Characteristics of a Problem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Characteristics of a Problem - Essay Example Problems are always complex dealing with the interrelation of variables and not solely focused on one entity. And lastly, problems deals with time consideration as there is a certain time frame which they should be solved before they get worse. In our workplace, there has been a problem of motivation in the sales department. This problem presented itself in unmet sales quotas and the prevalent absenteeism among account executives. Inefficient motivation strategies were firs unclear as the sales manager was unaware of what is really happening with his sales team. Secondly, she knew that there is a certain goal which should be met—high profitability—yet was unsure whether to change compensation scheme in order to provide higher benefits to employees. This option might have motivated the sales team but will cause ballooning of costs. This shows the complexity which underlies the problem. Lastly, as the level of sales was monitored monthly, there is a pressure for the manager to act immediately to solve the situation. 2. How should a problem be investigated and identified? What are five steps to be considered while framing a problem? Provide us a problem which you could apply this process to. Be specific. (200 words) There are five steps which should be considered in solving problems: identify the problem; evaluate alternatives; select alternatives; implement the solution; and evaluate the results. This systematic way of framing a problem is commonly considered whether in business organizations, home or school. An application of this approach can be seen in a company which is contemplating in bringing its product into the global market instead of just selling them in the local market. Suppose that the problem is where to take the product considering the slowdown in stable economies like US and Europe. The company then evaluates available alternatives by looking at market

Marketing Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - Term Paper Example Some of these issues include, waste and pollution. This survey indicates that, Fiji’s competitors in this filed, face similar environmental issues (Gary and Philip, 123). The study reveals the change of operation adopted by these firms such that, they could suit the consumers who favor environmental sustainable products. For instance, the firms have actively embraced packaging and shipping methods, which have proved to be ecologically friendly to the environment and suits the consumer’s choice of environmental sustainable products (Gary and Philip, 134). Furthermore, the consumers have begun raising eyebrows on the type and quality of bottled water companies’ produce, due to the continued urge of consumers to obtain healthier life styles diets. This study reveals that, all these factor or issues have affected Fiji Company. Additionally, negative press has adversely affected Fiji’s socio-economic conditions, which have made it hard for attaining a competiti ve market niche both locally and internationally. For instance, this survey indicates that, Fiji was compelled to lay off approximately 40% of the staffing resources (Gary and Philip, 136). This implies that, the existing limited resources at Fiji’s disposal, a going forward action plan should be embraced. It should be cost effective and extremely efficient. Following the status of Fiji’s position in the market niche, a quick, but more analytic and critiquing four prospective strategic options to develop a rational decision in a bid to revive the revamped Fiji’s brand have been forged. Supporting this plan with diverse marketing tactics and apt communication channels, would attempt revive Fiji’s fortunes in the growth trend. Current situation The artesian water that was founded back in 1953 in a state called Coloradoand characterizes Fiji Water Company. Fiji’s water was first produced and sold to the global market in1996. This product sourced from an island called Artesian, then packaged, shipped and sold to intermediaries across the globe (Gary and Philip, 138). This product sizing is done in diverse and appropriate sizes. This study reveals that, the product was introduced to the US market in California and Florida states. The current headwaters of Fiji Company are located at Los Angeles. Jon Edward Cochran heads it. It is significant to note that, Fiji Company is a fully owned subsidiary of Roll International Corporation. Roll international is private owned firm whose worth is approximately $2b. It has over 4000 employees in diverse industries, which include, consumer packed products, floral services and agriculture. This study reveals that, the acquisition happened in 2004, when it cost $50m (Gary and Philip, 134). It is significant, to note that, the initial year of Fiji’s acquisition was a gigantic success, which saw the company’s sales raise up to 50% mark. This was excellent, bearing in mind the massive concentration of the water industry. Company Analysis and market strategies Feet industry The overall beverage industry had undergone a cumulative increase of 30% sales increase from 2004- 2008, and it was listed to be worth $39b. For instance, it was able to sale approximately 4750m gallons in early 2000 and 9450 in 2008. Furthermore, the feet industry category opened up new customers up to 24 million (Gary and Philip, 134). Conversely, as the worth of the bottled water category raised steadily at an average of 50% between 2004 and 2008 saw a meager 9% increase in 2009. Segmentation Within the beverage

Reflective Essay Essay Example for Free

Reflective Essay Essay Reflective Essay Receiving the horrible news was more painful than walking on a thousand nails. The many times I told myself that it was all just a dream, the more I began to believe myself. All until the horrible realization that it was happening and that it was too good to be true. Realizing that every morning I woke up to go check his room he wouldn’t be there was one of the many realizations I had to experience. But there was one positive outcome of the death of my brother. It taught me that you can never take the time you spend with your loved ones for granted even if you only see or converse with them for five minutes, never take it for granted. I remember this tragic event like it was yesterday. My brother and I were 8 years apart. So we were very close. He left off going to Pennsylvania to go to Penn State College. We talked and texted at least 3 times a day if not more. Our conversations were very meaningful and I will always cherish the ones that we had. During Christmas of ’09 he came down for the home going of my aunt. Just being able to see him was enough for me. While talking to him my mother and I noticed that he had a lump on the left side of his neck and my mother advised him to get it checked out. So, he went to the doctor and they ran tests and found out that it was a cancerous tumor and that they would need to start treatment right away. Finding this out, my brother then moved back to Florida to start his treatments at ORMC (Orlando Regional Medical Center). After about 3 months of treatment, the doctor said that the cancer was more aggressive than they thought it could develop so they said there was nothing else that they could do. The medical staff proceeded to send Earl to hospice where he would no longer be taking chemotherapy but just medicine to relieve him of the pain. We all knew he wouldn’t be with us that much longer, but the persistence and determination in me believed that he would live to see me reach high school, get my license, and go to prom. Over time he stopped eating and had to be fed by tube. When he stopped eating, I realized that sooner or later my dreams of him seeing my accomplishments the things older siblings see their younger siblings do were over. He began to get weaker and weaker and he stopped talking to anyone. I remember the last time I saw him. We were lying down in his bed together and we were singing his favorite song. As it was time for me to go he said â€Å"I love you Boo† and those were the last words I ever got to hear him say to me. The next night, we all got that dreading phone call that he had left us here on earth to be with the heavenly father. The news was just heartbreaking and I couldn’t bear to hear it. This experience was very painful but it also allowed for me to gain some positivness in my thinking. Many teenagers today live life being ungrateful and snobby. Walking around thinking like that isn’t always the best because as the quote says you never realize what you had until it’s gone. Nowadays it takes a tragedy for modern day teenagers to learn and show gratitude towards parents and family members. The death of my brother awakened me to live life to the fullest and don’t go a day not doing anything because you never know when your time may be. It also taught me to never go a day without telling my other siblings and my parents I love you. Just saying those simple three words could mean a lot to anyone. Another thing it taught me was to always be happy and greet others with a smile and hug(depending on how well you know the person), even some strangers are welcome to hug if they are having a bad day. Just doing the simplest things could impact someone else’s life and you would never know. So if there is anything I could leave you with, never take life for granted, live life to its fullest and enjoy yourself. Make your life worthwhile and enjoy it.

Homelessness Causes and Effects

Homelessness Causes and Effects Homeless People What would it be like to be homeless? Imagine not knowing where you will sleep tonight. On a practical level, how would it feel not to have a bath for weeks and to wear dirty clothes every day? I think most of us would agree with the line from John Payne’s poem Home, Sweet Home: â€Å"Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home†. Yet thousands of people in the UK have no home of their own. We have all seen people asking for money, who seem to have all their possessions in a plastic bag, and nowhere to go. Although these people who are sleeping rough in doorways are the most visible, homelessness also includes those who are placed in hostels, bed and breakfast or other temporary accommodation, or local authority housing. It is difficult to understand how people become homeless and research shows that they are all ages, from all areas and backgrounds. There are charities that support the homeless and Centrepoint is a national organisation that focuses on young people. It provides emergency night shelters and short stay hostels. Their research shows that more than 80% of the young people who turn to Centrepoint for help are homeless due to family breakdown, abuse or eviction. Some young people become homeless following the death of a parent. It seems a double blow to be bereaved and homeless. However, often these vulnerable young people find themselves sleeping rough before seeking help. Many of these 16 to 20 year olds have no qualifications or means of supporting themselves financially. I feel that if our society wants these people to become self-sufficient, it is essential to offer help in the form of housing, and assisting them to either return to school, or to gain qualifications through training programmes to improve their chances of finding worthwhile employment. Tragically, many homeless young people are â€Å"befriended† by drug addicts or encouraged into prostitution. For those who have run away from home as a result of abuse, one wonders how bad their home circumstances must have been if they would prefer to face the risks of addiction and sexually transmitted disease. Of course it is not only young people who become homeless. Older people can face homelessness when they lose their jobs and are evicted from their homes because they cannot pay the rent. Sometimes these people have physical or mental health problems as well. Unfortunately in some circumstances these people either have no family, or their families are unable or unwilling to help them. Single homeless people are not a high priority for housing assistance and are therefore more likely to be sleeping rough, huddled under a bridge, trying to keep warm with newspapers. Other homeless people are ex-offenders. They have paid for their crime and yet they find themselves unable to find a job and therefore without resources. It is sad that many people coming out of prison have nowhere to go and may eventually end up in prison again. Often these people have been exposed to drugs in prison and will resort to dealing as a means of making money. Anyone is capable of turning to crime out of desperation, ending up harming others in an attempt to steal money. If people become homeless as a result of family breakdown or employment problems, should we not as a society make a stronger effort to help these people? Homelessness and having no money creates a climate for crime which is what we want to prevent. One of the ways of preventing it could be to offer more support to people before they find themselves homeless. For example, young people could have anonymous safe places to go to if they are in abusive situations. They should know that there is at least one adult at school who they can talk to, or a number they can phone. Although there are charities offering phone line assistance, it is not sufficient. The people who receive the least sympathy, it seems, are the mothers with small children. Although they may not be sleeping rough, these families are often in very cramped accommodation and they cannot really make it feel like a home. If they are fortunate enough to be given council housing they are often envied or disliked by others and made to feel that they have been given something they do not deserve. However, we do not know their circumstances and they may have been the victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence. It would be far better for them and their children to be in a safe place than to risk further violence. Homelessness is a problem all over the world. Places affected by flooding and earthquakes suddenly have thousands of people whose homes have been demolished and who have no possessions. Places in Africa that experience severe drought conditions force people to try to find food elsewhere. Unfortunately the result is often groups of homeless people who are starving.According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people worldwide have no housing whatsoever. This becomes a serious Human Rights issue and although we might like to think it is mainly a problem in the developing countries, the truth is that in first world countries such as the UK and United States, the number of homeless is growing. Although it is helpful to donate to charities who offer help, or to give people food, more needs to be done. Adequate housing needs to be available and we have to change our attitude towards people who may be in dire circumstances through no fault of their own. Bibliography Capdevila, G HUMAN RIGHTS: More Than 100 Million Homeless Worldwide http://ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=28086 Payne, J Clari; or, the Maid of Milan: an Opera. London: John Miller, 1823. See http://www.poetry-archive.com/p/home_sweet_home.html Pleace, N and Fitzpatrick, S (2004) Centrepoint Youth Homelessness index http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/documents/Centrepoint_YorkResearch-report.pdf

Creative Story: Deadlock :: essays research papers

Creative Story: Deadlock "Bzzz! Bzzz!" The alarm went off, and Susan Calvin rolled over. It was 6:30 in the morning, and RoboTimerâ„ ¢ had done its job admirably, waking her up to the second of the time that it had been factory-programmed. Unfortunately, it hadn't been set to the correct date, and when it announced "Saturday, December 14th! Good morning!" in a load cheery tone, she groaned out load with the realization that it was Saturday, and after that affair with the hyperdrive motor, she wanted to sleep in, since it she had just come back to earth. "I hate this stupid robot!" she yelled out loud, then suddenly closed her mouth. For Susan Calvin had just remembered that her pact with the satans, as she thought of them, known to the robotics world as the team of Powell and Donovan. She stretched, rolled out of bed, and went downstairs, wrapping a robe around her as she went, to get some coffee. "Well, since I'm already up, I might as well take a look at the rest of those Rasssjemani-Quazaric-Smith Equations and see why they were causing all those robots to go psycho," she thought. "Good thing that U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men hushed up that little incident, I'd be out of a job if the whole world, the xenophobic and primally-fearful lot of them, knew about that!" As she got out and buttered her toast, she mulled the day ahead of her in her mind. Weekends were never truly weekends for Susan Calvin, as she was forced to work for most of the weekend, with her only respite being Sunday, which she was allowed to come in an hour late for. However, she usually found herself working late into the night on Sundays, out of an artificially induced guilt that she knew was not real, but could do nothing to correct. After being driven to work (working for the company that produced every MechTaxiâ„ ¢ in existence did have some perks after all), greeting the doorman, and going up to her office, Susan Calvin was ready to look at those equations! She only needed a small period of time to warm up, and the wakeup-breakfast-come to work routine sufficed. Almost as soon as she had sat down to work, the Founder of U.S. Robots came in and said, "I need to speak with you, Calvin. There's been more reports in across the nation of those psycho robots, all of them with positronic brains built using the Rasssjemani-Quazaric-Smith Equations. We will be ruined, and drawn and quartered by the masses if we don't start hushing this up again and

Global Credit Availability Essay -- essays research papers fc

Global Credit Availability:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s world of personal finance and economics, with the global perspective being the primary focus. Corporations, just like individuals, are looking at expanding their horizons and saving or making as much profit as they can. How do they accomplish this gigantic and often expensive proposition? The answer to this is through credit. However I poise a question to everyone. Is the ease of which to receive credit today a hindrance and detriment to all of us, or is it the answer we have all been looking for? I will show you both sides of this situation and you are the judge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The term credit according to the 1992 issue of New Webster’s Dictionary is; a transfer of goods, etc†¦in confidence of future payment, to enter on the credit side of an account; to procure credit or honor to (â€Å"Credit†). The term domestic credit in the Dornbusch Microeconomics book is the monetary authority’s holdings of claims on the public sector – government debt – and on the private sector – usually loans to banks (â€Å"Domestic Credit†). According to our Personal Finance book;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Consumer credit dates back to colonial times. While credit was originally a priviledge of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  the affluent, farmers came to use it extensively. No direct finance charges were imposed;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  instead, the cost of credit was added to the price of goods†¦ All economists now   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  recognize consumer as a major force in the American economy†¦ To paraphrase an old   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  political expression, as the consumer goes, so goes the U.S. economy (164).† These terms all mean one thing, as we the public, government, and businesses receive credit, we must be responsible with it and ensure that we repay our obligations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s global economy credit is the single most important tool most consumers and businesses have. Credit when used properly allows us to grow and purchase items we might not otherwise have the funds for. The United States has had credit reporting information and accounting since 1956, and with all of this available information global models are now being created for other countries to follow. It is said that without the use and availability of credit the global econo... ...l. Macreconomics. 9th ed. Ed. Lucille Sutton. New York: NY, 2004. Kapoor, Jack R., Les R. Dlabay, and Robert J. Hughes. Personal Finance. 7th ed. Ed. Michele Janicek. New York: NY, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2004 References Cole, R., â€Å"The importance of relationships to the availability of credit.† Journal of Banking and Finance. 1998 Fisman, R., â€Å"Trade credit, financial intermediary development and industry growth.† Journal of Finance. 2003 Kennickell, Arthur B., Martha Starr-McCluer, and Brian J. Surette, â€Å"Recent Changes in U.S. Family Finances: Results from the 1998 Survey of Consumer Finances,† Federal Reserve Bulletin. January, 2000, pp 1-29. Scott, J., â€Å"Small business and the value of community financial instituations.† Journal of Financial Services Research. 2004 United States. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 10 Nov. 1999   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/press/general/1999/19991110/default.HTM United States. Federal Reserve Board. 10 Sept. 2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.federalreserve.gov/BoardDocs/Press/bcreg/2003/20030910/default.htm.

Young Adulthood

OT121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II University of the Philippines Manila | College of Allied Medical Professions Department of Occupational Therapy | Block 21 – Occupational Therapy SS 2012 – 2013 Young Adulthood Ms. Faith Deanne Mari B. Caube 16 January 2013 YOUNG ADULTHOOD ? ?Age Range: 20 – 40 years old Difference of development o Changes due more to personal, social, cultural events rather than chronological or biological changes o Hallmark of maturity – adapt and change in accordance to new conditions o More gradual changes –> does not fit neatly into a stage development theory o The primary meaning of adult is social (Rice, 1995). ? Changes are attributed to social factors and relationships o Marked by culturally defined milestones, and by roles and relationships that are part of cycles of family and career (Craig, 1996) ? The relationships that you will build during this stage are relatively permanent. The Age Clock ? Used to define or judge behaviors, expectations, and pressures of adulthood ? Motherhood ? Physically- dependent jobs ? They may consider themselves old because they are no longer fit to do previous easy tasks. Definitions of Age o Biological age – life expectancy o Psychological age – adaptation to environmental demands o Social age – in comparison to cultural norms Maturity o Needs a certain social and biological factors o More dependent on psychological factors ? Physical and social independence and autonomy ? Independent decision making ? Stability ? Wisdom ? Reliability ?Integrity ? Compassion o Maturity is the psychological ability to work and to love (Freud). PHYSICAL CHANGES ? Physical status o Peak of vitality, health, strength, energy, and endurance ? 25 years old is the prime in terms of strength. All motor systems are at peak during this age. ? Dispatch the young to do battle. OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood ? ? ? Peak of sensorimoto r skills ? 25 – 30: peak of physical conditioning, strength, motor skills, organ functioning ? 20 -40: peak of visual acuity ? 20 -45: peak of taste, smell, temperature, and pain sensation ?Gradual hearing loss (more apparent after 25; particularly with high pitched sounds) o Most physical decline occurs after 30s (10% loss until 60s) Fitness and health o Generally healthy age period o Health patterns established in young adulthood are generally resistant to change ? Adolescence is a storming period of change but when one enters young adulthood, it is expected that one? s biological systems are already stabilized. Common Illnesses due to occupational hazards o Chronic back pain – by overworking selves and the effect of stress o Respiratory illnesses o Premenstrual syndrome o Sexually transmitted diseases ?Highest among young adults and adolescence ? Due to poverty, drug use and risky sexual activity o HIV – 40 million people infected worldwide, 95% from developi ng world ? Males – lead cause of death ? Females – 4th cause of death Common Causes of Death o 3 causes that account for 72% in the early 20s and 51% among 25 – 34 year olds ? Accidents ? Homicide ? Suicide o AIDS – single leading cause of death in males aged 25-44 o YA has the lowest death rate among adult groups However, in the entire adult lifespan, young adults have the lowest death rate. oMORBIDITY o Defined as the occurrence of illness o Symptoms often appear in YA ? Genetically-determined diseases (diabetes, sickle cell anemia) (hypertension, ulcers, ? Stress-linked depression) Page 1 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON ? Factors Linked to Health Status o Genetic factors ? However, if purely genetics, it should be seen early (right after birth) ? Multi-factorial diseases (genetics and environmental) ? Diabetes ? Atherosclerosis (narrowing of vessels due to fat planks) ? Obesity ? Cancer health conditions ? Mental predisposed to come out during YA s uch as schizophrenia o Health threatening behaviors ?Nutrition and cholesterol ? You are what you eat ? Carotenoid-rich diet – lesser chance of heart disease ? Plant-based diet – reduction of cancer risk ? High-fat diet ? Colon and prostate cancer ? Increased cardiovascular risks ? Obesity ? Measured using body mass index 2 ? BMI: Kg/m If BMI >25, overweight If BMI>30, obese ? World-wide epidemic (WHO, 2001) ? Why? – Fast food culture – Labor saving technology – Genetic tendency: leptin response insufficiency – Leptin tells the brain that one is already full – Some clinically obese may not respond to leptin anymore ?May lead to emotional problems and other diseases ? Physical activity ? Sedentary lifestyle is one of world's 10 leading causes of death and disability ? Smoking ? Leading preventable cause of death in US ? Smoking and cancer ? Alcohol ? College is prime time and place for drinking (Papalia, et al. , 2004) cause poor acade mic ? Can performance ? Can increase other risks for other diseases ? Alcohol in moderation can decrease the risk of heart diseases in the long run (i. e. red wine). ? Drug use ? Peak at 18 to 20 years old ?Decreases as adults increase in maturity, settle down and take responsibility o Marijuana and cocaine use can lead to memory loss, attention deficits, cognitive deficits, and in some cases death Indirect influences on health status ? Socioeconomic status ? Income ? Education ? Higher socio-economic status and education generally lead to less exposure to health hazards ? Gender ? Relationship ? Social ties ? Emotional support ? Marriage ? Strong social environment leads to less risks in psychological illnesses. ? ? ?Healthy Habits o Sleeping regularly for 7-8 hours each night o Eating regular meals o Not snacking o Eating and exercising moderately o Not smoking o Drinking in moderation Preventive Measures o Regular screening test o Self examination o Proper body mechanics o Ergono mics SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES ? Theories on Social and Emotional Issues of Young Adults o Normative-stage model Erikson: personality changes ? Erik throughout life ? Development follows basic sequence of age-related social and emotional changes ? Normative events – happens to all people of certain age ?Changes are attributed to age/biology alone o Timing of events model ? Development depends on the occurrence of certain events ? Events that happens off-time (losing a job, unplanned pregnancy) ? Events that do not occur (singlehood, inability to have a child) ? If on time – smooth development ? If not – stress would occur ? Factors affecting response on events ? Anticipation and preparation ? Cognitive understanding ? Health ? Personality ? Life history ? Support systems ? Personality, support system and understanding play a big role on how one deals with unexpected events o Erik Erikson's Stages th ?Intimacy versus Isolation: 6 stage Page 2 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood o o Deep personal commitments to others ? If one does not reach intimacy, one may become selfabsorbed. ? Isolation for self-reflection ? Sacrifice and compromise are needed in a relationship ? YA with strong sense of self are: ? Ready to fuse their identity with another ? â€Å"True Genitality† – mutual orgasm in a loving heterosexual relationship ? Resolution of this stage = LOVE ? The perils of not fulfilling the natural procreative urge. The notion that singles are dysfunctional. George Vaillant's Adaptation Theory ? Persons change and develop through their lives ? Persons? lives are influenced by quality of relationships with others and not by isolated traumatic events ? The level of mental health influences adaptation to life situations ? Typical pattern ? Men in 20s – dominated by parents ? Men in 20s and 30s – age of establishment; autonomy, marriage, children, deepen ed friendship ? Men in 23-35s- age of consolidation; doing what needs to be done ? Men in 40s – age of transition, questioning commitments, soulsearching or midlife crisis ?Four Adaptive Mechanisms ? Mature – humor, helping others, being altruistic psyschosomatic ? Immature symptoms (i. e. no physical reason but feels pain) ? Psychotic – distorting or denying reality ? Neurotic – developing irrational fears (i. e. developing anxiety) Daniel Levinson? s Life Structure Theory ? Evolving life structure ? Underlying pattern or design of a person at a given time ? Phases with tasks and accomplishments ? Has transitional phases for reflection in between ? 17-33: Entry Phase of YA ? Build first provisional life structure and emotional ? Financial independence ?Dream of future achievement ? Age 30 Transition ? Reevaluate entry life structure ? 30 onwards : Culminating Phase ? Settles down ? Set goals that are time bound ? ? ? Anchors life Transition ? Period of p reparation to enter the adult world ? Disequilibrium comes due to many choices an adult has to make ? Periods of stability and instability ? Response depends on self-definition ? Awareness of strengths and weaknesses ? Purpose ? From adolescent to adult ? Taking responsibility for one's self ? Making own decisions ? Redefining relationships with parents negotiation of ? Complete autonomy ?Independence ? Emotional Independence free from parental dependence, one can make decisions on their own ? Attitudinal Independence hold own beliefs, depends on strength of personality ? Functional Independence support self ? Conflictual Independence guiltless feeling about separation with parents ? From student to worker ? Works defines daily schedule, social contacts and opportunities for personal development ? During YA, work defines who you are. relationship ? Reciprocal between substantive complexity of work to a person's flexibility in coping with cognitive demands ?From living with parents t o living alone (culture bound) ? Moving from family of origin to family of procreation ? Taking over day to day problems and financial support ? Relationships ? Seek emotional and physical intimacy ? Erikson: crucial task of adulthood ? Important to do Self-disclosure – revealing important information about oneself to another ? Skills needed: ? Self-awareness ? Empathy ? Ability to communicate emotions ? Sexual decision-making ? Conflict resolution ? Ability to sustain commitments OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood Page 3 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON The nature of intimacy ? May not include sexual contact ? Invokes a sense of belonging, emotional connection ? The need to form strong, stable, close caring relationship is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Papalia, et al. , 2004) ? The strongest emotions are invoked by intimate relationships. (Both good and bad: you bring out the best [and worst] in me) ? Need responsiveness to each other 's needs, mutual acceptance, and respect ? Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love ? INTIMACY, PASSION, COMMITMENT – these 3 elements need to be present to form a real consummate relationship ?When you a love someone, you have to keep a PIC ? INTIMACY – Emotional element – Self disclosure –> connection, warmth and trust ? PASSION – Motivational element – Inner drive ? physiological arousal into desire. Cannot be controlled as it is a response of sensory physiological functions ? COMMITMENT – Cognitive element – Decision to love and to stay with the beloved  ¦ Patterns of Loving TYPE I P C Nonlove (interpersonal relationships) Liking  ¦ Infatuation („love at first  ¦ sight†) Empty Love (long term  ¦ relationship that lost intimacy and passion/arranged marriages)Romantic Love  ¦  ¦ Companionate Love (long  ¦  ¦ term, committed friendship in marriage with diminished physical attraction) Fatuous Love (whir lwind  ¦  ¦ courtship) Consumate Love  ¦  ¦  ¦ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Dating Practices of Filipino YA o Can start as early as 12 years of age (Medina, 1991) o Non-traditional practices: ? Speed dating ? Females paying for own share ? Open relationships ? Internet/other virtual context Gay relationship o Seeking love, companionship and sexual fulfillment through a relationship with a person of same sex Lesbians are more likely to have stable monoganous relationships than gay men. Gay and lesbian partners living together tend to be committed as married couples o Issues with custody, adoption, taxation, insurance and societal acceptance still exist Filipinos and Gay Relationship o Christian values and social norms view it as a â€Å"sin† (unnatural or immoral) to engage in a gay relationship o Greater scorn in low-middle classes o May never have complete â€Å"coming out† due to pressure from society and family Marriage o ‘best way† to ensure orderly raising a children o Provides intimacy, commitment, friendship, affection sexual fulfillment, companionship, emotional growth, and new sources of identity and self-esteem Adjusting to Becoming a Spouse or Partner o Making joint decisions o Pooling of income o Living together ? Tests the relationships as the little that may annoy the partner are revealed. o Adjusting to each other's families o Taking on roles as husband and wife o Meeting each other's expectations Role of Extended Family among Married Filipino YAs o Serve as support systems o Older relatives as advisers o Younger relatives as companions (if couples are not yet going to have children) Divorce and Separation o In the Philippines, annulment -> legal separation, but one is not allowed to get married in the church again. It takes a long time before annulment is granted. Cohabitation before marriage, having divorced parents, bearing a child before marriage, having no child or having stepchildren are predictive whether a couple wil l end up separated or not o Reasons for divorce ? Incompatibility ? Lack of emotional support ? lack of career support ? Spousal abuse ? Mismatch of expectations o Effects of Divorce ? Income (no support, source of stress) ? Problems with identity and loneliness ? Anger and hostility ? Depression, alcoholism, sleep disorders, breakdown of immune system ? For the father, divorce can mean fewer rights to children, decline of income (support), less emotional support, negative impact on career o Divorce and Children ? Effects of divorce depend on ? Age ? Sex ? Nature of relationship with custodial parent Page 4 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON oOT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood ? ? ? ? Divorce in the Philippines ? Divorce is not acknowledged in the Philippines ? Cultural and religious influences affect acceptance of the practice ? Legal separation and annulment legal (Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order 209) but costly and frowned upon ? House bill 1799, â€Å"An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines† filed July 27, 2010 The single life o Social pressure to marry o More freedom to take risks in life and make choices o Haven? t found the „right one? o Advantages ? Decisions about self o Disadvantages ? Loneliness and solitude ? Social risks ? Economic risks – no work, no money ?Physical risks – depression, breakdown of immune system Cohabitation o Unmarried couple in a sexual relationship in a consensual or informal union (living together) o Substitute for marriage/trial marriage o Partners may miss out on economic, psychological, and health benefits of marriage which has ? Long term commitment and security ? Greater sharing of resources ? Stronger community connection o Advantages ? Getting to know each other ? Understanding intimate relationships ? Clarifying what you want earlier o Disadvantages ? Social stigma ? Over involvement (isolation from friends) ? Sexual risks ? Perceived loss o f identity ? Over dependence ? Discomfort on ambiguity of situation ? Distance from friends o Cohabitation in Philippines ? 2. million Filipinos cohabiting (NSO, 2000), 18% of which between 20-24 years old ? 35% agree that live in arrangements are acceptable for couples intending to marry, 20% for couples do not ? 36% decide to cohabit because of economic reasons, 23% because of pregnancy, 15% as a â€Å"dry run,† 13% too young to marry, 3% not allowed to be married by parents, 2% lacking necessary documents Expression of sexuality o Decision to lead lifestyle o To marry and have a child o Engage in premarital sex o Showing who you are and how you relate to others in a manner of dress, roles fulfilled and preference for partner Sex, Homosexuality and Bisexuality in Philippines o Cultural and religious values still a major influence o ? ? ? ?Increasing tolerance compared to previous years, though limited to certain groups o â€Å"Private† practices in order to avoid dis crimination from society o Continued use of derogatory terms Parenthood o Change from traditional family in western industrial families o Trend to have less children and bear them later in life ? Increased maturity and commitment ? Decreased economic advantage of having large family ? Overpopulation and hunger in developing countries o Becoming parents ? Changes in identity and inner life ? Shifts in roles and relationships within marriage ? Changing roles and relationships outside of family (female and work) ? New parenting roles and relationships ? Shifting in previous mindset that fathers are breadwinners and mothers the primary caregivers ? Having a baby can affect marital satisfaction ?Less satisfaction when pregnancy is planned involvement means ? Increased increased satisfaction ? Low self-rating as parents decreased satisfaction o Stages of Parenting ? Image-making Stage (conception to birth) – creating images of self as parents ? Nurturing Stage (birth to 2 years) ) attachment of baby, balancing needs of child with emotional commitment and time spent with significant others ? Authority Stage (2 to 5 years) – examining type of parent one has become and will be ? Interpretative Stage (6 to 11 years) – reexamining and testing long-held theories ? Interdependence Stage (12 to 18 years) – re-asserting self as authority, competing and comparing self with children ?Departure Stage (leaving home) – taking stock of performance as a parent Having Children o marriage? s ultimate fulfillment (Papalia & Olds, 1995) o children give companionship, love and happiness o provide emotional and financial support in later years o psychological value for success to parents o give meaning to life Remaining Childless o Financial burden of raising a child o Fears if becoming less attractive or changing relationship with spouse o Enjoying freedom to travel and make decisions o Concentrating on careers or causes o Worries on being a parent Sin gle parenthood o Exhausting, continual struggle Page 5 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON o OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood o o o o oOnly one of the two parents is present, may include spouses of OFWs Less financially secure than when with a partner Difficulty coping with demands and making decisions Balancing work and raising a child Extended families provide invaluable support ? ? Adult Friendships o Single young adults have more friends than of middle-aged and older adults o YA seek friendships for social stimulation and new info; later on in life will value friendships that are long-lasting and equitable o Socio-emotional selectivity theory ? Greater emphasis on fulfilling own emotional needs ? â€Å"Limited time left to live† o Center on work, parenting activities, and sharing of confidence and advice o Varying quality of friendships ? Intimate and supportive ? Frequent conlfict ? Common interests ? Lifelong or fleeting COGNITIVE CHANGES o Piaget's Cognitive Stage ? Formal operational thinking ? Introspection ?Abstract thinking ? Logical thinking ? Hypothetical thinking o Information Pocessing Skills ? Vocabulary: declines after 59; related more to educational level rather than age ? Sentence comprehension: deteriorates at 60 but may be attributed to hearing acuity ? Prose comprehension: young better than old ? Better at understanding short prose passages ? Better at remembering short prose passages ? Indication of capacity of working memory Memory ? ? Primary (short term/working memory) ? Secondary) ? Episodic (events, how things happened) ? Semantic (facts) (left when amnesia strikes in) ? Procedural (how-to) Creativity ? ? Break from procedural thinking ?Problem solving that produces novel solutions ? Increase steeply from 20s to late 30s to early 40s before gradually declining ? Historians/scholars: peak in the 60s and decline after ? Scientists: peak in 40s, decline in 70s ? Artists: peak in 30s to 40s and decli ne steeply after ? Differences within fields: poets before novelists, mathematicians before scientists o Trends in cognitive capacities ? Information processing at its peak OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood o o Better education suggests better chance of further increasing IQ in adulthood ? Type of course/interest/expertise can affect which skills are honed ? Skills frequently used are maintained ?Judgment and reasoning continue to develop throughout life Beyond Formal Operation Thought Draws on intuition and emotion and logic Experience and nuanced thinking Capacity to deal with uncertainty, inconsistency, contradiction, and compromise Born of experience and years of dealing with different situations Postformal thought Problem Finding Stage ? Raising questions from problems ? Involves dialectical thinking (accepting contradictions, exposure to both sides of problem) and wisdom (pragmatic knowledge acquired through time) ? Seeing shades of gray ? Transcen d a single logical system ? Reconcile conflicting ideas Post Formal Thought ? ? Shifting gears – â€Å"this might work on paper but not in real life† ? Multiple causality, multiple solutions – â€Å"let? s try it your way; if it doesn? t work, let? s try it my way† ? Compromise, there are more than 1 solution most of the time ? Pragmatism – â€Å"if you want the most practical solution, do this; the fastest, do that† ?Awareness of paradox – â€Å"doing this will give him what he wants, but it will only make him unhappy in the end† ? Know the consequences of the actions and the eventual implications that may be opposite to what was expected would happen Schaie's Stages of Adult Cognitive Development Achieving stage (late teens to early 20s-30s) ? ? Knowledge for independence and competence ? Using what one knows to pursue goals (career, family) Responsible stage (late 30s to early 60s) ? ? Using what one knows to solve practical problems associated with responsibilities to others (family members, employees) ? For long-range goals Sternberg's Triarchich Theory of Intelligence o Componential (analytic) ? How efficiently one processes information ?Knowledge on how to solve problems, monitor solutions, evaluate results o Experiential (insightful/creative) ? How people approach novel or familiar tasks ? Knowledge on how to compare new information with old and integrate this information in the palanner o Contextual /Practical ? How people deal with the environment Page 6 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON ? ? ? Knowledge on how to look at a situation and decide how to look to move forward/get over with it. Involves tacit knowledge (inside information) Self-management Management of task Management of others Studies imply that componential intelligence grow until midlife. ? MORAL CHANGES Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development ? o Postconventional Morality ?Stage 5: Morality of Contract, Individual Rights, and Dem ocratically Accepted Law ? Stage 6: Morality of Individual Principles of Conscience ? â€Å"What is right is what gives justice and is right for all individuals† Morality in YA ? o Cognitive awareness if principles comes in adolescence but commitment happens in adulthood o Growth influenced by: ? Encountering conflicting values away from home ? Being responsible for others Moral reasoning ? Stage 5 ? o Social contract where rules must be obtained through democratic consensus for will or majority and maximizing social welfare o Understanding of underlying purpose of law o Calls for change in a law that compromises basic rights Stage 6 ? Defines right and wrong on basis of selfgenerated principles that are broad and universal in application o Moral musical chairs as it depends on every situation, every context o Discovers through reflection Stage 7 ? o â€Å"Why be moral? † o Post-Kohlberg theorists o Equated to concept of self-transcendence o Achievement of cosmic persp ective (i. e. nirvana) Sample Situation: There was a woman who had very bad cancer, and there was no treatment known to medicine that would save her. Her doctor, Dr. Jefferson knew that she only had 6 months to live. She was in terrible pain, but she was so weak that a good dose of pain killer like ether or morphine would make her die sooner. She was delirious and almost crazy with pain, and in her calm periods, she would ask Dr. Jefferson to give her ether to kill her.She said she couldn? t stand the pain and she was going to die in a few months anyway. Although he knows mercy killing is against the law, the doctor thinks about granting her request. ? Stage 5: Yes, give her the drug o Although most of our laws have a sound basis in moral principle, laws against mercy killing do not. The doctor? s act is morally justified because it relieves the suffering of OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood ? ? the woman without harming other people. Yet he still must b e held legally accountable because society would be damaged if everyone simply ignored laws they do not agree with. Stage 5: No don? give her the drug o The laws against mercy killing protect citizens from harm at the hands of unscrupulous doctors and selfish relatives and should be upheld because they serve a positive function for society. If laws were to be changed through the democratic process, that might be another thing. But right now the doctor can do the most good for society by adhering to them. Stage 6: Yes, give her the drug o We must consider the effects of this act on everyone concerned – the doctor, the dying woman, other terminally ill people and all people everywhere. Basic moral principle dictates that all moral people have a right to dignity and self-determination as long as others are not harmed by their decisions. Assuming no one else will be hurt, she has a right to live or die as she chooses.The doctor may be doing right if he respects her integrity as a person and saves her, her family, and all of society from needless suffering. Stage 6: No, don? t give her the drug o If we truly adhere to the principle that human life should be valued above all else and all lives should be valued equally, it is morally wrong to â€Å"play God† and decide that some lives are worth living and others are not. Before long, we would have a world in which life has no value. CAREER CHANGES Selection of career path ? o Depends on: ? Interests, abilities, and personality ? Responsibilities ? Educational level ? Gender ? Social class ? Proximity to workplace ? Luck ? Parental attitudes o Continues from an adolescent's search for vocal identity, influenced by increasing realism ?YA gives you a perspective of what you can achieve, the only question is how to achieve it o Taking on increasing responsibilities o Entering college/getting specialized education o Getting work experience Entering the workforce ? o Reality shock ? Expectations clashing with reality ? Source of frustration and anger o Growth of competence and autonomy ? Positive role of mentors ? Independence and surpassing mentors o Growth of loyalty and commitment ? Maintaining excitement and commitment essential to mature satisfaction Page 7 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON ? ? ? ? ? Identifying with occupation, employer, industry Gender-Based Adjustment o Males ? Roles they want to play ? Use of their abilities and training ?Authority ? Pay raises ? Job transfers o Female ? Use of their abilities, expectation, training ? Feeling of being in a dead end job because more opportunities for promotion are given to males ? Being stereotyped Factors that Affect career decisions o Work options/types o Changes in work skill demands (technology) o Flexibility of working time (home responsibilities) o Preparation for a specific job o Sexual stereotypes o Labeling of occupations o Security (permanent vs seasonal jobs) o Career goals o Personal values and expectations Job Sat isfaction o Intrinsic factors ? Work challenge (bored or challenged? ) ? Interest ? Work competence ? AchievementIntrinsic factors are the concern of ? YA. o Extrinsic factors ? Salary ? Status/position ? Comfort of environment ? Work hours ? Supervision and employment practices ? Attitudes and support of colleagues ? Opportunities for advancement -; concern form late YA and MA Other issues o Stress from work o Personal needs o Stimulation from work o Security o Actual work conditions Occupational Hazards o Depends on type of work o Stress ? Excessive work demands -; subjective ? Little to no control of work method/areas o Danger of dissatisfaction which leads to low motivation, trouble-making behaviors and hostility ? Which may lead to unemployment ? ? ? Degree of marital satisfaction ? Materialism ? Physical competitiveness ? o Mid30s to 40s (â€Å"midlife†) ? Affected by prominent physiologic changes ? Restricted activities Common Leisure Activities o Outdoor recreation o Parties/social activities o Sports and hobbies o Watching television o Arts and culture o Travel Factors that affect choice of leisure o Work o Finances o Health and mobility o Family and friends o Time o Community o Exercise Benefits of Leisure to YA o Dealing with stress o Providing social outlet o Maintaining health and wellness o Self-development -; not be confined with work LEISURE CHANGES o 20s ? ? ? ? o 30s ? ?New interests New acquaintances Strong physical component Intensive social mixing Affected by the decline of: Social life FILIPINO CUSTOMS, BELIEFS, and EXPECTATIONS o Use of â€Å"tabo†/ dipper o Filipino value system/pamantayan ? Halaga (evaluative): right or wrong ? Diwa (spiritual): sacred or profane, strong or weak ? Asal (expressive): good or bad o Ideal behavior for Filipinos would revolve around ? Industriousness ? Perseverance ? Patience ? Self-control o Kinship ? Child is central in linking people together Status as parent when child is born to ? them S tatus as grandparent when their ? children bear offspring ? Results in deep emotional attachment to parents, particularly mothers ?Marriage brings together two sets of kin and is sacred, special relationship ? Adoption as means of helping less fortunate relatives, and fulfillment of moral responsibility of married couples o Good reputation ? Emphasis on puri (personal honor or chastity) ? Clash of traditional values with Western values and practices ? Premarital and extramarital sex ? Emphasis on taking care of family's name o Ideal spouses ? Husband Good provider ? Good-natured ? Not cruel ? Hard and dedicated worker ? Page 8 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood o Not a drunkard Wife Good housekeeper ? Not quarrelsome ? Frugal and efficient manager ? Not lazy ? Sexually faithful ?Courtship in the Philippines ? Traditions include the following: Visiting the female at her home ? Having a chaperon at all times ? Serenading ? Serving in the house of the female ? ? ? o ? More freedom in current times Marriage Customs and Beliefs ? Siblings must not get married within the same year as it brings misfortune and difficulties ? Necessary to postpone wedding after a death in the family ? Ceremonies in nuptial mass Wedding paraphernalia which ? falls/touches the floor is bad luck Significance of lighting candle, veil, ? and cord OT 121: Lifespan Development and Occupation II Young Adulthood Page 9 BLANCO | MARIANO | QUEMADO | VILLON