shade in My shade, it being a day when there is no shade but My shade.† The ninth commandment in the Holy Bible reads: â€Å"Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.† Religion has a strong arm in the molding of a culture. For the devoted followers of a faith the words of guidance, like the ones above, become an imbedded character trait within a person and in the all the ones of the same faith. And by the following of these codes one has this earlier discussed sense of fear that their god is going to reward them or punish them for not falling in accordance. The words conveyed to them are moral imperatives. The potency in which this faith has on its people has been carried through the centuries with an immense sense of pride. Islam is one of the largest religions on earth and like others it remains interweaved in the cultural societies of many countries. It does not hold a structure like the caste system which the religion of Hinduism does, but rather it still to this day has influence in many military forces and daily structures of multiple nations. The implementation of faiths with such monumental scriptures and even just ideas areas of the world have been molded and brought reality to its beginning preachers. For those looking solely at the surface of multiple religious etiquettes the similarities may be overlooked and the faiths and ideas may be seen as nothing but different. However, many of these religions and ideas are closely related. Confucianism, a socio-philosophical system, and the faiths of Islam and Hinduism can be seen as holding some of the same characteristics. Like stated before Islam and Hinduism differ in their societal structures, but still have formed faiths that mold cultures together by standards, found in readings of the Gita, Hadith, and other pieces of literature, that have survived through long periods of time and continue to thrive. The aims of many of these faiths and systems share in common beliefs. Confucianism aims to cultivate a society in which people can live and assume their personal responsibilities to manufacture a peaceful society. Like the Analects of Confucianism, Muhammad has constructed a framework through the Hadith implementing ethics and morality for the public. This too is similar to the words of the Gita in the Hindu faith. Krishna portrays, somewhat abstract at times, a set of guidelines for the followers of Hinduism. Religion has the power to mold the essence of human behavior and create unity amongst a mass number of people sharing in the same belief. When the words and doings of its most respected leaders are noted more than just a set of beliefs can be understood. A framework to a lifestyle can be comprehended and practiced by those following and believing in its meaning creating a community of people living and interacting with each other painting a society by standards in which to live. The Hadith has done just this in the Islamic community, a culture of people has been molded and its life will be watered by its words and the impact which it has had and continues to have on its people. Work Cited Patton, Laurie L. trans. The Bhagavad Gita. London: Penguin Group, 2008. Print. Bentley, Jerry H., Herbert F. Ziegler, and Heather E. Streets. Traditions & Encounters: A Brief Global History. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2006. Print. Forty Hadith Qudsi. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

102 Causality and Research Professor Ramos Blog

102 Causality and Research Causality Quick Write Any questions on the Causal Analysis essay? Causality Causality: the relationship of cause and effect You should identify the types of causal relationships on your charts (you might use different types of arrows, different colors, or simply labels to show what kind of cause is being mapped). Necessary Cause: any factor that must be in place for something to occur. Sufficient Cause: is a condition that always produces the effect in question. Precipitating Cause: the proverbial straw that breaks a camel’s back. Proximate Cause: nearby and often easy to spot. Remote Cause: may act at some distance from an event but be closely tied to it. Reciprocal Cause: you have a reciprocal situation when a cause leads to an effect that, in turn, strengthens the cause. Contributing Factors: add to the causes to bring about the effect. Document Cause and Effect Take a picture of a cause and an effect. Share both on Twitter or Instagram. Combine them if you can. You can locate them online or outside. Label the causal relationship. Tag it with #ramosclass Why is society so fascinated with serial killers? Asking Why Why College Students Aren’t Voting What is the question   you are exploring? Use why, how, and what if to come up with your question. Why do we have some many school shootings? Why did Harvey Weinstein get away with it for so long? Using Sources What are the ways you can use sources in your essay? Explain Provide information Examples Credibility Quotes Research data Ideas! Quote Sandwich One of the most important skills you can learn in academic writing is how to incorporate sources. To help remember this, we will use the metaphor of the quotation sandwich. The Quote Sandwich. Introduce the Quote, Quote, explain the quote. Do not drive by quote. When you quote or use a source you have to explain it and use it. The quote sandwich is why you cannot start or end a paragraph with a quote.

On Hitlers Mountain Book Review Essays

On Hitlers Mountain Book Review Essays On Hitlers Mountain Book Review Paper On Hitlers Mountain Book Review Paper On Hitlers Mountain shared the personal account of Irmgard Hunt, a Geman girl, which grew up on the same mountain that was Adolf Hitlers alpine retreat. She narrated her own and her familys story from how they lived through many important historical moments in German history. From how the great depression negatively affected her grandparents household to how the Nazi ideals put up a division between her own family. She shared anecdotes that she experienced herself growing up in the German society. At first, she did not know any better but as she grew older, he formulated her own opinions of what was going on politically in Germany during the Nazi era. She made clear historical connections of the events that were occurring at those specific times. Hunt also showed how ordinary German civilians dealt with the eminent, totalitarian power of the Nazi regimen. Not everyone that was subdued and brainwashed into following this communist party believed or agreed with its teachings and ideals. Hunt allowed the reader to have a personal connection to the horrible and inhumane ways the Nazi party operated. In her candid and honest ccount of events, she does not apologize or try to conceal the facts and atrocities that the German government caused to Jews, civilians from countries they invaded and even to their own people. The purpose of Hunts writing was to bring awareness about hardships that German people themselves faced and endured. It seemed as if she was trying to show that the Jews and other foreign civilians were not the only victims of events as the Great Depression, the war and the emergence of the Nazi era. For instance, she described the lack of resources and poverty her family suffered during the Great Depression when six days wages could not buy a single loaf of bread. She also talked about how her grandmother in order to bring some food to the table had to resort to picking in the trash or hiding left over crumbs of bread that she collected from her work (Hunt, 22). This not only showed the amount of extreme poverty and high unemployment that existed but that Germans were desperate for change. This was the time when Hitler emerged as a leader promising better living conditions and prosperity to his people. However, the way he achieved this was hrough imposing his presence on the domestic lives of the population, their thoughts and memories through the use of brain washing and propaganda. They controlled and dictated the everyday details of family decisions: their education, the books and the news they read, and how we greeted one another (Hunt, 41). Anyone that opposed or got in the way of the Nazi partys agenda was sent to concentration camps. People that were accused of conspiracy or opposition had an unfortunate fate. Everything seemed to be going somewhat well for a while according to how Hunts family was doing. But things suddenly changed. One of the Nazi partys goals was to keep the German population as pure as possible. They aimed for physical perfection. Blonde, blue-eyed, well built, intelligent individuals that would strengthen the race. This led to anti-Semitism, racism and segregation against anyone that did not fit that mold. Just like any social outcasts, those that were not of pure German heritage were sent to concentration camps in an effort for Germany to do a racial cleanse of its population. Any deformity that a ivilian would have, too, would result in their demise. In fact, Hitlers euthanasia program was implemented and kept secret from the general public. In 1939, three months after Hunts birthday, Hitler invaded Poland. This was the beginning of war. Men were drafted to fght and it hit home when Hunters father was called to serve in the military. Just like many other families in Germany, women were left alone to take care of the house and children. The most horrible news was to know that a loved one had died. This struck a core for Hunt when she found out that her father passed away. What was disturbing was the way someones death was an act that needed to be praised and bring pride. When Hunts teacher, Faulein Star, ordered her to stand in front of the class to share her familys tragedy was cold and heartless. It was then that Hunt started realizing even more if these sacrifices were worth making for the Fuhrer. The brainwashing of Nazi ideals began at a really early age at school. The curriculum did not include anything like political education but it was more targeted to share news about the war, or have a local Nazi to indoctrinate the class Hunt, 120). As part of the curriculum, training on how to operate gas masks, preparedness training and survival skills. It seemed as if any kind of intellectual knowledge and power were unacceptable in Hitlers eyes as they could endanger his plans since the German population would create thoughts of their own instead of following everything he said blindly. Hunt hated school as it was as close to a concentration camp that she felt she was in. When invasion into Germany occurred following World War II, Hunt described the aftermath wish such detail. Hitlers mountain was taken over and bombed. Yet, German officials still promised that they would carry their mandate to completion and that all the lives sacrificed were in worth dying for. However, amidst the take over, Hitler committed suicide in what it was considered a heroic death. Many felt betrayed but such act that all they were hoping for was that Hitlers death would act as catalyst to end any more lives being sacrificed. At this point, all that there was left to do was to flee and hide from Russian forces. Fortunately, later one American forces ame to the rescue of many Germans and captives in concentration camps. In conclusion, Hunt made many historical events become more personal seeing how it affected her family first hand and how she was able to survive such turmoil period of war. I appreciated having pictures throughout the book made it possible to put faces to the people she talked about as well as other places that were part of her narrative. Her story was a testimony of perseverance, hope and close family ties despite turbulent times. The end of the Nazi era allowed for the birth of new ideas and a new civilization.

Abnormal Psychology Critique

Sheila Laine Dela Paz Date submitted : January 30, 2012 ABSTRACT This study sought to understand how functional status, impairment level, and use of assistive devices change over 3 years for older adults with depressive symptoms. I further explored factors that predict change in severity of depressive symptoms. During 3 years, participants experienced ncreased physical disability, a decline in severity of depressive symptoms, and an increase in the total number of assistive devices owned. A significant number of older adults will experience a decrease in depressive symptoms over 3 years, despite an increase in physical disability. They also will obtain more assistive devices as they age. The specific issue that stands out in the journal is relative to the various changes in impairment level, functional status and use of some suggested assistive devices that could be used by older people who suffer symptoms of depression. I do very much agree how the author ouched the subject and expl ained depression among the older people. There is nothing from the journal article that I disagree about. The points presented by the author about the existence of this feeling of depression among the older people are true and satisfactory. The second journal that I have, Suicide In Older Adults : Nursing Assessment Of Suicide by Linda Garand, PhD, APRN, BC, Ann M. Mitchell, PhD, RN, AHN, BC, Ann Dietrick, MSN, APRN, BC, Sophia P. Hijjawi, BSN, RN, and Di Pan, BSN, RN, is somewhat parallel to my first journal. This second article talks about suicide in older adults. It is being discussed here that suicide and attempted suicide is associated with depression, psychosis and substance abuse among younger individuals, yet among older adults, depression and co morbid medical conditions play important contributory roles. Same as what was being talked about in the first article. The issue that attracts my attention is on the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in older adults and lays a foundation for understanding the role of risk factors in the prevention of suicide. Just like in the first article, the issue focuses more on depression on older adults. It has been proven that the older adults are the one that easily get depressed than the younger ones. Just as no single factor is universally causal, no single intervention will prevent all suicides. The multi-dimensionality of suicide presents great challenges, but also has important implications for prevention. Suicide in late life must be understood as a complex combination of interactive effects in which mood disorders take a central role. Our ability to more precisely target preventive interventions will hinge on a better understanding of those relationships. Until then, urses and others must be diligent in the identification of older adults at risk for suicide. Subgroups of older adults at high risk for suicide include those with depressive illnesses, previous suicide attempts, physical illnesses, and those who are socially isolated. Therefore I can say, that major depression is the most common diagnosis in older adults (of both sexes) who attempt or complete suicide. This stud y used data from Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging Consumer Assessment Study, a longitudinal study of coping strategies of elders with disabilities. Seventy-three participants with depressive symptoms were interviewed at baseline and 3 years later. I believe that the author used the most appropriate method because they have come about with good results. And thus, there is no other appropriate or suitable way to test the depressive symptoms of older people than having a study or conducting a survey on a rehabilitation center. For me, application through conducting tests would be the best idea to prove whether the issue is correct or not. The journal article fully and clearly explains what depression is all about that affects the lder people. It is notable that depression happens to some people more especially the old ones who are said to be prone to the disorder. Upon relating the topic to my course, such situation is under the field of Abnormal Psychology. The field is of great importance to students taking up Psychology course like me who would desire to pursue the field of Clinical Psychology. As depression is common and could happen to everyone, this study is applicable to all. Through it, we shall have a clear idea of the appropriate way to do if ever we meet or experience a feeling of depression. Above all things, this will be a great help to me who would really like to be a successful Clinical Psychologist in the future. REFERENCES Mann, William C. , et al. â€Å"Changes in impairment level, functional status, and use of assistive devices by older people with depressive symptoms. †Ã‚  AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy  62. 1 (2008): 9+. InfoTrac Custom 100 Titles. Web. 19 Jan. 2012. Document URL http://find. galegroup. com/gtx/infomark. do? source=galesrcprod=SP00prodId=SPJ. SP00u serGroupName=phmtctabID=T002docId=A208219498type=retrievecontentSet=IAC- Documentsversion=1. 0 Agree, E. , Freedman, V. (2003). A comparison of assistive technology and personal care in alleviating disability and unmet need. Gerontologist, 43, 335-344. American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed. ). Washington, DC: Author. Bergner, M. , Bobbitt, R. , Pollard, W. , Martin, D. , Gilson, B. (1976). The Sickness Impact Profile: Validation of a health status measure. Medical Care, 14, 57-67. Bradburn, N. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being. Chicago: Aldine. Center for Functional Assessment Research. 1990). Guide for use of the Uniform Data Set for Medical Rehabilitation (Version 3. 1). Buffalo, NY: Author. Chen, T. Y. , Mann, W. C. , Tomita, M. , Nochajski, S. (2000). Caregiver involvement in the use of assistive devices by frail older persons. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 20, 179- 199. Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. (2004). Older Americans 2004: K ey indicators of well-being. Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office. Fillenbaum, G. G. (1988). Multidimensional functional assessment of older adults: The Duke Older American Resources and Services procedures. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Fillenbaum, G. G. , Smyer, M. A. (1981). The development, validity, and reliability of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Journal of Gerontology, 36, 428-434. Folstein, M. , Folstein, S. E. , McHugh, P. (1975). â€Å"Mini-Mental State†: A practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients for the clinician. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 12, 189- 198. Gilson, B. S. , Gilson, J. S. , Bergner, M. , Bobbit, R. A. , Kressel, S. , Pollard, W. E. , et al. (1975). The Sickness Impact Profile: Development of an outcome measure of health care. American Journal of Public Health, 65, 1304-1325. Hamilton, B. , Granger, C. , Sherwin, F. , Zielenzy, M. , Tashman, J. (1987). A uniform national data system for medical rehabilitation. In M. Fuhrer (Ed. ), Rehabilitation outcomes: Analysis and measurement (pp. 137-147). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes. Hamilton, M. (1960). A rating scale for depression. Journal of Neurologic Neurosurgical Psychiatry, 23, 56-62. Hoenig, H. , Taylor, D. , Sloan, F. (2003). Does assistive technology substitute for personal assistance among the disabled elderly? American Journal of Public Health, 93, 330-337. Kruskal, W. , Wallis, W. (1952). Use of ranks in one-criterion variance analysis. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 47, 583-621. Lebowitz, B. , Pearson, J. , Schneider, L. , Reynolds, C. , Alexopoulos, G. , Bruce, M. , et al. (1997). Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 1186-1190. Lenze, E. , Schulz, R. , Matire, L. , Zdaniuk, B. , Glass, T. , Kop, W. , et al. (2005). The course of functional decline in older people with persistently elevated depressive symptoms: Longitudinal findings from the cardiovascular health study. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 53, 569-575. Lubin, B. (1967). Manual for the Depression Adjective Check Lists. San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Service. Mann, W. , Llanes, C. , Justiss, M. , Tomita, M. (2004). Frail older adults’ self-report of their most important assistive device. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation, and Health, 24, 4-12. Mann, W. , Ottenbacher, K. , Fraas, L. , Tomita, M. , ; Granger, C. (1999). Effectiveness of assistive technology and environmental interventions in maintaining independence and reducing home care costs for the frail elderly. Archives of Family Medicine, 8, 210-217. Noel, P. , Williams, J. , Unutzer, J. , Worchel, J. , Lee, S. , Cornell, J. , et al. (2004). Depression and comorbid illness in elderly primary care patients: Impact on multiple domains of health status and well-being. Annals of Family Medicine, 2, 555-562. Ottenbacher, K. , Mann, W. , Granger, C. , Tomita, M. , Hurren, D. , ; Charvat, B. (1994). Inter- rater agreement and stability of functional assessment in the community-based elderly. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 75, 1297-1301. Pollak, N. , Rheult, W. , ; Stoecker, J. 1996). Reliability and validity of the FIM for persons aged 80 years and above from a multilevel continuing care retirement community. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 77, 1056-1061. Pollard, W. , Bobbitt, R. , Bergner, M. , Martin, D. , ; Gilson, B. (1976). The Sickness Impact Profile: Reliability of a health status measure. Medical Care, 14, 146-155. Pollock, B. , ; Reynolds, C. (2000). Depression late in life. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 17, 3-5. Pollock, B. , ; Weksler, M. (2000). Clinical update: How to recognize and treat depression in older persons. Geriatrics, 55, 67-7 . Raccio-Robak, N. , McErlean, M. , Fabacher, D. , Milano, P. , ; Verdile, V. (2002). Socioeconomic and health status differences between depressed and non-depressed elders. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 20, 71-73. Radloff, L. (1977). The CES-D scale: A self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1, 385-401. Radloff, L. , ; Locke, B. (Eds. ). (1986). The community mental health assessment survey and the CES-D scale. In M. M. Weissman, J. K. Myers, ; C. E. Ross (Eds. , Community surveys of psychiatric disorders (pp. 177-189). Piscataway, NJ: Rutgers University Press. Raskin, A. , Schulterbrandt, J. , Reatig, N. , ; McKeon, J. (1969). Replication of factors of psychopathology in interview, ward behavior, and self-report ratings of hospitalized depressives. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 148, 87-96. Roelands, M. , Van Oost, P. , Buysse, A. , ; Depoorter, A. (2002). Awareness among communit y- dwelling elderly of assistive devices for mobility and self-care and attitudes towards their use. Social Science and Medicine, 54, 1441-1451. Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, ; National Institute of Mental Health. (1994). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General— Executive summary: Chapter 5–Depression in older adults. Rockville, MD: Authors. Retrieved February 13, 2003, from http://mentalhealth. org/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter5/sec3. asp Schiller, J. , Bernadel, L. (2004). Summary health statistics for the U. S. opulation: National Health Interview Survey, 2002. Vital Health Statistics, 10(220) 1-101. Tomita, M. , Mann, W. , Fraas, L. (2004). Predictors of the use of assistive devices that address physical impairments among community-based frail elders. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 23, 141-155. Verbrugge, L. , Sevak, P. (2002). Use, type, and efficacy of assistance for disability. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychologi cal Sciences and Social Sciences, 57B, S366-S37 . Wechsler, D. (1955). Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. New York: Psychological Corporation. Westfall, P. , ; Young, S. (1993). Resampling-based multiple testing: Examples and methods for p-value adjustment. New York: Wiley. Wilcoxon, F. (1945). Individual comparisons by ranking methods. Biometrics, 1, 80-83. William C. Mann, OTR, PhD, is Chairperson and Distinguished Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, P. O. Box 100164, Gainesville, FL 32610-0164; wmann@phhp. ufl. edu Jessica L. Johnson, MA, OTR/L, is Research Assistant, RERC-Tech-Aging, Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program, University of Florida, Gainesville. Lisa G. Lynch, MHS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist and Owner, Creative Therapy Works, Inc. , Lake Worth, FL. Michael D. Justiss, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Machiko Tomita, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Samuel S. Wu, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville. Abnormal Psychology Critique Sheila Laine Dela Paz Date submitted : January 30, 2012 ABSTRACT This study sought to understand how functional status, impairment level, and use of assistive devices change over 3 years for older adults with depressive symptoms. I further explored factors that predict change in severity of depressive symptoms. During 3 years, participants experienced ncreased physical disability, a decline in severity of depressive symptoms, and an increase in the total number of assistive devices owned. A significant number of older adults will experience a decrease in depressive symptoms over 3 years, despite an increase in physical disability. They also will obtain more assistive devices as they age. The specific issue that stands out in the journal is relative to the various changes in impairment level, functional status and use of some suggested assistive devices that could be used by older people who suffer symptoms of depression. I do very much agree how the author ouched the subject and expl ained depression among the older people. There is nothing from the journal article that I disagree about. The points presented by the author about the existence of this feeling of depression among the older people are true and satisfactory. The second journal that I have, Suicide In Older Adults : Nursing Assessment Of Suicide by Linda Garand, PhD, APRN, BC, Ann M. Mitchell, PhD, RN, AHN, BC, Ann Dietrick, MSN, APRN, BC, Sophia P. Hijjawi, BSN, RN, and Di Pan, BSN, RN, is somewhat parallel to my first journal. This second article talks about suicide in older adults. It is being discussed here that suicide and attempted suicide is associated with depression, psychosis and substance abuse among younger individuals, yet among older adults, depression and co morbid medical conditions play important contributory roles. Same as what was being talked about in the first article. The issue that attracts my attention is on the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in older adults and lays a foundation for understanding the role of risk factors in the prevention of suicide. Just like in the first article, the issue focuses more on depression on older adults. It has been proven that the older adults are the one that easily get depressed than the younger ones. Just as no single factor is universally causal, no single intervention will prevent all suicides. The multi-dimensionality of suicide presents great challenges, but also has important implications for prevention. Suicide in late life must be understood as a complex combination of interactive effects in which mood disorders take a central role. Our ability to more precisely target preventive interventions will hinge on a better understanding of those relationships. Until then, urses and others must be diligent in the identification of older adults at risk for suicide. Subgroups of older adults at high risk for suicide include those with depressive illnesses, previous suicide attempts, physical illnesses, and those who are socially isolated. Therefore I can say, that major depression is the most common diagnosis in older adults (of both sexes) who attempt or complete suicide. This stud y used data from Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging Consumer Assessment Study, a longitudinal study of coping strategies of elders with disabilities. Seventy-three participants with depressive symptoms were interviewed at baseline and 3 years later. I believe that the author used the most appropriate method because they have come about with good results. And thus, there is no other appropriate or suitable way to test the depressive symptoms of older people than having a study or conducting a survey on a rehabilitation center. For me, application through conducting tests would be the best idea to prove whether the issue is correct or not. The journal article fully and clearly explains what depression is all about that affects the lder people. It is notable that depression happens to some people more especially the old ones who are said to be prone to the disorder. Upon relating the topic to my course, such situation is under the field of Abnormal Psychology. The field is of great importance to students taking up Psychology course like me who would desire to pursue the field of Clinical Psychology. As depression is common and could happen to everyone, this study is applicable to all. Through it, we shall have a clear idea of the appropriate way to do if ever we meet or experience a feeling of depression. Above all things, this will be a great help to me who would really like to be a successful Clinical Psychologist in the future. REFERENCES Mann, William C. , et al. â€Å"Changes in impairment level, functional status, and use of assistive devices by older people with depressive symptoms. †Ã‚  AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy  62. 1 (2008): 9+. InfoTrac Custom 100 Titles. Web. 19 Jan. 2012. Document URL http://find. galegroup. com/gtx/infomark. do? source=galesrcprod=SP00prodId=SPJ. SP00u serGroupName=phmtctabID=T002docId=A208219498type=retrievecontentSet=IAC- Documentsversion=1. 0 Agree, E. , Freedman, V. (2003). A comparison of assistive technology and personal care in alleviating disability and unmet need. Gerontologist, 43, 335-344. American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed. ). Washington, DC: Author. Bergner, M. , Bobbitt, R. , Pollard, W. , Martin, D. , Gilson, B. (1976). The Sickness Impact Profile: Validation of a health status measure. Medical Care, 14, 57-67. Bradburn, N. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being. Chicago: Aldine. Center for Functional Assessment Research. 1990). Guide for use of the Uniform Data Set for Medical Rehabilitation (Version 3. 1). Buffalo, NY: Author. Chen, T. Y. , Mann, W. C. , Tomita, M. , Nochajski, S. (2000). Caregiver involvement in the use of assistive devices by frail older persons. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 20, 179- 199. Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. (2004). Older Americans 2004: K ey indicators of well-being. Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office. Fillenbaum, G. G. (1988). Multidimensional functional assessment of older adults: The Duke Older American Resources and Services procedures. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Fillenbaum, G. G. , Smyer, M. A. (1981). The development, validity, and reliability of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Journal of Gerontology, 36, 428-434. Folstein, M. , Folstein, S. E. , McHugh, P. 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Use of ranks in one-criterion variance analysis. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 47, 583-621. Lebowitz, B. , Pearson, J. , Schneider, L. , Reynolds, C. , Alexopoulos, G. , Bruce, M. , et al. (1997). Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 1186-1190. Lenze, E. , Schulz, R. , Matire, L. , Zdaniuk, B. , Glass, T. , Kop, W. , et al. (2005). The course of functional decline in older people with persistently elevated depressive symptoms: Longitudinal findings from the cardiovascular health study. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 53, 569-575. Lubin, B. (1967). Manual for the Depression Adjective Check Lists. San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Service. Mann, W. , Llanes, C. , Justiss, M. , Tomita, M. (2004). Frail older adults’ self-report of their most important assistive device. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation, and Health, 24, 4-12. Mann, W. , Ottenbacher, K. , Fraas, L. , Tomita, M. , ; Granger, C. (1999). Effectiveness of assistive technology and environmental interventions in maintaining independence and reducing home care costs for the frail elderly. Archives of Family Medicine, 8, 210-217. Noel, P. , Williams, J. , Unutzer, J. , Worchel, J. , Lee, S. , Cornell, J. , et al. (2004). Depression and comorbid illness in elderly primary care patients: Impact on multiple domains of health status and well-being. Annals of Family Medicine, 2, 555-562. Ottenbacher, K. , Mann, W. , Granger, C. , Tomita, M. , Hurren, D. , ; Charvat, B. (1994). Inter- rater agreement and stability of functional assessment in the community-based elderly. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 75, 1297-1301. Pollak, N. , Rheult, W. , ; Stoecker, J. 1996). Reliability and validity of the FIM for persons aged 80 years and above from a multilevel continuing care retirement community. 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Ross (Eds. , Community surveys of psychiatric disorders (pp. 177-189). Piscataway, NJ: Rutgers University Press. Raskin, A. , Schulterbrandt, J. , Reatig, N. , ; McKeon, J. (1969). Replication of factors of psychopathology in interview, ward behavior, and self-report ratings of hospitalized depressives. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 148, 87-96. Roelands, M. , Van Oost, P. , Buysse, A. , ; Depoorter, A. (2002). Awareness among communit y- dwelling elderly of assistive devices for mobility and self-care and attitudes towards their use. Social Science and Medicine, 54, 1441-1451. Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, ; National Institute of Mental Health. (1994). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General— Executive summary: Chapter 5–Depression in older adults. Rockville, MD: Authors. Retrieved February 13, 2003, from http://mentalhealth. org/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter5/sec3. asp Schiller, J. , Bernadel, L. (2004). Summary health statistics for the U. S. opulation: National Health Interview Survey, 2002. Vital Health Statistics, 10(220) 1-101. Tomita, M. , Mann, W. , Fraas, L. (2004). Predictors of the use of assistive devices that address physical impairments among community-based frail elders. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 23, 141-155. Verbrugge, L. , Sevak, P. (2002). Use, type, and efficacy of assistance for disability. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychologi cal Sciences and Social Sciences, 57B, S366-S37 . Wechsler, D. (1955). Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. New York: Psychological Corporation. Westfall, P. , ; Young, S. (1993). Resampling-based multiple testing: Examples and methods for p-value adjustment. New York: Wiley. Wilcoxon, F. (1945). Individual comparisons by ranking methods. Biometrics, 1, 80-83. William C. Mann, OTR, PhD, is Chairperson and Distinguished Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, P. O. Box 100164, Gainesville, FL 32610-0164; wmann@phhp. ufl. edu Jessica L. Johnson, MA, OTR/L, is Research Assistant, RERC-Tech-Aging, Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program, University of Florida, Gainesville. Lisa G. Lynch, MHS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist and Owner, Creative Therapy Works, Inc. , Lake Worth, FL. Michael D. Justiss, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Machiko Tomita, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Samuel S. Wu, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Democracy Today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Democracy Today - Essay Example Before I go on into this paper, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent to "bash" President Bush but in order to look at whether democracy is still working, we have to look at the highest office because that is where the laws and programs for the country are started. Since President Bush took office, the state of the nation has changed drastically and it has put the American people in a state of shock. There are many factors that have contributed to the demise of our democratic system. In a sense, covertly, things began to change after 9/11 and the bombing of the World Trade Center. This put the United States "on alert" and plans were made to find the people who had assaulted the country. Although no one ever took real responsibility for that act, most people attributed the attack to Osama Ben Laden. The United States never really found him nor made him responsible for this attack. Depending on who you talk to about this situation, the Bush Administration knew about this or they did not. According to Michael Moores video, "Fahrenheit 9/11" information is presented that says that President Bush knew about the attack. Whether he did or didnt, it set off some challenges in the country that eventually went to the War in Iraq. The President went against the judgment of the United Nations and went to War in the guise of finding Sad am Hussein. We found Sadam, he was executed and six yea rs later we are still fighting the War under the guise that it is protecting our freedom in America. However, according to the video, "Why We Fight," by Eugene Jarecki, we are fighting over oil, not for freedom. These are all matters that the American people are upset about but they are not sure what to do. I bring these events together because life as we know it began to change with these events and others. President Bush was elected twice under circumstances that the American people suspected were not on the "up and

Was Peter Berger right when he changed his views on secularization in Essay

Was Peter Berger right when he changed his views on secularization in the 1990s - Essay Example My paper hence deals with the idea that Peter Berger was right in changing his views on secularization. The paper will also deal with the different ideas that Berger worked with and related to in his studies on religion and secularization. In this context, ideas of modernization, pluralism, supply-side of religion and the rational choice theory as well as the sociological relevance of religion are considered within this paper. Secularization is the lessening of religious influence in a society; it is the loss of religious institution’s authority to dictate to the public the practices required in organized religion. Bryan Wilson talks at length about the need for another force in place of religion in a society that is heading towards or has already adopted secularization. Religion forms the crux for most people in today’s world. The need or presence of religion cannot be ignored in one’s life and it is this presence that has driven scholars from all walks of life to study the effects and consequences of religious presence in our life and to present their view points. Secularization became prominent when religious debate turned towards whether secularization was beneficial or not. For Peter Berger, secularization is, â€Å"the process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols. It operates at three levels, one is a social structural: in the west, Christian churches have lost functions that are now performed by secular agencies.† (Berger, 1969) To put this idea into simpler terms; the importance of religion in any person’s life is reduced since religion loses its previous stature and place in an individual’s life. Earlier, individuals paid more attention to religious details and believed that religion had to function in cohesion with state policies. This is

Vodun and the related Voodoo religions of the African culture Essay

Vodun and the related Voodoo religions of the African culture - Essay Example None of the part of this great continent can claim absolute ownership regarding the origination of Voodoo. However the Voodoo in its present form had been originated in Haiti when the Europeans colonized the Hispaniola. The origination of Voodoo has strong connection and interlink with the transportation of African slaves to the other parts of the world. When Africa first came under the European domination; the Africans were readily started to be considered as cheap labor and worthy of transportation as slaves. The European colonists were confident that since these slaves belonged to different ethnic groups hence, they can never come together and build any resistance against their so called white rulers (Chesi, 6-7; Louis, 47). Interestingly Voodoo evolved as a phenomenon within unity in diversity. The continuous oppression of the European rulers and the misery of slavery created a common thread among those who were oppressed and in search of salvation they created a religion that wa s a mix of different faiths and practises; cumulatively referred as Voodoo (Christoph and Oberlander). The term Voodoo has evolved from the West African term Vodun and is a fusion of different beliefs that came from various African Ethnic groups namely â€Å"Fon, the Nago, the Ibos, Dahomeans, Congos , Senegalese, Haussars, Caplaous, Mondungues, Mandinge, Angolese, Libyans, Ethiopians, and the Malgaches.† (Voodoo)... Such rituals are a culmination of â€Å"prayers, drumming, dancing, singing and animal sacrifice† (Edwards, 296). Among many other animals; serpent holds the prime spot in Voodoo rituals. The importance of serpent in Voodoo rituals can be easily grasped through the fact that the word Voodoo means â€Å"the snake under whose auspices gathers all who share the faith† (Voodoo). The serpent expresses his immense power through the Papa or Maman who is the high priest. Among all other deities Bon Dieu is considered as most powerful and prime of them all. In Voodoo spirits are called Loa who on one hand controls Mother Nature and on the other determines human fate through influencing their health, financial prosperity and happiness. Some important deities in Voodoo are Damballah, Ezil, Ogu, Agwe and Legba (Michel, 63; Owusu, 43). In Voodoo ceremony the spirit or the Loa occupies the soul and body of the faithful participants and delivers his advice, warnings and desires throug h them. Voodoo is closely associated with nature and every possible natural phenomenon is considered to be the act of a Loa. In western culture there is a misconception regarding Voodoo dance that forms an important part of any Voodoo ceremony (Owusu). Such dance as described by the western experts is sexual expression. In reality they are just the opposite; these dances are spiritual expression and an attempt to get connected with the divine being. Unlike many other religions Voodoo is mainly based on practical experience and is deeply routed with the family and the community. An excellent example of that might be considering the dead ancestors as a part of the Loas (Rigaud, 50). Somewhere such belief is deeply routed with history