Explain the implications of the research on parental behavior and environmental factors as they relate to human personality development.

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Prior to beginning work on this discussion, listen to the WNYC Studios (2012) podcast Inheritance from http://www.radiolab.org/story/251876-inheritance/ , and read the Hurley (2013) Trait vs. Fate, the Weaver et al. (2004) Epigenetic Programming by Maternal Behavior, and the Webster (2013) blog post. (BOTH ARTICLES ARE PROVIDED IN THE ATTACHMENTS)

The Great Rat Mother Switcheroo https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/261176-the-great-mother-switcheroo . The recommended sources for this week provide additional information on these topics that may be helpful.

In this week’s required sources, you learned that while genes have a lot to say about who we are, environmental factors, particularly parental behavior, can shape the behavior of offspring on a biochemical level. In your initial post of a minimum of 350 words,

  • Briefly describe the research that has been done with rat mothers to illustrate this phenomenon. Be specific about the maternal behaviors and correlated biochemical changes to their offspring. This section demonstrates that you understand what research has been conducted and what the results mean, so be sure to go beyond quoting and paraphrasing to explain and interpret the research as you understand it.
  • Explain the implications of the research on parental behavior and environmental factors as they relate to human personality development.
  • Based on your understanding of the research cited in the required sources, assess the emerging field of epigenetics, explaining how it is impacting the longstanding nature versus nurture paradigm and evaluating the possible promise and risks with respect to the human experiments.

Be sure to cite all the REQUIRED RESOURCES  in your initial post.

Hurley, D. (2013). Trait vs. fate. Discover 34(4), 48-55. Retrieved from http://discovermagazine.com

Weaver, I. C. G., Cervoni, N., Champagne, F. A., D’Alessio, A. C, Sharma, S., Seckl, J. R., … Meaney, M. J. (2004). Epigenetic programming by maternal behavior. Nature Neuroscience, 7(8), 847-854. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nn1276

Webster, M. (2013, January 10). The great rat mother switcheroo (Links to an external site.) [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.radiolab.org/story/261176-the-great-mother-switcheroo

WNYC Studios. (2012, November 18). Inheritance (Links to an external site.) [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.radiolab.org/story/251876-inheritance/

summarize your main ideas if possible with new and stronger words • include a call to action for your reader You must read this book because

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In a critical analysis essay, you systematically evaluate a work’s effectiveness including what it does well and what it does poorly. It can be used to discuss a book, article or even a film. You must read the piece carefully and may need to look up terms or concepts you are unfamiliar with or research related reading prior to writing your essay. Introduction Summary Analysis Conclusion Remember critical analysis should be fun! This is your chance to say what you think about a piece, but you must back up your opinions with supporting arguments and specific details from the text. • state the title of the work, the author’s name and the date of publication • outline main ideas of the book and identify the author’s thesis • state your own thesis statement and your main idea about the work The novella, The Metamorphosis, by Frank Kafka is an excellent story because the author… The article “Narratives of intercultural transformation” by Ingrid Adams is informative and insightful because the author… • briefly outline the main ideas of the book, article or film • should involve who, what, where, when, why and how • you may also choose to discuss the structure, style or point of view This book is about… The author argues that… The setting is… The research was… The main character… The main points are… The theme is… The authors conclude… • restate your thesis in new words • summarize your main ideas if possible with new and stronger words • include a call to action for your reader You must read this book because … or This article is not useful because… • critically state what you like and do not like about the book, article or film • explain your ideas with specific examples from the book, article or film • assess whether the author has achieved their intended goal • the analysis may look at whether the work is § focused, understandable, persuasive, clear, informative § original, exciting, interesting, well-written § directed at the appropriate audience, meeting the purpose § well researched, with appropriate conclusions, and more… The analysis is made up of several different paragraphs.

Discuss what factors you expect will influence the development of your theoretical approach as a new counselor.

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The Prospectus Overview and Instructions

The prospectus is brief document that serves as a road map for the dissertation. It provides the essential framework to guide the development of the dissertation proposal. The prospectus builds on the 10 Strategic Points (shown in Appendix A) and should be no longer than 6-10 pages, excluding the criteria tables and the appendices. The prospectus will be expanded to become the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the dissertation), which will, in turn, be expanded to become the complete dissertation (Chapters 1-5). In short, the prospectus is a plan for the proposal. Prior to developing the prospectus, the 10 Strategic points should be reviewed with the chair and committee to ensure the points are aligned and form a clear, defined, and doable study. The10 Strategic Points should be included in Appendix A of this prospectus document. Please utilize the attached documents to complete the Dissertation Prospectus

To be prepared to explore your theoretical approach, it is important to first determine how you and the profession define counseling and therapy. Provide a definition of counseling that aligns with your beliefs about the therapeutic process, describing what you believe creates change within individuals or family systems. Discuss what factors you expect will influence the development of your theoretical approach as a new counselor. What are some of the benefits of practicing from a well-defined theoretical approach?

Response Guidelines

Read the posts of your peers, responding to at least one. Expand the discussion in some way by asking questions, clarifying, offering another viewpoint or sharing resources.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

  • Synthesize knowledge of psychotherapeutic theories into a personal philosophy of counseling.
  • Develop communications appropriate for the audience.
  • Use the lexicon of the field.
  • Apply knowledge of APA style for references and citations.

What are some of the concerns that you should be aware of when using computer systems with your clients?

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This is a two part assignment.

Using Computer-Based Programs

Because many assessments and inventories are now available and completed online, counselors need to be aware of the issues related to the use of technology in career counseling. What are some of the concerns that you should be aware of when using computer systems with your clients? Consider issues such as confidentiality, online assessment scoring and interpretation, et cetera. What suggestions do you have to address these concerns? What would you tell a client or student about best practices when using the internet in job searches?

Response Guidelines

Respond to at least two of your peers’ posts regarding the use of technology, sharing your insight and experience.

 

First Peer Post

Concerns About Computer Systems

When it comes to searching for a job online, there is an overwhelming amount of information to be found (Zunker, 2016). The author goes on to say that counselors must be able to quickly sort through tons of data in order to locate the most relevant information to present to their clients. Because lots of information can be found quickly at our fingertips, career counselors have embraced the use of technology to better serve their clients. The author states that clients can use the internet to create, submit and review resumes, as well as participate in job fairs online. A big concern that counselors must be aware of, is the possibility that computer systems will one day replace the career counselor. The author emphasizes the fact that electronic systems are only tools to utilize, and that the career development therapist must maintain an active role in the career development of his or her client. The counselor is responsible for coordinating the use of the information that is gathered to help the client get a good job. A counselor may also have to help clients who are not tech-savvy.

Online Assessment and Scoring

Zunker (2016) states that counselors must be aware that online assessments must meet the same high standards that traditional printed assessments are required to meet. The author goes on to say that validity and reliability are vital in online assessments. Furthermore, a major concern regarding online assessment is the accuracy of scoring the assessments. The author states that the great thing about the computerized-scoring of assessments is that the possibility of human error is eliminated. Though this makes it very ethical, all assessments must be evidence-based.

Confidentiality

Lawlor-Savage and Prentice (2014) state that there are many aspects of technology that aid in career counseling today. These tools offer workers the ability to utilize their time wisely and more effectively in order to train for a new job and to maintain professional development throughout the course of their careers. Some of these include distance-learning, web-based instruction, intelligent tutoring systems and many others. However, there are also many concerns with the utilization of technology including record-keeping, accessibility, therapeutic alliance, the involvement level of the therapist, and confidentiality.

Lawlor-Savage & Prentice (2014) also state that confidentiality is a major concern in any counseling setting, but especially for anything done online. The authors bring up some valid concerns regarding electronic information including the fact that computers are often hacked and private information is stolen. Career counseling in groups online would be a big risk for breaking confidentiality as well. Though the therapist can ensure a private skype session on his or her end, he or she cannot ensure that group members keep each other’s confidence. The authors go on to say that this is always a concern with group counseling in a clinic setting, but that the family relationship formed by the group usually reinforces the group members to willingly keep each other’s confidences. The online counseling group may not form this same type of close family connection, which makes breaches in confidentiality a higher likelihood.

Suggestions for Clients

When searching for a job online, today’s clients need to know specific details about the jobs that are available as well as the labor market projections (Zunker, 2016). Therefore, I plan to tell my clients to research reputable websites to consider the future of a job position to see if there is a potential for longevity in the position he or she is seeking. I also plan to caution my clients against wasting too much of their time taking random online quizzes that promise to match them to their dream-jobs. As mentioned earlier, Zunker (2016) emphasizes the importance of all assessments used to guide clients in their career decisions must be evidence-based.

 

 

References

Lawlor-Savage, L., & Prentice, J. L. (2014). Digital cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in Canada: Ethical considerations. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 55(4), 231-239. doi:10.1037/a0037861

Zunker, V. G. (2016). Career counseling: A holistic approach, 9th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781305729759/

 

Second Peer’s Post

Concerns in Using Computer Systems with Clients

Several concerns exist in using technology devices with clients in providing counseling services.  In fact, an entire section (Section H) was added to the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics in an effort to establish guidelines to protect consumers from the potential dangers associated with the use of technology.  Confidentiality is a huge concern when using computers with clients, as is the validity and professionalism of the vast number of internet based career development web and self-help sites.  The psychometric properties, scoring, and interpretation of results of internet based assessments may be very different than the paper assessment version of the same or similar test (Zunker, 2016).  Additionally, computer generated assessments do not take into account the client’s unique background and world views, nor do they necessarily stimulate continued discussions leading to career exploration (Osborn & Zunker, 2016).  Both counselors and clients may be inundated by the amount of career information that exists on the internet, requiring sorting, eliminating, and prioritizing for proper use (Zunker, 2016).  Clients may not be comfortable in using technology, and therapists will need to assess for their adeptness in this area.  Some needs may be adequately addressed utilizing technology, while others would be better met in a hands-on or face-to-face manner.

Suggestions and Strategies to Address Concerns

Strategies are already in place for counselors to begin addressing concerns that arise from the use of technology.  Counselors are advised to obtain informed consent and disclosure (Standard H.2.a.) before using technology with clients, addressing issues of risk, benefits, emergency procedures, response time, and language barriers (American Counseling Association, 2014).  Counselors are required to use up-to-date encryption standards to ensure that information transferred via the internet is secure (American Counseling Association, 2014, Standard H.2.d.).  Policies should also be in place around the use of social media by clients, and the limits that pertain to its use.  Counselors must inform clients of the limits of confidentiality in using the internet (Standard H.2.d.), the method for electronic record keeping (Standard H.5.a.), and ensure that clients have the skills and abilities to effectively utilize assistive technology (Standard H.4.c.) (American Counseling Association, 2014).  Counselors must be vigilant in evaluating internet based web-sites to ensure that the information is professional and evidence based (Zunker, 2016).  Clients should be carefully monitored while operating computers or using the internet to avoid the potential for inadvertently or purposefully accessing illegal or unethical information.  Professionals must consider the cultural implications of using technology in career counseling, and again articulate the possible benefits and limitations (Standard H.4.a.) (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Best Practice Advice for Internet Job Searches

Specific steps have been outlined for clients who are utilizing the internet for job search activities.  The counselor administers an assessment of individual needs, orients individuals to the requirements of technology, creates individualized job search programs, participates and intervenes with technology use as appropriate, provides technical assistance, and conducts follow-up as necessary (Zunker, 2016).  Clients are taught the value of the internet for current and future job searches, and its use in distant learning for future positions.  Computer programs can assist clients with life planning activities designed to create person-in-environment fit with potential career opportunities (Nota, Santilli, & Soresi, 2016).  The internet is merely one portion of the job search, and does not replace active involvement in the community.  Also, while computerized job searches are immediate and efficient, they do not replace the empathy, support, and encouragement provided by a career counselor and a client’s natural support system.

References

Nota, L., Santilli, S., & Soresi, S. (2016). A life-design-based online career intervention for early adolescents: Description and initial analysis. Career Development Quarterly, 64(1), 4–19.

Osborn, D. S., & Zunker, V. G. (2016). Using assessment results for career development (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781305397774.

Zunker, V. G. (2016). Career counseling: A holistic approach (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN 9781305087286.