Last Psychology Blog EVER

I REALLY loved this class, and I will miss it dearly :'(.

I like how this class was kind of hands on and how we got to watch movies and shows. It helps the learning experience.

My favorite project would have to be the brain model(I like play-dough ^___^)

Things I didn't like:

1. The fact that it was only one semester long

2.We didn't watch enough movies

3.I wanted to experiment with more of what we were learning (like the experiment similar to the Pavlov's dog one that we did in class).

I'm not quite sure what I would want left out of the class

Next year, the students could actually try out Milgram's experiment (of course not the shocking part, but something with a similar set up)

As long as AP Eco is as good as AP Psych was, then I have no suggestions. If it's not, then I guess I'd just be really bummed out and accept it.

Week 5

I found it interesting that one can actually change the structure of their brain through hard work and memorization. No drugs are needed to accomplish this. "Simply by doing something repetitively, or doing something differently, can affect a change — not only in your life, but in your actual brain’s structure. This perhaps helps explain why oftentimes psychotherapy works just as well (or even better) than drugs on mental disorders. It helps you think and act in ways differently than you have, perhaps resulting in direct biochemical and structural changes in your brain functioning (eventually)."

Week 4- Personality

Jung Typology Test-INFJ (This was actually pretty accurate)
-slightly expressed introvert
-very expressed intuitive personality
-moderately expressed feeling personality
-moderately expressed judging personality
EQ Test
-Score:50
-Your level of EQ likely has been and will be a driver of your high performance for years to come. Areas to work on: While you are doing well - don't forget to take time out of your busy day-to-day activities to stop and reflect on what brings you the greatest meaning in your life. If we fail to do this on a regular basis, we risk becoming tranquilized by the trivial. Sedated by the small details. Yes, deadlines need meeting and goals must be achieved. But if we are working toward goals that are not in alignment with our key values and greater purpose, we face becoming hostile and cynical - losing the reason we are doing 'all of this' in this first place! This translates into less joy and enthusiasm for our work - resulting in a diminished ability to be effective, at ease, and on purpose. As William James said: I have no doubt whatever that most people live, whether physically, intellectually, or morally, in a very restricted circle of their potential being. They make use of a very small portion of their possible consciousness... much like a man who, out of his whole body organism, should get into the habit of using and moving only his little finger... We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, of which we do not dream.
Hogwarts House Sorting Test (Yay! I agree. =B)
-House: Gryffindor
-Gryffindor
Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those with brave deeds to their name."
Students of Gryffindor are typically brave, daring, and chivalrous. Famous members include Harry, Ron, Hermione, Albus Dumbledore (head of Hogwarts), and Minerva McGonagall (head of Gryffindor).
Attraction Test(This one is somewhat to not really accurate)
-
Attract
Dimension: Counter-CultureIndividuals who score high on this dimension tend to like men that look mischevious, rebellious, and non-traditional. Low scorers tend to prefer 'nice' guys. Feedback:You tend to somewhat prefer people that have this characteristic, and you prefer this characteristic more than the average person.
Attract
Dimension: SeductivenessIndividuals who score high on this dimension tend to be particularly attracted to men that are sexually suggestive and expressive. Low scorers tend to prefer guys that are more modest about their sexuality. Feedback:You tend to somewhat prefer people that have this characteristic, and you prefer this characteristic more than the average person.
Attract
Dimension: CheerfulnessIndividuals that score high on this dimension are particularly attracted to guys that look happy, fun-loving, and upbeat. Feedback:This characteristic is relatively unimportant for what you find attractive, and you prefer this characteristic about as much as the average person.
Attract
Dimension: IntelligenceIndividuals who score high on this dimension tend to be particularly attracted to men that look intelligent and soft-hearted. Feedback:This characteristic is relatively unimportant for what you find attractive, and you prefer this characteristic about as much as the average person.
Attract
Dimension: TrendyIndividuals who score high on this dimension tend to prefer men that are well-dressed and well-groomed, fashionable, and urban. Feedback:You tend to somewhat prefer people that have this characteristic, and you prefer this characteristic about as much as the average person.Your average rating of attractiveness was 3.82, and the average rating by others is 3.46.You tended to rate the pictures presented as about as attractive as the average person.
Big 7 Personality(Pretty accurate)
-Ambition 4.00(High) People who score similar to you in Ambition appear self-confident in social situations and freely express their opinions and wishes. It is most likely easy for you to approach new people, and you do not often have trouble in social interactions.Sociability 3.80(High) People who score similar to you in Sociability see themselves as talkative, animated, and outgoing. You probably prefer to interact with other people, meet new people, and feel as though you are more energetic than others. Most often you freely express your happiness and enthusiasm.Likeability 2.50(Medium) People who score similar to you on Likeability tend to genuinely care about other people, and are generally cooperative and dependable in working for the group’s benefit. You may, however, at times pursue your own desires at the expense of another, only to later wonder why you were not more compassionate.Prudence 2.10(Low) People who score similar to you on Prudence tend to prefer not to be tied down by plans, schedules, and responsibilities. You may be easily distracted, procrastinate, or pay little attention to details. Although you may be flexible and adapt easily to change, other people may see you as unreliable and lacking direction in your life.Adjustment 2.60(Medium) People who score similar to you on Adjustment tend to be stable under stress but not without a more emotional side. You may either experience strong reactions but tend to control your expression when you’re around other people, or experience strong reactions infrequently so you tend to feel you’re justified when you do express your emotions. You may be moody, irritable, or tense at times, but probably keep your feelings in check most of the time.School Success 4.70(High) People who score similar to you on School Success prefer to break new ground and challenge tradition. You probably found school to be interesting if not easy. You may enjoy doing crossword puzzles and reading.Intellectance 4.70(High) People who score similar to you on Intellectance tend to be creative, imaginative, and inquisitive about your world. You are probably willing to explore all sides of the most complicated and controversial issues, and may be most frustrated by the slow pace of change.

Week 3 Part 2- Personality Disorders

Hey Mom and Dad!

College has been going fairly well. Well...almost. There's this couple in the school swimming club that keep looking at me. I'm really afraid of getting into the pool when they're around. One time, when I looked one of them in the eyes, I could hear the word "kill." At first, I thought that I had just imagined it, but when I looked the other one in the eyes, the same thing happened. I'm pretty sure they're plotting to kill me. I think it's because on Friday the 13th, I hit that black cat that was walking under the ladder next to that store with the broken mirrors. Now karma is out seeking it's revenge. I would drive home, but with my luck, I would probably end up in a ditch. I'm not sure what to do. I could stay in my dorm, but what if it catches fire? The nice voice says that I should just calm down and buy a ticket to Wisconsin. It thinks that I'll be safe there. The mean one said that I'm just going to meet some type of dark fate anyway. Better sooner than later. I've been marked for the next seven years! Maybe even more. That was a really tall ladder. Come to think about it, those vandals that broke the mirrors at that store didn't leave any mirrors unshattered. Plus, that cat was really fat. I need to get out of here. Please help me. I think that that couple works for the Dark Lord...you know...He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. That has to be it! They're Death Eaters! They're preying on me. I knew that this would happen one day! This is why I said that I needed a wand! Now I have no way to defend myself! Oh my God. I think I might actually die. What if You-Know-Who shows up? One good Avada Kedavra and I'm gone! This is also why I said that you should've let me continue reading the Harry Potter series. They're more than just children's books. THEY'RE FACTS AND THEY CAN TELL THE FUTURE. We went to King's Cross station over the summer. We walked right past Platform 9 and 3/4ths! You guys wouldn't even believe me! See what you've gotten me into? I'm beginning to wonder if you're on my side or his.


--K. Rey-Zii

Case Study 7:Panic Disorder

Case Study 7: A 35-year-old clothing salesman was showing a particularly fussy customer a suit 2 months ago and suddenly began to sweat profusely. His heart started to pound, he felt dizzy, and became fearful that he was about to die. The customer did not notice his condition and continued to question him about the suit in minute detail. The patient, feeling faint, abruptly left the customer and went to lie down in the back of the store. The customer became insulted, complained to the manager, and left. When the manager found the patient he was slumped in a chair in the back room trembling. Approximately 10 minutes later the patient’s symptoms began to subside. He saw his physician the next day who found no evidence of any medical problems. Two weeks later, he had another similar unexpected attack. Since that time he has worried continuously about having another attack. His friends and colleagues have noticed that he is no longer as spontaneous and outgoing as he had been in the past.


The patient is showing clear symptoms of Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder is defined as "...discrete period[s] in which there is the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom. During these attacks, symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and fear of "going crazy" or losing control are present...."

The patient has a few different options to overcome this disorder. The patient can use medication to stop Panic Disorder, but the effects of the medication soon wear off. Not only that, but the medication may also prove to have damaging side effects that do more harm than good. In order to completely overcome this disorder, the patient must undergo psychological treatment. In this way, the patient will be able to "...[accept] the panic attacks as psychological rather than physical..." Unfortunately, there are many people that will not use a psychological method of treatment due to the fact that it takes much time, effort, and, in some cases, money. The long term effects are well worth these sacrifices.


Diagnosis: http://allpsych.com/disorders/anxiety/panicdisorder.html

Jean-Claude Van Damme:Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder

Jean-Claude Van Damme--born in Flanders, Belgium as Jean Claude Camille François Van Varenberg-- first began his career as a Shotokan karate martial artist at the early age of 10. By the age of 16, he had dropped out of school so that he could concentrate on his martial arts career. After winning many championships, Van Damme decided to use his winnings to move to America. He went to L.A. with only $7,000 and the ability to only speak French and Flemish. He worked many odd jobs before starring in a low-budget film, and later, his own film. After his film was released, it became number one in the box office, and Van Damme became a star. Since then, he has worked as an actor, director, writer, model, and producer.

Later, after his fame was attained, Van Damme began using cocaine. He also had as many as four marriages within only ten years. Van Damme's career began to take a downward spiral as three of his movies in a row were unsuccessful at the box office. Van Damme checked into rehab but checked out only about a week later. Soon after this, he nearly committed suicide. Following this incident, he was legally considered to have Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder and was prescribed sodium valproate.

Bipolar disorder can be very dangerous is sometimes hard to identify, which makes it harder to cure. Because we have moments of depression, happiness, anger, etc., some people might not see Bipolar disorder as a problem, but what many don't realize is that Bipolar disorder takes those emotions to the extreme and can cause many problems mentally and physically. I do believe that bipolar disorder can be fought with a great amount of willpower, but of course, there are those that do not possess that much willpower, and they must use medication.

Links to articles of van Damme and Bipolar Disorder:

http://www.celebritypro.com/bio/jean-claude_van_damme_bio.htm

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/celebs/a/jeanclaude.htm