Summarize main ideas from articles related to your topic. Apply concepts that relate directly or indirectly to your main point. Make explicit links between source articles and your current paper.

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Develop a 4–5 page research paper based on the portrayal of sexual behaviors in the media. It is important to understand how sexual problems are defined. An underlying theme is that most problems must be delineated within the context of the individual’s personality, lifestyle, and relationships with others. By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

  • Competency 1: Apply psychological theories to topics in human sexuality.
    • Describe sexual behaviors in the media selection and the extent to which these behaviors are considered acceptable or deviant.
  • Competency 2: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in human sexuality.
    • Describe the impact of the media portrayal on societal perceptions of the behavior and the extent to which the behavior is considered acceptable or deviant.
    • Explain how the scholarly research findings support statements regarding the portrayal of sexual behaviors in the media selection.
    • Apply scholarly research findings by integrating the research with the media portrayal of sexual behaviors.
  • Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
    • Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
    • Use APA format and style.

Sexual behaviors are influenced by factors such as age, race, religious beliefs, and educational background. Solitary sex includes thoughts and fantasies, erotic materials and toys, and masturbation. Solitary sex does not seem to be compensation for lack of availability of a sexual partner. The frequency with which people experience private sexual pleasure seems to be positively correlated with how frequently they seek shared sex.

SHOW LESS

Individuals should be aware of the difficulties of finding appropriate nonjudgmental labels for all types of sexual behaviors. A distinction is made among aspects of sexual performance and the more subjective factors of sexual desire, sensuosity, and sensuality. These concepts are particularly useful as you explore the different dimensions of human sexuality.

Human sexuality has found its way into the culture and laws of every society. The balance of personal sexual freedom with the public need to regulate social behavior is a topic to consider. How far should sexual freedom for adults be carried? To what extent should legal systems regulate sexual behaviors? What limits should be imposed on the availability of sexually explicit materials?

Attempts have been made at distinguishing between pornography and erotica, although the final distinction clearly lies in the eye of the beholder. Sexologists are increasingly using the term “sexually explicit materials” as a general descriptor. Graphic depictions of human nudity and sexual behavior have been a part of every society and historical period. Pornography, or sexually explicit material, is generally meant to sexually arouse. Obscenity is material that potentially arouses and offends. Erotica is a name given to sexually realistic art or fiction.

In the early twentieth century, some revolutionary decisions were made about the type and amount of sexual behavior that could be depicted in books. This was followed by increasingly liberal attitudes toward sexual themes in magazines and films. More recent developments include hard-core video, telephone sex services, cybersex via the Internet, and sexual depictions on television. Regulation of the Internet for various sexual purposes has become an increasingly complex issue for governing bodies and the courts (Kelly, 2015).

Reference

Kelly, G. F. (2015). Sexuality today (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

APA Resources

Because this is a psychology course, you need to format this assessment according to APA guidelines. Additional resources about APA can be found in the Research Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom. Use the resources to guide your work as needed.

  • American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Available from the bookstore.
  • APA Paper Template [DOCX].

Suggested Resources

The resources provided here are optional and support the assessment. They provide helpful information about the topics. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; however, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The PSYC-FP2800 – Introduction to Human Sexuality Library Guide can help direct your research. The Supplemental Resources and Research Resources, both linked from the left navigation menu in your courseroom, provide additional resources to help support you.

Sexual Behavior
  • Kelly, G. F. (2015). Sexuality today (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available from the bookstore.
    • Chapter 12, “Solitary Sex and Shared Sex,” pages 316–344.
    • Chapter 13, “Sexual Orientation, Identity, and Behavior,” pages 3450–372.
    • Chapter 14, “The Spectrum of Human Sexual Behavior,” pages 373–395.
    • Chapter 15, “Sexual Consent, Coercion, Rape, and Abuse,” pages 398–430.
  • Interviews With Individuals in the GLBT Community | Transcript.
    • In this video, four individuals discuss the meaning of self-identification as gay, bisexual, or transgendered individuals.
  • FMG Video.
    • Click the following link to view a video playlist purchased through Films Media Group for use in this Capella course. Any distribution of video content or associated links is prohibited.
      • Being Gay: Coming Out in the 21st Century | Transcript.
        • While gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are no longer forced to hide their sexual orientation, prejudice, discrimination, and internal pressures can make coming out a difficult decision. These videos present the accounts and stories of people who have recently taken the step of coming out. Interviewees and experts discuss the benefits of this important transition by examining the six stages of coming to terms with one’s sexual identity. They also look at the dangers—such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide—of running away from sexual self-acceptance and discuss how finding support can greatly assist the process.
        • Running time: 24 minutes.
  • Edwards, T. (1994). Erotics & politics: Gay male sexuality, masculinity and feminism. London, England: Routledge.
    • This resource covers a variety of perspectives connected to sexuality and gender roles

Develop a research paper based on the portrayal of sexual behaviors in the media. Select an example from the media to use as the focus of your paper. Some examples may include television shows like Three’s Company, Will and Grace, or Modern Family and books and films like the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Use your selected media example to write a 4–5 page paper in which you address the following:

  • Identify and describe the sexual behavior.
  • Describe to what extent or in what ways the behavior is considered acceptable or deviant.
  • Describe how the behavior is addressed in the media and provide examples.
  • Describe the impact that the media portrayal may have on societal perceptions of the behavior.
  • Identify a minimum of four sources that support your statements regarding the identified sexual behavior and its impact on society. At least two of these sources must be scholarly.
  • Explain the findings of these sources and how they support your statements about the identified sexual behaviors.
  • Connect what you have learned in your research by integrating and combining information from your sources with the media selection.

Your paper should follow a logical structure and be evidence based. Use the MEAL plan to help guide the organization of your paper:

  • Main Idea: Present the main point or idea that you are making about the portrayal of sexual behaviors in your selected media example.
  • Evidence: What does the research say? Support your statements with evidence from the literature.
  • Application: Summarize main ideas from articles related to your topic. Apply concepts that relate directly or indirectly to your main point. Make explicit links between source articles and your current paper.
  • Link: Integrate and combine information from your source articles with your main point or idea.

Conduct independent research for resources and references to support your paper. Provide a reference list and in-text citations, in APA format, for all of your resources. You may cite texts and authors from the suggested resources as well as any additional reputable resources you find on your own.

If you wish, you may use the APA Paper Template (linked in the Resources under the APA Resources heading) to complete your paper. In addition, you are urged to use the resources in Capella University’s Writing Center to help you develop clear and effective writing. In the Writing Center, you will be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.

Additional Requirements

  • Written Communication: Ensure that your writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA Formatting: Format resources and in-text citations according to current APA style.
  • Number of Resources: Use a minimum of four resources; at least two must be scholarly.
  • Length: The research paper should be 4–5 pages in length. Include a separate title page and a separate references page.
  • Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced. Use Microsoft Word

Respond to at least two colleagues who identified a different case and provide feedback on the client’s stage of development. Identify another area that should be addressed, based on developmental stage.

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RESPONSE 1

Respond to two colleagues who identified a different case and provide feedback on client attachment style and exhibiting behavior.

Colleague 1: Chelsie

Brady is a 15 year old that is currently facing many challenges in his life. Brady is not only struggling in school but at home as well. Brady and his father presented to the social worker because of the concerns that Brady’s dad has had with Brady’s behavior. However, after completing a session with the social worker,  it became more apparent that Brady’s behavior has stemmed a lot from his father’s own behavior. It appeared that during the session, the social worker utilized multiple assessment tools to gather the data. One of the most important assessment tools were the multiple interviews conducted with both Brady and his father. According to Springer & Powell (2013), ”  The interview serves several purposes, such as an opportunity to establish rapport with the client and allow the client to tell his or her story” (p.73). During the assessment interview, the social worker was able to build enough rapport for Brady to feel comfortable to share that he has been physically abused by his father at home. After reflecting on the information shared by Brady about his father, it can be assumed that Brady struggles with close emotional attachment with his father. There is an apparent of lack of emotional attachment because Brady is afraid of his father. As a result of the lack of emotional attachment, Brady exhibitsbehavioral problems in the community as a way to receive attention that he does not receive at home, and because it is the only way he understands how to react, due to watching his father’s aggressive tendencies.

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader]. Working with Families: The Case of Brady ( pp. 26-28).

Springer, D. W., & Powell, T. M. (2013). Assessment of adolescents. In M. J. Holosko, C. N. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 71–95). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Colleague 2: Gradnette 

A well-known British psychologist by the name of John Bowlby (1969) emphasized that attachment theory focuses on the process by which strong and enduring relationships develop are maintained and can be modified.” In this view, attachment theory is considered as an excellent foundation for parenting and a great explanation for adult behavior; however, in the case of Brady his father displayed the opposite. The behavior Brady’s father Steve displayed towards him was very aggressive. According to Bowlby (1973) repeated threats can leave a child or adolescent feeling intense anxiety, anger, and rage. Instead of Brady’s father developing a specific positive emotional bond with Brady he displayed numerous of signs of anxiety, anger, and rage. Therefore, the behavior of his father caused Brady to develop the same disruptive behavior according to Bowlby’s description.

In the case involving Brady and his father Steve there were several exhibiting behaviors that can be explained by attachment theory. Additionally, psychologists have proposed two main theories that are affiliated with the attachments. The learning theory and the behaviorist theory of attachment which emphasized that attachment is a set of learned behaviors (Dollard & Miller, 1950). The based for the learning of attachment in the case of Brady and his father can be viewed through four basic concepts of attachment theory: (1) secure attachment, (2) anxious- avoidant attachment, (3) anxious- resistant attachment, and (4) disorganized attachment. In the case of Brady; secure attachment can be viewed as a protective factor which was not attained from him father. Instead of protecting Brady and his feelings, Steve did not display any signs of security other than abuse which causes their relationship to be dysfunctional and created insecurity among his son. Furthermore, Steve disruptive interaction with his son caused Brandy to develop an anxious-avoidant attachment which he tried avoiding certain conversation during sessions with the social worker when his father was present. Brady also tries to avoid physical contact with his father to cease arguments, distress, and negative feelings. When anxious-resistant attachment is present, Brady instantly forms a nervous demeanor. For instance, during session with the social worker the present of his father made Brady a bit more anxiety than the one on one session. Brady’s reactions when his father is present showed signs of fear and control which leads to the disorganized attachment. During the disorganized attachment; Brady’s body gesture showed signs of abuse by displaying nervousness and confusion whenever his father would speak in his present. However, disorganized attachment did not only affected Brady but Steve appeared to be confused as well when he did not noticed his disruptive behavior was a reflection of his son disruptive behavior.

 

Reference

 

Bowlby, J (1973). Attachment and loss: Vol. 2. Separation: Anxiety and anger. New York: Basic Books.

 

Bowlby J. (1969). Attachment. Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Loss. New York: Basic Books.

 

Dollard, J. & Miller, N.E. (1950). Personality and psychotherapy. New York:McGraw-Hill

RESPONSE 2

Respond to at least two colleagues who identified a different case and provide feedback on the client’s stage of development. Identify another area that should be addressed, based on developmental stage.

Colleague 1: Christine

It appears with assessment that Tiffani did master some of that stages presented within Erickson’s Developmental Theory. The client reports knowing a “normal life” between infancy to 8 years old. Here, this defines under this theory that she held onto the virtue of hope, with a psychosocial crisis of trust vs mistrust, in the relationship with her mother and father. If appears that Tiffani had no question whether or not she could trust the world. This can also lead into the theory of Tiffani on the proper path under this theory that she feared nothing. Tiffani also didn’t disclose that she had issues with proper parenting skills from her parents, if she recognized them at all. However, there was no proven event to dismantle any thought that her parents abandoned her or lacked those skills toward providing proper care. (Springer, Powell, TM, 2013)

This idea into this theory did not change for Tiffani as she knows through the critical developmental stages of her life: 2-4 years old, it could have appeared that Tiffani exhibited no shame and no doubt amongst her environment. As the case reports it also appeared that Tiffani held purpose within her family between the ages of 4-5 and 5-8, learning new ways to explore and clearly showing competence identified by her memory during assessment. At the end of this early school age stage Tiffani reports understanding there was a family relationship and she only remembers job, proving that the family unit must have been strong, for which included her sister. Tiffani remember going to school, and her parents getting along. (Plummer, S.B., Brocksen, SM, 2014)

However, this appeared to change once Tiffani hit the adolescence stage of development. Here, Tiffani expresses concern within her life, with the virtue of fidelity and begin to display role confusion due to trauma that was entering her life. She begin to question her parents role, the lack of her parents’ role and displayed behaviors and emotions of mistrust. This led Tiffani to peers that had a negative impact on her life, for which she questioned who she could love. The example here can be of Donald and the negative relationship that directly impacted this developmental stage. Here, Tiffani was forced into prostitution over the power of identify vs role confusion, who were friends vs foe, and how positive relationship vs negative relationship would impact her future.

As Tiffani entered her Early Adulthood stage of development it appears that after working closely with assistance she started to gain more insight toward the developmental stages that perhaps she missed due to lack of parenting. Tiffani begin to exhibit mastery toward understanding intimacy vs isolation and started working for herself while obtaining goals. The virtue here is that Tiffani begin to love herself, which led her to understand the question of who am I and what can I be.

Plummer, S.B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S.M. (Eds). (2014a). Sessions: case histories, Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader] pp. 17-19

Springer, D.W., & Powell T.M. (2013), Assessment of Adolescents. In M.J. Holoskos, C.N. Dulmus, & K.M. Sowers (Eds), Social Work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp71-95) Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Colleague 2: Chelsie

Tiffani is a 16 year old girl that has been through many trials and tribulations throughout her short time on earth. After assessing Tiffani’s situation, it is apparent that Tiffany is struggling to master the stage of adolescence. To conduct the assessment, it would be most beneficial to utilize the Children and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) which looks at 8 different environmental factors that influence behaviors in children ages 7-17 (Springer & Powell, 2013). Some of the environmental factors include school/work, family support, mental health, contact with law enforcement and behavior towards others/peers. When assessing Tiffani’s situation utilizing the CAFAS, Tiffani scores low in most sections. Tiffani is does not have social support systems and has limited family interaction. Tiffani also has dropped out of school and does not engage with peers her age. Lastly, Tiffani also struggles with attachment and has a distorted view of love due to believing that her pimp is the “love of her life” (Plummer & Brocksen, 2014). Overtime, while working with Tiffani, the CAFAS can help assess progress. After a couple of months, the CAFAS can be administered again to learn what sections / behaviors Tiffani has improved in and what still need more assistance.

In Tiffani’s case during the intervention process it is most important to address Tiffani’s social supports and personal self views. To work on Tiffani’s social supports, I would engage in a similar process as presented in the case study. I would encourage Tiffani to sit down with her family and talk about her feelings while sharing her views. This would be beneficial in helping Tiffani mend the broken pieces between her and her family. When addressing Tiffani’s personal views and self worth, I would utilize the empowerment theory. The empowerment theory is beneficial to Tiffani because it focuses on “addressing the problems of relatively powerless populations” (Gutierrez & Gillmore, 2000, p.585). Tiffani has been powerless over her life due to being controlled by her pimp. By utilizing the empowerment theory, I can help Tiffani recognize her strengths and how she can take control of her actions and behaviors.

Gutiérrez, L., Oh, H. J., & Gillmore, M. R. (2000). Toward an understanding of (em)power(ment) for HIV/AIDS prevention with adolescent women. Sex Roles, 42(7–8), 581–611.

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: Case Histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

Springer, D. W., & Powell, T. M. (2013). Assessment of adolescents. In M. J. Holosko, C. N. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families: Evidences Informed Assessments and Interventions (pp. 71–95). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley

Explain under what conditions they may not be acceptable and under what conditions, if any, they may be appropriate. 

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Is the Measure of Consistency a State of Mind?

Resources

  • Microsoft Word icon Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions.
  • PDF icon Professional Communications and Writing Guide.

In your unit readings from the Psychological Testing and Assessment text, you read about three sources of error variance that occur in testing and assessment. These include test construction, test administration, and test scoring and interpretation. Additionally, other sources of error may be suspect. You were also introduced to reliability coefficients, which provide information about these sources of error variance on a test (see Table 5-4).

The following reliability coefficients were obtained from studies on a new test, THING, purporting to measure a new construct (that is, Something). Alternate forms of the test were also developed and examined in subsequent studies published in the peer-reviewed journals. The alternate test forms were titled THING 1 and THING 2. (Remember to refer back to your Psychological Testing and Assessment text for information about using and interpreting a coefficient of reliability.)

  • Internal consistency reliability coefficient = .92
  • Alternate forms reliability coefficient = .82
  • Test-retest reliability coefficient = .50

In your post:

  • Describe what these scores mean.
  • Interpret these results individually in terms of the information they provide on sources of error variance.
  • Synthesize all of these interpretations into a final evaluation about this test’s utility or usefulness.
  • Explain whether these data are acceptable.
  • Explain under what conditions they may not be acceptable and under what conditions, if any, they may be appropriate.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the posts of at least two other learners.

identify how the counselor may have been in violation of the ACA Code of Ethics. Give the number and definitions of specific violations and compare these violations to the APA ethical standards.

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Assignment 3: Case Study: Ethical Decision Making

Read the section “Course Case Study” and analyze the behavior of the counselor, as a professional, that you consider unethical or unprofessional. Write a brief summary of the questionable behavior. Substantiate the summary with reasons for your analysis.

Next, identify how the counselor may have been in violation of the ACA Code of Ethics. Give the number and definitions of specific violations and compare these violations to the APA ethical standards.

In relation to these specific violations, describe the similarities or differences in the ACA and APA ethical codes.

Finally, select an ethical decision-making model from those in your readings and apply the model to a minimum of one ethical dilemma you identified in the course scenario.

Your paper should be at least 4 pages long, not counting the title page and the reference page. Save the paper as AU_PSY430_M1_A3_LastName_FirstInitial.doc.

 

Assignment 3 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Summarized the behavior you consider unethical and unprofessional in the case study.
15
Substantiated the analysis with reasons.
15
Identified, using the specific sections of the code, how the counselor may have been in violation of the ACA Code of Ethics and substantiated each with reasons.
15
Described similarities and differences between the ACA and APA codes.
15
Applied an ethical decision-making model to at least one dilemma.
20
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
20
Total:
100