buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay

buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay Americans have a way of living such kind of lives which struggle for happiness. Many of them believe that happiness is realized through acquiring wealth. However, such an idea is doomed to fail. People all over fight their whole lives to make success to get to their intended goal. Such a goal is different from one person to another. These perceptions all have been defined by the American Dream. Fitzgerald makes use of the idea being in pursuit of happiness in the book Great Gatsby (Bruccoli 2-17). The author of this great book grew up in a period of time where people were seeking prosperity and happiness. Therefore, much of the influence he got in writing this book particularly was the time he lived. The theme of failure has been highlighted by Fitzgerald to develop Jay Gatsby character together with the struggle he makes to win back his True love. Thus, this essay explores the disappointment that engulfs Jay Gatsby, in pursuit of the American Dream as expounded in the book, The Grea t Gatsby. The American Dreams differ from one person to the other. For one, it could be the creation of enough wealth to support the family and live a luxurious life. However, happiness is the peak envisioned by many especially through amassing insurmountable sums of money. The American Dream generally has become the pursuit of prosperity in material things rather than just happiness (Curnutt 23-45). In this classic American book The Great Gatsby, the story revolves around an individual, Jay Gatsby, a poor boy with aspirations of becoming a rich man to win over Daisy, a girl he has fallen irrevocably in love with in his adolescence. The author writes that the truth was ideally that Jay of West Egg could spring from his platonic realization of himself. He is merely regarded as Gods son who the author in a somewhat comic way says that he was simply a son of God as stated. Jay grew as James Gatz, on a Dakota farm which saw him change his name later to Jay Gatsby (Cullen 34-45). The bright prospects that belied the future prompted Jay to change his name. The conviction that he would turn away from his dark past and face a promising future always motivated his daily undertakings and chores execution. He however meets Daisy as a young officer in the military in Louisville prior to leaving for World War I. Jay begins to face obstacles in his ambitions. Hefirst cheats on Daisy concerning his past. He presents himself as a well off person that is in a position to move on with Daisy. Daisy makes promises of waiting for Gatsby after he lives for the WWI. Unfortunately, Daisy marries Tom Buchanan after two years. Gatsby at the same time was taking his studies in Oxford to attain education after coming from the war. Gatsby makes a dedication of his entire life to get Daisy back (Prigozy 11-21). This was indeed a humiliating affair. All the effort that was supposed to be put in chasing after his dream has now been changed towards something different. More and problems emerge as he indulges in illegal actions to get millions of money which he sees as important in wining Daisy back to his life. His life turns into illusions and dreams of getting Daisy. His initial plans are diverted and his life is turned in a lousy life of throwing extravagant parties with high hopes that Daisy will avail herself in at least one of the parties. His entire life is completely changed and now lives with the intuition that Daisy will one day chose to come back to him (Curnutt 23-45). His journey to happiness and realizing his American Dream never comes his way. Even after knowing very well that there are no chances that Daisy will return, Gatsby is very committed in protecting her. His life is fully pre-occupied with Daisy such that he cannot find out meaning in any other thing. Gatsbys obstacles to realizing his American dream continues to mount as he fills Daisy with a lot of idealistic faultless image that she cannot truly accomplish in reality and pursues her with an enthusiastic eagerness that in essence blinds him to Daisys boundaries. The more we try to recall the earliest impressions of Gatsbys life, the more surprising the result comes. He has gone through so much in pursuit of happiness yet his success is muddled up in a mild of experiences and life obstacles. As a result of the many life obstacles, his dream of having Daisy has fallen into pieces. He has been left out as a miserable piece of cowhide. Gatsby remained a captive of his identity based on the choices he made; one being Daisy who has turned away from him and the pursuit of monetary wealth ostensibly to woo Daisy back. The turn of events in the life of Gatsby is a true representation of the corruption that prosperity can cause and the unworthy nature of the goaal same as the way Fitzgerald looks at the American Dream completely being fruitless in the 1920s. As the prevailing vivacity, independence and hopefulness of America dwindles to the immorality behind the pursuit of money and riches. Gatsbys character could seem be as a result of the American Dream quintessence. Gatsby is very convinced that if he can create a lot of wealth, he can easily win Daisy and consequently achieve his personal American Dream. However, the truth is that is not apparently going to take place. Fitzgerald (189) says that Gatsbys dream should have appeared so close that he could barely fail to get hold of it. All the same, he did not realize that it was indeed behind him, some place in the vast obscurity far much beyond the city where the dark fields of the nation rolled on in the night. The last words of the book state that Gatsby had the belief that the green light or rather the orgiastic feature year after year recedes in front of us. The American Dream eluded Gatsby and regardless of whatever happens, tomorrow is expected to unfold in a very fast way. Gats by past is very significant to his future dreams as shown by the green light (Prigozy 11-21). However, these moves are disturbed and muddled up by obstacles which he fails to control and manage well. To conclude, the struggle made by human beings to attain their aspirations and dreams through surpassing and in the reconstruction of history is what the Great Gatsby novel is based on. Though the American Dream has held high hopes for people like Gatsby, it has all ended up sour, with less of the expectations met. However, that is not the real issue. The point could have been the manner in which we respond to the consequences and results of pursuing our dreams. This probably determines the eventual success of the individual. While we have hope that things can get better, we should also be prepared if the worst happens. The lack of proper strategies for fall back if things turn out sour characterizes Gatsbys life points the inevitability of failure due to individual mistakes. The failure of such people like Gatsby to fully attain the American goal points to disillusionment, only that is self inflicted and the realization of the American dream is hinged on the individual focus. Life t akes a natural course and does not make provisions for fantasies and if forced, they just vanish like air. Buy custom Disillusionment in Pursuit of the American Dream essay

Cybernetics and Social Construction

Cybernetics and Social Construction Abstract Cybernetics is the study of various systems in biology, sociology, psychology, and physics. In sociology and psychology, cybernetics is used to describe how social and psychological systems work. The theory is based on the structural functionalist theory which operates on the principle of interdependence of various parts of a system for the stability of the whole system.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cybernetics and Social Construction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Social construction has to do with the way people perceive various aspects of life. Both cybernetics and social construction theories are applicable in family therapy. However, they differ in terms of how they address the issue of diversity. Cybernetics theory One of the key concepts in cybernetics is feedback, which refers to an output and which triggers positive or negative feedback in a system. A positive feedback is considered as that which brings a change in a system while a negative feedback is considered as that which maintains the status quo in the system (Metcalf, 2011). One of the basic assumptions of the cybernetics approach is that a family is like the human body which is composed of several organs, with each organ having a specific role to play in the body (Dallos, 2010).  The other assumption of the approach is that all families have a structure, either vertical or horizontal. The relationships within the family structure are important for the well being of the family and therefore, there is need to ensure that all family members play their roles effectively so as to make the family stable (Wetchler Hecker, 2014). The approach considers a family as an open system. Even though the members of a family are united by shared beliefs, patterns of thinking, and kinship, it does not mean that the family is cushioned from the influence of external factors or actors (Winek, 2010). The other concept relat ed to the cybernetics approach is homeostasis. This is a mechanism which tries to maintain the relationships between the family members. In other words, homeostasis maintains the status quo in the family structure. Through homeostasis, each family member has some specific expectations from the other family members (Stretch, 2005). Change is the other concept which is related to the cybernetics approach. The proponents of the approach argue that sometimes the status quo may be a source of family problems. Many people may not realize this fact because they believe that maintaining their relationships with each other is a crucial ingredient for the well being of the family.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the basic principles of the cybernetics approach is respecting the culture and values of the family. The therapist is obliged to ensure that the values o f the family are respected at all times. When the therapist sees the need of changing the values of the family, there is need for an intensive education of the family on the importance of changing some of the family values. The other principle is that a family is viewed as a client. Even though a family may have several members, there is need for the therapist to ensure that the intervention does not lead to disunity but enhance unity within the family. The therapist must therefore apply a participatory approach in order to ensure that the family members are part and parcel of the decisions reached in the therapy. Another principle is that families exist in a social system and therefore, there is need to ensure that the intervention by the therapist does not isolate the family from the rest of the society. The argument is that a healthy family is one that exists in a healthy social environment where there are good relationships between the family members and the society. Seeing that the cybernetics approach allows for choosing a family-centered therapy approach for the solution of a particular issue, the specified strategy allows for improving the relationships between the family members and providing them with an opportunity to understand the reasons for the malfunctioning of their family. The cybernetics theory helps people realize whether the communication patterns that they have chosen can be deemed as acceptable, and what changes they need to undergo in order to be improved. In other words, cybernetics allows for an introspective for the patient or patients, therefore, creating the premises for an in-depth analysis of the specifics of the current relationships between the family members. More importantly, the distribution of the family roles among the members can be analyzed with the help of the given approach, therefore, helping address the related issues and redistribute these roles among the members (Guise, 2009). Social construction theory Social cons truction refers to the perceptions people have about certain aspects of life such as gender, race, sex, disease, mental illness, and domestic violence. In most cases, social construction is not based on facts but on stereotypes, prejudice, and historical injustices. For instance, the social construction of gender is characterized by gender stereotypes which are the attitudes people have towards males and females. The attitudes may be implicit or explicit. Implicit attitudes are internalized by people in their thought processes. For example, a teacher of a school may select male students to represent the school in a mathematics contest and select female students to represent it in the art subjects or languages.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cybernetics and Social Construction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This kind of selection may happen as a result of the belief by the teacher that all males are good in hard subjects like mathematics while all females are good in easy subjects like the arts and languages. In the professional sector, a male doctor may be referred to as ‘the doctor’ while a female one may be referred to as ‘the woman doctor’ to imply that it is unusual for a female to become a doctor. However, there is nothing funny with a female being a doctor because female doctors are capable of treating patients just like male doctors.  Much like the cybernetics theory, the theory of the social construct facilitates a better understanding of the role distribution among the family members. However, unlike the cybernetics approach, the theory of social construct sets the premises for restructuring the family hierarchy, therefore, providing the couple with the tools that they may use in order to improve their relationships (Guise, 2009). Family Therapist’s Role in Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories Both cybernetics and social construct ion theories are applicable in family therapy. However, the therapist’s role differs in the two theories. With cybernetics theory, the role of the family therapist is to establish linkages between family members. However, not all problems need a restoration of the equilibrium in the family. The reason is that some problems need a positive feedback which introduces a change in the family as a system. For example, family members may be advised by the family therapist to become more independent instead of being interdependent. The reason is that sometimes, the dependence on each other may lead to dependence syndrome which compromises the ability of individual family members to grow and be self-reliant. With the cybernetics theory therefore, each family member is considered as a therapy for the others and as a result, the absence of one family member may compromise the healing process (Carr, 2012).  With the social construction theory, the role of the family therapist is to dec onstruct the thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes of the family members. It is done with the aim of differentiating myths from facts to enable the family members to live in a world of reality. It is based on the reasoning that some problems in families are not based on facts but on social construction of various issues which affect families. The family therapist therefore aims at helping the family members change their thoughts which cause problems in the family.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, some families may believe that HIV/AIDS is caused by witchcraft. As a result, they seek intervention from witch doctors instead of medical doctors. Even though intervention from witch doctors may work on the short term, it may not be effective on the long term. When such a family seeks the help of a family therapist, the family therapist educates them that HIV/AIDS is a medical condition which requires a medical intervention (Nichols, 2013). Herein the significance of cybernetics in defining the role of a family therapist lies. Unlike any other discipline, cybernetics allows for transforming the role of a family therapist from the one of an observer to that one of an analyst. Seeing that the very concept facilitates a deeper understanding of the challenges that the family is going through, the relationships that the family members share, and the communication patterns that are accepted within the family in question, the specified discipline helps a family therapist infi ltrate the information concerning the relationships within a specific family in order to locate the patterns of the family members interaction and, therefore, identify the problem and contemplate the key steps for addressing the issue in question. The social construct theory, thus, allows for an even more precise definition of the role of a family therapist in a particular intervention. In accordance with the theory postulates, the therapy process is rooted in the idea of a family as a social construction, each member of it taking a very specific niche. The role of a therapist, therefore, mainly concerns the redefinition of the family members’ roles. It would be wrong to claim that the therapisr defines the place that each family member should take in a new hierarchy; instead, the therapist promotes the idea, thus, allowing the patient to make their own choice and, therefore, restructure the relationships within the family so that the latter should be complete (Guise, 2009). Historical Impacts of Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories The history of cybernetics is traced to the days of Plato and Aristotle who attempted to explain governments in terms of interrelationship of various units of the society. Afterwards, various scholars adopted the concept of cybernetics in different fields such as engineering, mathematics, psychology, and sociology. The theory of cybernetics has played a crucial role in the formulation of contemporary theories such as systems theory and systems thinking. It has also been used in the advancement of information and communication technology systems to reflect the changing needs of the society (Turner, 2011). The strength of the approach is that it has the ability to restructure the family in order to eliminate problems which are anchored on the status quo. The approach is based on the principle that all social systems are not static but are dynamic. There is therefore the need to ensure that social institutions such as t he family are studied with the aim of ensuring that the necessary changes are made for them to function well. The limitation of the approach is that it puts more emphasis on structural changes of the family to the extent that it ignores changes at the individual level. For any therapy to be successful there is need to focus not only on the environment but also on the individual. The approach is also unsuitable in addressing family problems in which one of the members is hospitalized or is unable to attend therapy sessions. The reason is that all the members have to attend the sessions for the therapy to be successful. The social construction theory may be traced to the emergence of concepts such as feminism, affirmative action, gender equity and equality, social class, and wealth. These concepts were associated with the existence of a gap between various units of the society especially in social institutions. Different scholars conducted research to establish the causes of the gap a nd found that there were deep rooted perceptions on various issues such as gender. The theory led to the emergence of various campaigns which aimed at ensuring that there was fairness, justice, and equity in the society. Examples of the campaigns include girl child education, women empowerment, and protection of the rights of minority groups (Roberts, 2009). How Diversity is Addressed in Cybernetics and Social Construction Theories Cybernetics and social construction theories differ in terms of how they address the issue of diversity. With cybernetics theory, diversity in social institutions is viewed as positive. The theory also considers diversity as a strength which may be tapped and transformed into an opportunity for social institutions to enhance their unity. Since the theory is based on the principle of interdependence of various units of social systems, and given that all social systems are not homogenous, the theory contents that it is not possible to have peaceful coexiste nce in the society without embracing diversity. On the other hand, the social construction theory views diversity as negative because it considers social institutions as homogenous entities which are only stable when there is uniformity. For instance, people in a given society may share the same belief about an aspect of life irrespective of whether the belief is true or not. Those who do not share that belief in that society may be considered as outcasts or as enemies of the other members of that society. For example, members of a particular society may believe that corruption is the only way of enriching oneself. Those who attempt to fight corruption may be considered as enemies of development in that society. Conclusion The analysis of the family hierarchy and the definition of the issues that are related to the family structure adopted by the patient and their relatives is, perhaps, one of the most complicated tasks for a family therapist. However, by adopting the approach of cy bernetics and using the theory of social construct, a therapist may alter their role so that the analysis could be more fruitful and that more efficient changes could be made to the relationships between the patient and their family. Providing a therapist with the power that allows them to dissect and analyze the family relationships of the patient, as well as suggest their ways of altering these relationships, are the obvious advantages of the specified approaches. References Carr, A. (2012). Family therapy: concepts, process, and practice. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley Sons. Dallos, R. (2010). An introduction to family therapy. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill International. Guise, R. W. (2009). Study guide for the marriage and family therapy national licensing examination. Boston, MA: The Family Solutions Corporation. Metcalf, L. (2011). Marriage and family therapy: a practice-oriented approach. New York: Springer Pub. Co. Nichols, M. (2013). Family Therapy: concepts. Boston: Pear son Education. Roberts, A. R. (2009). Social workers desk reference. New York: Oxford University Press. Stretch, B. (2005). Health social care: As level for excel. Oxford: Heinemann. Turner, F.J. (2011). Social work treatment: interlocking theoretical approaches. New York: Oxford University Press. Wetchler, J.L., Hecker, L.L. (2014). An introduction to marriage and family therapy. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage. Winek, J.W. (2010).Systemic family therapy: from theory to practice. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.

Magellan missionRadar sensing and image interpretation Essay

Magellan missionRadar sensing and image interpretation - Essay Example The Mission was named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese-born explorer in the sixteenth century, who led an expedition that first circumnavigated the Earth. The earlier radar missions to Venus provided planetary scientist a global map of the surface of the planet and were very valuable in understanding the geological structure of the planet. However it further revealed a need for "global radar data coverage" of the planet's surface in "orders-of magnitude higher resolution" (Ford 1). This need facilitated and provided motivation to determine the design and objectives of the Magellan mission. The main purposes of the Magellan Mission were to create a global radar map of the surface of Venus at higher resolution using the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and to determine the topographic relief of the planet. The end product of these four objectives shall be the classification of geographic and tectonic features of the surface like mountains, ridges, valleys, hills, and planes. Impact processes, lava flows, and other chemical processes will be explained and the internal density distribution of the planet will be modeled. The spacecraft design was economical and simple in relation to other spacecraft missions. In fact, the key components of the spacecraft were acquired from the spare hardware from other space programs including Voyager, Galileo, Viking, and Mariner. The spacecraft was 6.4 m long and with a mass of 3,449 kilograms. Included in the spacecraft were a single radar sensor, a large 3.7-m diameter parabolic High-Gain Antenna dish used for communication with Earth and a science instrument for radar imaging, solar panels about 9.2 m across to collect solar energy for charging the spacecraft's nickel-cadmium batteries and to power the spacecraft, three orthogonal reaction wheels used for pointing control, monopropellant hydrazine thruster system used to make adjustments of large scale orbital corrections. Subsystems included a medium-gain antenna, star scanner, on-board computer, coherent X- and S- band radio subsystem used for communication and gravity field experiments, and two tape recorders. Fig. 1. Labeled drawing of Magellan Spacecraft Key features of the Magellan spacecraft. Shown here are the different hardware and electronic subsystems of the spacecraft. (NASA) The Magellan spacecraft in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Atlantis before its scheduled launch (Magellan Probe). Fig. 2. Magellan Spacecraft The Magellan Radar Sensor The radar sensor is a single science instrument in the spacecraft capable of acquiring data in three different modes or functions: SAR imaging mode,

Summary Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary Strategic Management - Essay Example Good product design and ease of use created an emotional connection with users, while technological innovation that encrypted songs and prevented these from being shared for free in violation of copyright laws created a mutually beneficial link with suppliers, the record companies that are losing revenues to piracy. Although Apple was not the first MP3 player in the market, it dominated the business because its products looked better and were easy to use. The decision to work with record companies was a strategic move that also resulted in cost leadership as it cut off distributors and retailers and their high mark-ups from the value chain (see Exhibit 3 of the case study). After the success of Apple, other companies are competing by copying what Apple did: good design, diversity of products such as including them in mobile phones, and lower prices for the music players and song downloads. However, Apple has two advantages difficult to imitate and are therefore sources of competitive advantage. The first is its brand name, which is always associated with products that are well-designed, easy to use, and that easily develops an emotional attachment to a growing base of loyal customers. The second is its track record at innovation, which gives the company a first-mover advantage that allows it to charge high prices for new products, recover the investment fast from profits, and as competitors move into the market, to launch a price war that continues earning profits that could be invested in developing the next product. Given these resources, should Apple develop a product combining a mobile phone and an iPod? (Yes, it did.) The strategic management issue facing Wal-Mart is how it can grow in the face of slow domestic (U.S.) growth, fierce domestic (Costco) and international (Tesco, etc.) competition, lack of experience in international markets, and growing

Essay on Australian Culture Essay Example for Free

Essay on Australian Culture Essay The composers of In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer and Love Letter: McIver’s Baths have helped me to further understand Australian culture by using a variety of language devices and techniques to uncover the Australian culture. Chris West, the author of In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer reveals that Australians respect the harsh landscape and presents beach culture as a prominent aspect n the lives of Australia. Helen Pitt, the author of Love Letter: McIver’s Baths, uncovers Aboriginal beliefs in Australian principles and shows that multiculturalism is freely accepted in Australian society. West conveys the Australian landscape to be harsh and rugged, yet respected and valued by Australians. West personifies the land and describes how it â€Å"points like a crooked finger†. The use of the verb â€Å"points† gives the land an intimidating quality. West continues to describe the land as â€Å"a patch of God’s country. † The juxtaposition of the two phrases suggests that the Australian is feared but respected and cared for by Australians. This comparison has broadened my understanding of the Australian culture. This idea is similar to Pitt’s description of the beach â€Å"which is as curvy as the female form. † The simile creates a unique attractiveness, which is intriguing but is appreciated in Australian culture. Both West and Pitt expose an underlying appreciation of natural beauty in Australia, confirming my understanding of Australian culture. Pitt has employed the use of figurative devices that helped extend my understanding of Australian culture. â€Å"You nursed me†¦your swell embraced me in a way she no longer could. † The use of apostrophe gives the baths motherly qualities. The verbs â€Å"nursed† and â€Å"embraced† mimic the actions of a mother caring for her child. The quote also alludes to the old Aboriginal beliefs that the land is mother. This reveals that Aboriginal culture and beliefs are still present in today’s society and highly respected in Australian culture. In West’s article, there are also allusions to Aboriginal culture. He describes children playing on the beach â€Å"under the watchful eyes of black-clad elders†. Both composers display an aspect of Aboriginal culture and its importance in Australian society, thus deepening my understanding of Australian culture. In West’s article, beach culture is displayed as a prominent aspect in the lives of Australians. He describes businessmen and how they â€Å"peel off their swimsuits in the beachfront parking lots, towel down and don sober business attire then drive straight to work. † The use of the verb â€Å"peel† suggests that the beach and beach culture is part of them, that it’s in their skin and soul. Pitt reinforces the idea that being at one with sea and its surrounding environment is what is truly valued in Australian society. â€Å"I took refuge in your barnacled depths, reacquainting myself†¦with what it meant to be Australian. † Both composers explore the notion that having connection with the beach is genuinely valued in Australian culture, thus challenging my understanding of Australian culture. In Pitt’s article, multiculturalism is celebrated by showing the freedoms that we as Australians, no matter what cultural heritage we have, are able to enjoy. â€Å"Muslim women frolicking in burkinis†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The use of the verb â€Å"frolicking† suggests that the women feel comfortable enjoying the Australian environment without fear of prejudice from other cultures. The revelation of the carefree attitude towards cultural diversity in Australian culture has expanded my understanding of Australian culture. West also presents the acceptance of a diverse range of culture in his article. â€Å"Families of newly arrived Mediterranean immigrants fetch extravagant picnics†¦from the trunks of Japanese-built sedans† Both composers clarify that people of other cultures and religions are accepted and welcomed in Australian society. The confirmation has contributed to my understanding of Australian culture. By manipulating a range of language devices, both composers have challenged and reinforced my understanding of Australian culture, beliefs and values. West and Pitt both confirm that the harsh yet spectacular landscape of Australia is respected and cherished in Australian culture. They both uncover Aboriginal beliefs that are still present in today’s society. Multiculturalism and beach culture are both thoroughly exposed by West and Pitt. In Sydney’s Suburbs, An Endless Summer and Love Letter: McIver’s Baths have definitely helped me to further understand Australian culture.

Handling Stress Essay -- essays research papers

Handling Stress This essay is about handling the stress of University studies. We will be looking into many ideas and different people ¹s views on how to handle stress. I will also be giving my own opinions on how I think stress can be controlled or relieved. The first thing we must do is ask ourselves one very important question,  ³what is stress ²? WHAT IS STRESS? According to an Australian born physician, Hans Selye (1979), stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. The body responds in many ways. One is to the loss of blood and the other is to the lack of sleep. Both of these are nonspecific responses, however all demands made on the body evoke generalised, nonspecific responses. For example, they all unable you to concentrate as would normally be expected, they activate one ¹s sympathetic nervous system, and they also increase the amount of the hormone epinephrine that is being released into your body. When people say they ¹ve been under going alot of stress they are usually referring to a couple of unpleasant experiences. Now that we have an idea on what stress is the next question we should ask ourselves is  ³what is or can cause stress ². CAUSES OF STRESS There are many different things that cause stress. One may be if you have a big term paper due and you want to do your best to impress your seminar leader. Another may be peer or family related. All in all it is things, events, situations, and people that cause stress. It is how we perceive them that will determine whether or not stress will be a result from the encounter. Not only negative situations are the cause of stress. Joy and happiness can also cause stress even though they are positive. In a sense, it is we then who choose our own stressors. Selye noted that with the absence of stress there is death. Current researchers are also discovering that too little stress may be a major cause of depression or boredom. It is therefore up to us to choose the best Handling Stress # stressors and the optimal level of stress. Since we have now begun to understand the definition of stress as well as the causes we now ask ourselves  ³what can I do to control my stress ²? CONTROLLING STRESS There have been many studies done on the managements of stress. One group of researchers found out that many university students tended to gain weight their first year away from home. These  ³... ...e as some are for one ¹s emotional well being. There are even some that help with both. All in all stress seems to occur depending on one ¹s perception of events, people, and daily things for stress occurs on different occasions for different people. Handling Stress # REFERENCES Adams, J.D. (1980). Understanding and Managing Stress, San Diego: University Associates. Kalat, J.W. (1993). Introduction to Psychology: third edition. Pacific Grone: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Pfeifer, J.E., and Ogloff, J.R.P. (1990). Making the Grade:Strategies for Succeeding at University. Lincoln: JEP and JRPO Rathbone, J.L. (1969). Relaxation. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger. Rhines, K.L. (1985). Stress and Disease. Pleasantville: Human Relations Media Inc. Romano, J.L. (1984). Stress Management and Wellness: Reaching beyond the counselor ¹s office. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 62 (9), 533-537. Ross, J. (1993). The Original Student Calendar, Winlaw: Polestar Calendars Ltd. Williams, J.M., Decker, T.W., Libassi, A. (1983), The impact of stress management training on the academic performance of low-achieving college students. Journal of College Student Personnel, 24 (6), 491-494. Word Count: 2062

Office Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics Contents 1. Introduction 2. Office Computer Workstations 3. Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist 4. Appendix A 1. Introduction Ergonomics is the process of designing the work environment to fit the worker, rather than fitting the worker to the work environment. The goal of this ergonomic program is to minimize accidents and illnesses due to chronic physical and psychological stresses, while maximizing productivity and efficiency.Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) or repetitive motion strain injuries are musculoskeletal disorders that result from repeated exposure to physical stressors. Stressors affect tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles and bones. Physical stressors in the office environment are caused by sustained awkward postures, repetitive motions, using excessive force or compression. 2. Office Computer Workstations The workforce population varies greatly in physical size and stature. The idea of the average size person is obsolete.Adjusting office furnitu re and office equipment help employees make changes in the office to ensure proper posture is maintained throughout the day. There is no single â€Å"correct† posture or arrangement of components that will fit everyone. However, there are basic design goals to consider when setting up a computer workstation or performing computer-related tasks. Consider your workstation as you read through this guide and see if you can identify areas for improvement in posture, component placement, or work environment.This guide provides suggestions to minimize or eliminate identified problems, and allows you to create your own â€Å"custom-fit† computer workstation. Good Working Positions: To understand the best way to set up a computer workstation, it is helpful to understand the concept of neutral body positioning. This is a comfortable working posture in which your joints are naturally aligned. Working with the body in a neutral position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, te ndons, and skeletal system and reduces your risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).The following are important considerations when attempting to maintain neutral body postures while working at the computer workstation: †¢ Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor. †¢ Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. †¢ Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body. †¢ Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees. †¢ Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest. †¢ Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back. Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor. †¢ Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward. Regardless of how good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. You should change your working position frequently throughout the day in the following ways: †¢ Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso. †¢ Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically.