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A Holistic Self-Identity Model, Jacquelyne R. Joens

Graduate Research Papers

Parents, educators, business leaders, political leaders, and mental health professionals all appreciate the impact positive self-esteem has on a person's ability to strive and grow. Self-esteem is a complex, multifaceted component of human existence. It is possible to identify and observe the result of a healthy self-esteem or even the outcome of a damaged self-esteem, but the term self-esteem may be antiquated and no longer exemplary of a complete picture of self. This paper examines research and attempts to define a multi-dimensional model of self-esteem, a Holistic Self-Identity Model, which will help to bring into focus the concept of self-identity …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Children Of Alcoholics : A Struggle Through Childhood And Adulthood, Christina M. Mcgreevey

Graduate Research Papers

Children of alcoholics are those directly affected by familial alcoholism. Characteristics that are common in children of alcoholics in youth and in adulthood are isolation, approval seeking, fear of angry people, and addiction (Seixas & Youcha, 1985). Treatment for children of alcoholics is available through several forms of therapy including self-help groups and family therapy. The purpose of this paper is to address common characteristics of children of alcoholics, codependency, as well as treatment procedures for this population.

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

An Introduction To Body Dysmorphic Disorder For Mental Health Counselors, Teresa M. Barrett

Graduate Research Papers

Although researchers have been studying Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for almost two decades, the majority of research findings with regard to the disorder have only recently been reviewed and published. Additional research is needed to better understand and treat BDD. But those that currently suffer from BDD cannot wait for these studies to be published; they are in need of adequate treatment and competent professionals to assist them with their disorder. Information from published literature has been synthesized within this paper to provide mental health counselors with an awareness of BDD including the definition of BDD, the relation of gender …

Optimal Characteristics For Happy And Satisfying Marriages, Britni J. Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

For many people, having a happy satisfying marriage is the ultimate goal in a marital relationship. However, what constitutes a happy marriage is not always clear. Many people go into marriage with high ideals and expectations, but without the reality that marriage is an entity in its own right that needs to be maintained daily. Communication, including conflict resolution, is a large part of a successful marriage. Other characteristics include sharing positive feelings, having more positive than negative interactions, having a solid friendship, maintaining a strong commitment, and staying focused on the positive aspects of the marriage. Marriage is difficult, …