Ending Womens Battle Between Work and Family - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1659 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/02/15 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Family Essay Did you like this example? Every day, millions of people wake up early in the morning to get ready for work. In fact, work has become such an integral part of living, that the word ‘unemployment’ is associated with negative ones such as ‘depression’ or ‘stress’. When analyzing the deep reaching effects a job can have on the lives of individuals, it is obvious why their mental and emotional well being are so dependent on work. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Ending Womens Battle Between Work and Family" essay for you Create order For many, a job offers the income needed to provide for a family. Others see a job as a means of anchoring themselves from debt. There might even be some to whom financial reasons are not a driving force for having a job, but other factors such as self-confidence and independence are. A popular trend throughout history is the mentality that men should work more than women. The fast pace of the professional world, combined with society’s expectations of a woman’s role and of ‘the perfect family’, results in many women having to choose between a career or a family. Imagine Susan and Julie, two best friends who had aspired to pursue careers as medical doctors. After graduating from high school, Susan and Julie attended the same college and worked towards getting accepted into medical school. While in her third year of college, Susan got married and as the application date for medical school approached, she felt uneasy about the future. She had decided years ago that she wanted to become a Pediatric Cardiologist, but she also knew that she wanted to become a mother and raise a family. At 22 years old, the prospect of four years of medical school, a three year residency, and a three year fellowship seemed daunting to Susan. It would put her at 32 years of age before she could even consider having children. After careful deliberation, Susan decided to abandon her pursuit of a medical career in favor of becoming a mother. Now, a mother of three, Susan is unhappy because her husband has just lost his job and money is scarce. She knows she should try to help her family improve their living situation by getting a job, but is afraid others will judge her for leaving her kids with babysitters every day. Julie, on the other hand, graduated from college and continued working on her rà ©sumà © for medical school. When application time came around, she was ready and it paid off because she was accepted at her top choice school. Julie didn’t get married until her third year of medical school and had not given the idea of having a family much thought until then. As Julie pondered about family life she realized that, like her friend Susan, she would also love to become a mother. But would she compromise all the years she had already put into her career by choosing a specialty with a short residency, or would she follow her dreams of becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon, which would require an additional five years? Unlike Susan, Julie chose to forgo having children and stayed true to her original plans career wise. One year after completing her schooling, Julie finds herself in the same situation as her friend Susan. She is unhappy. Julie regrets not having any children and as she cont emplates the possibility of having a child now that she is working, she realizes that as a surgeon, she will have little, to no time to spare. Fortunately for Julie, her husband wants a child as well and agrees to cut back his work hours in order to care for the child himself. While these examples might not directly apply to every woman faced with making the choice between work and family, the general idea does; women are the ones expected to sacrifice their careers in order to achieve society’s utopian views on the family. Working offers women a sense of power and self-confidence along with many other benefits. Women in America first began to enter the workforce during the Industrial Revolution and Thomas Dublin explains that many of these women sought out jobs in in order to gain independence, while others searched for a way to earn money to help support their families (Dublin). Interestingly enough, the stigma of leaving home and moving into the cities did not stop these early American women from choosing to enter the working arena even though they were scorned by society and deemed unfit to become wives and mothers. Financial factors were big contributors to the large masses of women entering the workforce. This trend still holds true today, with many women feeling the need to hold jobs in order to help contribute to their family’s income. In fact, studies have proven that families with two incomes have fared far better than those with a single income. Heather Boushey and Kavya Vaghul explain a study conducted by stating that women have made the key difference in earning income for their families, especially low-income and middle-income households. The study was conducted from the years 1979 to 2013 on two-income families and in middle-class families, the average annual income grew by $8,984. Researchers concluded that this growth was due entirely to women’s participation in the workforce (Boushey and Vaghul). Unfortunately, because of the pressure society puts on people to have perfect lives, many families are passing up a much needed second income in order to escape criticism. Ch arles S. Clark explains that a poll asking women what accounted for their daily stress resulted in 46% living up to people’s expectations and 50% child related stress (Clark). The stress of meeting people’s expectations makes women like Susan choose to stay at home full-time because they fear being judged and labeled as neglectful mothers who worry more about money than about their children. It is of the utmost importance for men and women alike to push aside the gender stereotypes that have been ingrained in them from a young age. Unexpected expenses like injuries, illnesses, and car problems can arise at any point in life and nothing should stand in the way of people being able earn the income to provide for their families. Certainly not any narrow-minded rules set by society for determining how women should fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. Belinda Luscombe, a TIMES Magazine journalist writes about a study conducted by Robert Blum, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, where it was concluded that people internalize gender stereotypes when they are only ten or eleven years old. The six year study was conducted in 15 countries of varying wealth and development by interviewing 450 adolescents ages ten to fifteen and the common consensus was that boys learn from a young age to work and be adventurous while girls are taught to stay indoors and do chores (Lusco mbe). Once again, there should be widespread emphasis on breaking these stereotypes and teaching young boys that they too can help with household chores and young girls that they can grow up to have successful careers. Promoting these stereotypes in children’s minds only increases the likelihood of creating emotional problems later on in their lives. Stereotypes are not just harmful to women, but to men as well. Society constantly tells men that they have to be the primary breadwinner in their household. Men feel pressured into being the sole income earners for their families and to have jobs that pay well enough to ensure their family is financially stable. Many men also struggle with the idea of their wives working and earning more money than them. Before people point fingers at husbands and accuse them of being sexist towards their wives, they should consider who is really at fault. Is it the hard working men who are doing their best to help their families succeed, or is it society, who tells these men that they are not valuable to their families if they are not bringing in the biggest paycheck? This pressure that is put on men is extremely harmful and can have negative consequences on family life, as is explained by Sandra Stencel. â€Å"Although most husbands welcome the additional income, many have found it difficult to adjust to their wives new roles. Being married to a woman with a busy schedule, an income of her own, and outside friendships and commitments may cause a husband to feel insecure and resentful. Numerous studies have shown that there is more divorce among families in which the wife works† (Stencel). Men cannot and should not feel insecure or resentful if their wives have jobs and society must stop telling men that their worth is measured by the numbers written on their paychecks. Rather than having negative feelings towards their wives working, men should be willing to shoulder more household responsibilities in order to create opportunities for their wives to succeed in their careers like Julie’s husband did by cutting back on his work hours to spend time with their child. Not only would this significantly help a husband and wife’s relationship and decrease the divorce rate, but it would also help boost men’s self-esteem because they would see how valuable they are in their children’s lives. For the most part, women are the ones who are viewed responsible for cleaning the home, taking care of children, making phone calls, cooking meals, and other time consuming household duties. Anne York explains that the U.S Bureau of Labor shared statistics from a survey of how men and women used their time in 2011. On average, women spent two more hours than men did every day on household chores, caring for household members, purchasing goods, telephone calls, and mail or email, while men spent forty minutes more than women on sports and leisure. (York) If men were to rearrange their work schedules in a way that would allow them to work less days or less hours, it would potentially clear up time in the week for their wives to get jobs as well.

Personal Values Development Paper - 1350 Words

Personal Values Development Paper Personal values and ethical standards are almost like your DNA, individually yours. There are so many people with different values and ethical standards that there may be some that are similar to yours, however, I believe that there are no two exactly alike. Peoples ethics and values are instilled by ones culture, background and environment. In my family, traditional values were very important to our upbringing. The concepts of religion, family, unity, honesty, and education were instilled at an early age. We were taught to obey and that the first duty of a child was to make our parents proud. I learned very early in my life about diversity, being one of six children brought up by the same set of†¦show more content†¦I believe, this is why today as adults my brothers and I all attended church services (some more than others) and all have some type of relationship with God. It was also instilled into us, that family is very valuable and keeping the unity of family extremely important. My parents took great strides to make sure that there was no sibling rivalry, no jealously, no favoritism among any of us. Me being the only girl out of six children did not have the luxury of being the family princess as many thought. Sure I was treated a little different because I was a girl, but I was never put above any of my brothers we all received equally. Funny thing though that today I am treated like the family princess by my parents, my brothers and their wifes. I guess my parents knew what they were doing back then, I might not have been able to handle the title of family princess without turning out to be a big spoiled rotten person. Honesty and loyalty were other values that my parents were very big on. If we were caught in a lie not only did we have to sit and listen to what the bible said about lying but we also had to listen to a sermon from one of our parents about how lying is wrong and will never get any good results from lying, and no matter howShow MoreRelatedEthical System Table Essay867 Words   |  4 PagesPersonal Values Development Paper Yolanda Buchanan January 11, 2011 PHL/323 Edward Peet Personal Values Development Paper Ethics will always play a big part in our everyday lives. We deal with ethics issues everyday with our family, friends, and the workplace. As being employees for an organization, we should always be concerned about their ethical values. Organizations should always cares about their ethics. As people we depend on our employer to keep their employees and customersRead MoreThe Theories That Best Resonate With Me Essay1179 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction In analyzing my development, the two theories that best resonate with me are the cognitive theory of Baxter Magolda’s Model and the moral theory of Rest’s Approach. I plan to first begin explaining Baxter’s cognitive model and relate it to my personal development through personal examples. I will transition to talk about Rest’s moral development approach and how the approach applies to my personal development. Baxter Magolda’s Model The Baxter Magolda’s Model focuses on the epistemologicalRead MorePersonal Statement On Social Responsibility885 Words   |  4 Pagesmajority of time spent on my personal philosophy paper was spent in research. I wanted to make sure I had a clear understanding of my own thoughts and ideas. I also found the research to be the hardest part of my paper. I wanted be able to support my thoughts with scholarly research, and at times it seemed near impossible. I determined what theories to use based on my own personal beliefs and values as they pertain to my life. Since my whole life revolves around my personal relationship with Jesus, IRead MoreEthics Reflection Paper Str 581 Week 11312 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: WEEK 1; ETHICS REFLECTIONS PAPER Assignment: Week 1; Ethics Reflections Paper By Judith Judson STR 591 – Phoenix Campus University of Phoenix Facilitator: Dr. Mark Kolesinsky Week 1, July 18, 2012 Ethics Reflection Paper In the last decade, ethics in corporate America has become highly publicized following the discovery of unethical and fraudulent business practices in major corporations. Practices at Tyco, Enron, Arthur Anderson, and WorldCom, among others,Read MoreCognitive Theory : Baxter Magolda s Model And The Moral Theory Of Rest s Approach Essay1321 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction In analyzing my personal development, the two theories that best resonate with me are the cognitive theory of Baxter Magolda’s Model and the moral theory of Rest’s Approach. I plan to first begin explaining Baxter’s cognitive model and relate it to my personal development through personal examples. I will transition to talk about Rest’s moral development approach and how the approach applies to my personal development. Baxter Magolda’s Model The Baxter Magolda’s Model focuses on theRead MoreA Theoretical Orientation As A Counselor848 Words   |  4 Pagestheoretical framework serve as a â€Å"road map.† The purpose of this paper is to explain the important of having a theoretical framework and its important when dealing with families, individuals and treatment groups. 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Some ethical issues nurses are exposed to may be more difficult than others and the ethical decision making process is learned over time. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ethical issues in the case study provided in the week one assignment. A discussion of how to use ethical principles to address the issues presented in the case study will be covered within the paper. A descriptionRead MorePersonal Ethics Paper1095 Words   |  5 PagesPersonal Ethics Development Paper Personal Ethics Development Paper At birth we are essentially a bare slate. At this time in our lives, we have learned nothing. Our only ability is to cry when we require nourishment or the need for individual vigilance and solace arises. Until certain things are compulsory we are content to lie there and watch the world rotate around us. Throughout life we evolve standards founded on what we have learned or experienced as we develop. The aim of evolvingRead MoreProfessional Development Plan1601 Words   |  7 Pages Professional development is the development of new or existing skills, knowledge and aptitudes to improve one’s marketablilty, portability, performance and self worth (McKellar, 1996). This paper outlines my top three professional goals, resources required for achieving these goals, and a resource constrained schedule. The strategic formulation of my goals, required resources and schedule coalesce to form my Professional Development Plan (PDP). The first goal is a short term goal required for

Benchmarking Free Essays

Is defined by CIMA as ‘The Establishment, through data gathering of targets and comparators, through whose use relative levels of performance (and under performance) can be identified. ’[CIMA, 2008] This definition explains in my mind that benchmarking is the comparison of one/ several company’s comparison of relative factors to another’s. Therefore seeing how a company’s best practise differs to your own. We will write a custom essay sample on Benchmarking or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are several types of benchmarking that a company may use; Internal, Functional, Competitive and Strategic. A company may use internal benchmarking to compare different processes within the same departments. If they use functional benchmarking then they are mainly looking their departments and which runs better regardless of their different outputs. Competitive benchmarking is information gathered about direct competitors and finally strategic is a longer term benchmark technique. This is used for companies looking for organisational change. The main advantage for benchmarking is to â€Å"set the foundation for performance improvement† to help â€Å"better competitors† [Nayab, 2010] and overall be the best company in the Market place. On the other hand a disadvantage is; how readily available is all the information you require to benchmark? Business Process Re-engineering Is defined by Drury as â€Å"examining business processes and making substantial changes to how the company operates†. [Drury C, 2008] BPR is a major tool used by business because they want gains in performance and quality, and they need to cost reductions to strive for profit maximisation. When re-engineering processes they look at what has been done and try to improve it. A typical example may be: Building a car by hand takes a considerable long time, however if they changed the process to the car being built by a robot, then they could increase performance and quality. However there are many negatives to usage of BPR. It has an uncertain result because it is an all or nothing technique (high risk). In addition it is said that How to cite Benchmarking, Essay examples

Beliefs in Nursing Practice free essay sample

Identify and describe the values, assumptions and beliefs that inform nursing practice There are a variety of values, assumptions, and beliefs that influence my perspective and performance as a labor and delivery nurse. Values guide the very principles of care and the nurses vision of its overall purpose, while certain assumptions and beliefs are involved in directing care on a more day-to-day level in a highly profound and meaningful way. Ethical, moral, and even spiritual values inform nursing practice in a labor and delivery setting. A common nursing value, for example, is the emphasis on improving the quality of lifes experiences rather than simply fixing problems from a strictly medical perspective. This can have major implications for how the birthing experience is approached before, during, and after the actual period of labor and delivery, and places both the patient and the nurse in a much different total context than one that is simply medical. We will write a custom essay sample on Beliefs in Nursing Practice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Besides, as a labor and delivery nurse, we also serve as patient advocates, which is enhanced by our cumulative knowledge gathered through years of experience. As educators, we normalized the birth experience and erved as coach for the patient, her partner, and family members as both interpreters of medical information and procedures, as well as, providing advice that assisted in normalizing the birth experience. Other values can have equally important implications for how the nurse perceives and approaches her work, and simply having values implies a level of importance and respect that is brought to nursing practice that is not always present. The assumptions that I make regarding nursing theory and practice in the labor and delivery room also have direct implications on how that practice is performed. Some of these assumptions can have positive consequences, while others can be more negative, but all have an impact on care. On the positive side, assumptions of patient honesty and accuracy in their reported observations can help build a bond of trust between the nurse and the patient, which can lead to greater honesty and more accurate understandings of patient comfort and well-being during the labor and delivery process. Negative effects can be created when certain other assumptions arise, however; cultural assumptions or assumptions of understanding that do not ecessarily exist can make the experience far more strange and frightening for the patient, as well as more difficult for the nurse. In both of these ways, as well as in many others, nursing assumptions have a direct impact on practice. Nursing beliefs can also have a profound impact on the way that nursing care is provided during the labor and delivery process. In many ways, beliefs can be tied to values the belief that all human life is inherently valuable and to be made as comfortable as possible (within certain practical constraints) is definitely a part of any value systems, and also has a major impact on the provision of nursing care. A major part of practice as a labor and delivery nurse, as it goes directly towards making the birthing process as enjoyable, meaningful, and rewarding as possible, rather than simply trying to get the patient though it. Values, assumptions, and beliefs are all important parts of nursing practice. Knowledge and ability are also important factors, but without the guidance and direction of these three intrinsic aspects of care; knowledge and ability are unfocused and less effective. Intrinsic nursing factors are hugely important to practice.

Cannabis and its Effects on Long Term Memory

The use of cannabis is often associated with memory challenges in the short term and long term basis. Studies continue to be carried out to determine if chronic cannabis use affects long term memory by examining variety of cognitive functions. This paper reviews related literature on memory dysfunction in cannabis users (Parath, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cannabis and its Effects on Long Term Memory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The literature reviews includes studies that looked at memory function in cannabis users of chronic intoxication period (Austin, 2010). Specifically, it examines studies in working memory and verbal episodic memory. In addition, they have continued to deduce evidence indicating impaired encoding, storage, manipulation and retrieval systems in long term cannabis users (Allhoff, 2010). Cannabis is extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa. Usually, Cannabis is taken i n the form of dried leaves and female flower heads, or the resin secreted by these. This drug can be eaten, but is more usually smoked in the form of cannabis cigarette, or joint, often mixed with tobacco, or in pipe. Cannabis is an illicit drug that is commonly consumed in Europe and approximately 10% of adults aged 16-59 years in the UK used it in the year 2000 (Solowij, 1998). Majority of cannabis users attribute short memory problems as the most prevalent and this forms part of the reason many of them seek help to quit or reduce its consumption. Scientific literature in general avers memory impairment as often cited in relation to cannabis use (Wilson et al., 2002). Cannabis use has risen to become the most widely used drug in the developed world over the years. The memory function in general has been studied in acute administration studies of long term users of cannabis to humans and animals, and in long term studies of cannabis users (Pope et al., 2002). Cannabinoid System and Memory Endogenous Cannabinoid system is directly involved in the necessary functions of memory. This is because cannabinoid receptors happen in high density in brain areas critically involved in memory functions. Profoundly, cannabinoid affects synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory, disrupting long term potential in hippocampus (Martin-Santos, 2010). Cannabinoid receptors are metabotropic receptors which are the most common in the brain and are involved in multiple physiological and behavioural events. They are found on pre-synaptic terminals in locations concerned in cognition, especially learning and memory, critically in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulated, basal ganglia and cerebellum (Miller, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Endogenous cannabinoid system guides the flow of information in the brain through retrogrades signalling, modul ating inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter release critical for synaptic plasticity, depolarisation-induced suppression of inhibition or excitation, long term potentiation, and hence learning, memory and other higher cognitive functions (Kanayama et al., 2004). Structural Brain Changes Related with Chronic cannabis use There is lack of concrete lack evidence in most undertaken indicating that structural brain alterations in cannabis users. There are no global or regional alterations in brain tissue volume or composition in some recent studies (Ries, 2009). Other studies have discovered grey and white matter density alterations globally or in para-hippocampal areas. Utilizing more sensitive measures and assessing cannabis consumers with greater exposure to cannabis than previous research, critical reduction of hippocampus and amygdale volumes in long term cannabis users have recently been reported (Lyketsos et al., 1999). Hippocampus volume reduction was related to dose, correl ating with current daily dose, and cumulatively. Only excessive daily doses over long period of time, will lead to structural changes. Another critical factor may be the age of onset of cannabis use. This has a devastating impact to the brain, specifically cannabis consumers’ start at the early stages of neurodevelopment (Allhoff, 2010). Evidence adduced recently of reduced neuronal and axonal integrity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex represented by magnetic resonance spectroscopic markers of metabolism (Solowij, 2009). Changes related to dose were found in anterior cingulate and globus pallidum, but not in hippocampus. Solid evidence for dose related cumulative neuronal damage, neuronal and synaptic density. Since functional dysfunction is likely to precede major structural changes in the brain, or to show concomitant to more minor neural alterations. This presents good reason to think that long term effects of use of cannabis on memory function (Wilson et al., 2002). A Review of Related Literature: Effects of Cannabis Use on Cognitive ability in the long term Cannabis has the ability to exert prominent effects on the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, cannabis acts on an endogenous cannabinoid system that is concerned with regulation of mood, memory, emotion, attention, and other cognitive functions (Hall, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cannabis and its Effects on Long Term Memory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Cannabinoid receptors play a significant role in memory storage and retrieval processes. Discoveries from human and animal research reveal that prolonged use of cannabis changes the functioning of the cannabinoid system of the brain. However, this does not lead to serious impairment (Solowij, 2002). Observation for structural brain impairment for in humans following long term cannabis use has not been sustained generally. Some cu rrent research has discovered no global or regional alterations in brain tissue volumes. Other studies have however, shown grey and white matter density changes world wide undertaken to date lack evidence of changes in structural brain in cannabis users or in para-hippocampal areas (Wilson et al., 2002). A recent study that used unique techniques of measurement to indicate that frequent but relatively short term use of cannabis creates neither structural brain abnormalities nor global or regional alterations in the brain tissue volume or composition that are assessable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Pope et al., 2002). Several studies have indicated altered brain function and metabolism in humans due to acute and chronic use of cannabis using cerebral blood flow, positron emission tomography, and electroencephalographic methods. In sum, use of cannabis has deleterious effects on memory and attention (Solowij, 2009). Individuals who use cannabis show clear signs of cognitive im pairments relative to controls. More of concern about cannabis is that its use may cause neurological damage resulting in persistent cognitive deficits, but the evidence is currently inconclusive. The evidence, however, does suggest that early use of cannabis may cause long-term cognitive problems (Solowij, 1998). Chronic Use of Cannabis and cognitive Dysfunction Cognitive dysfunctions or impairments, specifically deficits in short term memory, are reported by many cannabis addicts who seek help to stop using cannabis, and are often advanced as one of the main reasons for needing to stop using cannabis (Allhoff, 2010). However, evidence provided from controlled studies shows that long term heavy use of cannabis does not appear to produce severe debilitating dysfunction of cognitive function like that produced by chronic heavy alcohol use (Ries, 2009). Nonetheless, there is evidence that long term or heavy cannabis users exhibit more subtle types of cognitive impairment that are dete cted in well controlled studies using sensitive measures (Lyketsos et al., 1999).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Earlier studies of the cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use have elicited major concern that cannabis users may have had poorer cognitive functioning than controls before they commenced to administer cannabis (Sadider, 2010). However, studies from the recent past have looked at this problem by matching users and non-users on estimated premorbid intellectual functioning or on test performance prior to the onset of cannabis use. These studies have revealed cognitive impairments associated with frequent and long term use of cannabis (Solowij, 1998). Frequent cannabis consumers were showed impairment in tests assessing verbal expression, mathematics, and memory. Heavy users of cannabis were more susceptible to interference, made more perseverance errors, had poorer recall, and indicated deficient learning compared to light users (Wilson et al., 2002). Solowij et al., (2002) discovered few dysfunctions when they compared neuropsychological performance of dependent, heavy cannabis us ers with an average 10 years of regular use to anon-user control group. Chronic cannabis users with a regular use averaging 24 years were discovered with impaired attention and had retarded memory in general with dysfunctional verbal learning. Both groups of users indicated impaired temporal judgment. Solowij (1998) in a series of earlier studies applied more sensitive measures of brain function to demonstrate attention impairments in short term users. Solowij et al., (2002) deduced that long term use of cannabis escalated memory impairment. Specific deficits in verbal learning, memory and attention continue to be the most consistently replicated impairments to cannabis users. These impairments are associated to the period, frequency, and cumulative dose impacts (Pope et al., 2002). Differential effects of the various parameters of cannabis use such as, frequency, duration and dose, have not been investigated consistently. As a result, studies are still ongoing to determine whether memory impairments should be related or associated to acute, drug dose, and others occurring the brain memory due to long term cannabis exposure (Solowij et al., 2002). Studies continue to be conducted to investigate the propensity for recovery of cognitive functioning following cessation of cannabis use. Solowij (1998) discovered partial recovery following median 2 years abstinence in a small group of ex-users performing a selective attention task. However, sensitive brain event related potential measures continued to indicate impaired information processing that was correlated with the number of years of cannabis use. Solowij et al., (2002) showed persistent dose associated decrements in neuro-cognitive performance after 28 days abstinence in heavy young users of mean age 20, 5 years use. According to pope et al., (2002), verbal and memory deficits persisted in those who had started using cannabis prior to the age of 17 years but not in those who commenced later in life. The sampl ed population was between the ages of 30 and 55 years at the time of research. This observation agrees with other observations of adverse effects in that beginning regular cannabis use before versus after the age of 17 years (Wilson, et al., 2000). There is still need for further studies to elucidate the effect of cannabis use in developing brain. Solowij (2009) reported that hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum are main sections of endogenous cannabinoid activity and heavily implicated in the cognitive impairments associated with chronic cannabis use. Lyketsos et al., (1999) were able to report the only large scale prospective epidemiological study of the effect of cannabis use on cognitive functioning. They made assessments on cognitive reduction on the Mini Mental State Examination in 1318 adults over 11.5 years. They deduced no relationship between cannabis use and decline in Mini Mental state Examination score, and this persisted when adjustments were made for sex, age , education, minority status, and use of alcohol and tobacco. This study concurs with other evidence that cannabis does not produce gross cognitive impairment (Pope et al., 2002). Memory in Chronic Cannabis Users A cute administration of cannabis can disrupt the working memory. Animal literature exists that reports impaired working memory following acute and chronic use of cannabinoid, including an impaired delayed matching to sample tasks that resembles lesions or removal of the hippocampus (Azzam, 2010). A growing number of recent literatures have continued to study working memory and related functions in chronic cannabis users. Kanayama et al., (2004) examined spatial working memory in long term heavy cannabis users by using functional magnetic resonance imaging using relatively simple tasks. In this study non users made non significant more errors on the task, although few errors in both groups reflected the simplicity of the task and it has been suggested that performance defic its in chronic cannabis users are more likely to be elicited in complex tasks (Kanayama et al., 2004). In addition, Kanayama et al (2004) studies revealed that cannabis users exhibited widespread brain activation with enhanced activation of areas utilized in spatial working memory tasks. They interpreted their findings in terms of cannabis users experiencing subtle neuro-physiological deficits for which they compensate by working harder and calling upon additional brain regions to meet task requirements (Mack, 2010). In a study of abstinent adolescents aged 13-18, cannabis and tobacco smokers compared to tobacco only smokers (Hall, 2009). The group identified functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of changed neuro-circuitry during the performance of an n-back auditory working memory task in the cannabis group, but only during nicotine withdrawal. Representative samples were tested twice, once during an ad libitum cigarette smoking condition, and again after 24 hrs abstention s from tobacco and cannabis users were in abstinence from cannabis for at least two weeks prior to testing. Cannabis users who abstained from tobacco revealed enhanced task biased activation, for instance, posterior cortical regions and others (Solowij, 1998). A study using real world functions approach examined mood and cognitive performance in a sample of workers with and without recent cannabis use, before and after work at the start and end of the working week. There were scanty details regarding cannabis levels in the sample. A verbal reasoning task was used to measure working memory. Other memory tasks encompassed immediate and delayed free recall and recognition of 20 words presented on a computer screen and a semantic processing task measuring speed of knowledge retrieval from general memory (Pope et al 2002). Poorer performance in verbal reasoning was apparent in cannabis users at the start of the working week and correlated and frequency of cannabis use. Lacklustre perform ance in verbal reasoning in delayed recall was found in cannabis users pre-work at the end of the working week and was correlated with duration of cannabis use. Cannabis users also indicated slower response organization and lower alertness than non-users, and slower psychomotor speed toward the end of the week, reflecting a lack of improvement in the speed over the working week in contrast to controls, rather than a progressive slowing by cannabis users (Solowij et al., 2002). Episodic Verbal Memory Verbal learning and memory have been the most impaired cognitive functions in the studies of acute cannabis use as well as in chronic cannabis users. Cannabis users experience impairments in cognition in terms of the period of cannabis use and the frequency of cannabis consumption, and lastly, the impact of cumulative dosage. Studies of acute cannabis use suggest that poorer performance can be seen in immediate and delayed recall of words. Recent studies have replicated dysfunction in le arning, recall, and delayed recall, with some evidence of rot. The studies deduced 17 hour abstinent long term chronic cannabis users recalled fewer words than shorter term chronic users and non user controls over learning trials (Roffman, 2009). Conclusion Satisfactory evidence has gathered from recent research of cannabis users in the unintoxicated state to conclude heavy cannabis use in the long term is associated with impaired memory function. This implies that impaired memory function goes beyond the period of acute use and is related to a variety of cannabis use parameters. Studies deduce memory impairments to increase proportionate to frequency, dosage, and cumulative dosage of cannabis administration. However, the exact that lead to memory deficits remain to be determined. A collection of research of cannabis users abstinent for reasonably long durations suggest that dysfunctional memory may persist for some time after acute use (Solowij, 2009). The overall evidence from the various reviews suggests that the use of cannabis does in a way affect negatively upon the function of memory. Greater deficits in memory may be apparent in tasks that are more complex and among chronic cannabis users. The kind of memory deficits in chronic cannabis users is not different to that observed under acute influence (Roffman, 2009). Heavy cannabis consumers in the unintoxicated state also indicate impaired immediate, but further delayed free call of verbal information, poor retrieval of information from memory, and difficulties manipulating the contents of the working memory. Memory recognition is inconsistently reported and dysfunctional (Sadider, 2010). Strategies of organizational nature within memory have not received sufficient research. Limited evidence is available for strategy use in spatial working memory. Several studies found similar dysfunctions in cannabis users in learning, on measures of immediate and delayed recall and to research where other verbal learn ing tests have been administered to cannabis users (Roffman, 2009). In sum, there exist a wide range of individual differences in the propensity to create memory impairment associated with long term chronic cannabis use. The effect of multiple interpersonal factors on resilience to and susceptibility to cognitive dysfunction deserves greater attention. Such factors may involve personality and differing genotypes. A perspective to substance use in general may also confer enhanced vulnerability to cannabis related cognitive memory and needs further attention in prospective studies (Allhoff, 2010). Generally, findings of changed brain activation from imaging studies of cannabis users suggest compensatory procedures activated to ameliorate cognitive deficits. A number of recent advances in techniques are beginning to interrogate pertinent questions; however, the field is still open for continued research. The specific nature of memory deficits in cannabis users has not been comprehensiv ely elucidated. Evidence exists for dysfunctional encoding, storage and retrieval (Roffman, 2009). Reference List Allhoff, F., Jacquette, D., Cusick, R. (2010). Cannabis. New York: Wiley Sons. Austin, L. (2010). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing for Canadian Practice. Sydney: Wolter Kluwer Health. Azzam, A., Yanofski, J., Kaftarian, E. (2010). First Aid for Psychiatry Boards. New York: Wiley Sons. Hall, W. (2009). Review Adverse Health Effects of Non Medical Cannabis. Elsevier, 374 Kanayama, G., Rogowska, J., pope, G., Gruber, A., Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2004). Spatial working Memory in Heavy Cannabis Users. Psychopharmacology, 176:239-47. Lyketsos, g., Garrett, E., Liang, K., Anthony, C. (1999). Cannabis Dependence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Mack, A., Harrington, A., Frances, R. (2010). Clinical Manual for Treatment of Alcoholism and Addictions. New York: American Psychiatric Pub. Martin-Santos, R., Fagundo, A., Crippa, J., et al., (2010). Neuroimaging in Cannabis Use. Psychological Medicine, 40, 385-398. Miller, N., Gold, M. (2010). Addiction Disorders in Medical Populations. New York: Wiley Sons. Parath, A. (2009). Clearing the Smoke on cannabis. Canadian Center on Substance Abuse, vol.30 Pope, G., Gruber, J., Hudson, Huestis, A., Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2002). Cognitive Measures in Long Term Cannabis Users. Journal of Clinical pharmacology, 42, 41-47. Ries, R., Miller, S., Fiellen, D. (2009). Principles of Addiction Medicine. Sydney: Wolter Kluwer Health. Roffman, R., Stephen, R. (2009). Cannabis Dependence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Sadider, P., Keshavan, M. (2010). Use as a Precipitant of Psychosis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Solowij, N. (2009). Cognitive Abnormalities and Cannabis Use. Psychopharmacol, 23(3), 266-77. Solowij, N. (2002). Cognitive Functioning of Long Term heavy Cannabis Users Seeking Treatment. Journal of American Medical Association, 287(9), 1123-1131. Solowij, N. (1998). Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning. ICambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wilson, W., Mathew, R., Turkington, T., Hawk, T., Coleman, E. (2002). Brain Morphological Changes and Early Marijuana Use. J Addict Dis 2000; 19: 1-22. This research paper on Cannabis and its Effects on Long Term Memory was written and submitted by user Senator Kelly to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Odyssey Essays - Mythology, Greek Mythology, Religion

The Odyssey Essays - Mythology, Greek Mythology, Religion The Odyssey The Odyssey The great muses are called upon by Homer to tell the great adventure of Odysseus in his travel back to his home. Prayers are given to the Greek Gods and muses by Homer in order to proceed this story. The Greeks life revolved around the gods in a matter of fashion as we presently revolve around Christianity. The depiction of the roles the gods played in the Odyssey is both presented in good and evil. The Greeks portrayed their gods as powerful and merciful. However in the Odyssey the gods play a role in a savior like Jesus Christ and the tormentor like Satan. With the present role in the story of Odyssey the gods can be seen as a key role in Odysseus life. Odysseus alone cannot have escaped the treacherous Trojan War without the aid of the gods. However can it be reconcile that the gods were truly the ones who controlled our lives? In Odysseuss case the gods played a vital role. Throughout the entire story Athena was the crutch Odysseus and his family leaned on in the time of aid. Through the treacherous paths Odysseus traveled it was hope of seeing Penelope and his son Telemachus that brought him strength and wisdom. With the loves one left behind Odysseus fearlessly face the gods and tramples over their challenges. Without the help of Athena and her wisdom and devotion to Odysseus his challenges would be help with no boundaries. With Athena on Odysseus side, he was able to return home without any harms done to him or his family. With the gods in favor of Odysseus return all he had to fight was the challenges Poseidon threw at him. With the water being the only road back to his home this challenge was fare more difficult then the Troj an War itself. With the guidance of Athena Odysseus was safely returned to Ithica. Even though Athena played a key role in Odysseus life she was still unable to protect him from the challenges he faced with Poseidon, Calypso, and Helios. The gods can be seen as Odysseuss sub-conscience. Athena being Odysseuss wisdom, Helios the jealousy hidden in our curiosity, Calypso the temptation we face, and Poseidon the challenges in life we face everyday. These main Gods played a key role in Odysseuss life. Poseidon tormented blinded Polyphemus. Poseidon would have never tormented Odysseus if only he kept his boastful self-quiet. A lesson in life learned by Odysseus to keep him self- humble at all times. Odysseus faced other challenges that slowed his journey towards home seem longer. Calypso who kept Odysseus on her island for seven years offered him the impossible. Odysseus with his wife in mind declined the gift for a passage towards home. With temptation and challenges that blockaded Odysseus journey hom e. However Odysseus and his deceased crew could of made it home safely if it wasnt for the curiosity and jealousy of the crew to open the bag of wind and their evil temptation to kill and eat Helios cows. The gods playing minor roles it was human nature that brought the crewmembers to their doom and slowed Odysseus down from returning home. Homer portrayed human nature with the gods and goddesses. We are our own enemy. We are the ones who lay the path in our life and destination. However there are bumps in the word that slow us down and break us down. With hope we resist temptation and fight evil off. The gods in the Odyssey portrayed the good and evil in human nature. Odysseus being the hero of the Odyssey resisted and learned valuable lessons in life on his adventure back home.

Criminal Justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Criminal Justice - Assignment Example Most juvenile crimes result from the fact that they have not lived long enough to appreciate social norms and standards. Juvenile crimes therefore fall in the class of crimes with passion without forethought. They are still in their development stages and therefore may sometimes fail to differentia between right and wrong actions and as such commit criminal offences with little thought or understanding of probable consequences. As a result of their ongoing biological development, minors are unstable emotionally. Just slight provocations could therefore trigger emotions and causing them to react in violent manners. There is therefore lack of premeditation in most juvenile crimes and this justifies their preferential treatment by courts (Bonnie, Johnson, Chemers and Shuck, 2007). At the age of 16 and below, juveniles are still receiving parental care and therefore parents take responsibility for all their actions. Parents/guardians are charged with the responsibility of upbringing their children, availing healthy environment and instilling desirable values among the kids. The blame for juvenile crime should thus be shouldered by parents while the young ones receive preferential court treatment. This is because some juvenile crimes may be the result of circumstances such as being subjected to unsafe environment. The responsibility of their actions is therefore shifted to parents and courts prefer corrective rehabilitation on the juveniles. 1. Richard J. Bonnie, Robert L. Johnson, Betty M. Chemers and Julie A. Shuck. â€Å"Reforming Juvenile Justice: A Development Approach.† Washing, D.C: The National Academies Press, 2007. Retrieved at: