Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness - Essay Example But there are various degrees of madness that lead to this total madness, as this essay will show. The first example of madness is in fact within history, more than 1800 years ago, as the Romans invaded Britain. Marlow reflects on those distant times when England "was one of the dark places on earth." Dark and savage Britain was a dangerous but fascinating terrain that they sought to take from the British but at the same time often went mad in the process. Part of the reason for this madness, and through allusion it is what was happening in Africa at the time the novel was written, is that conquest of a land means "taking it away from those who had a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves . . . is not a pretty thing." (Conrad, ) The reaction of Europeans to Africa seems to revolve around different types and degrees of madness. Thus there is the futile action of the gunboat as it fires constant, random shots into the jungle. It is not aiming at anyone in particular, or indeed, at any thing in particular. The people in control of it are essentially mad because they feel that they are actually achieving something through the very action. Doing something, however pointless, is always better than doing nothing within this type of madness. This ship and its occupants however remain reasonably remote from the reality of Africa, they are after all firing into it rather than going into it. A different kind of madness occurs for those who actually take on African through going into it. Kurtz remains at one extreme of madness - total, partly because he has lived in the very interior, at "the very bottom of there" (Conrad, ). Marlow, who is only a little mad as he makes his way into the heart of Africa, recognizes that Kurtz is totally mad, and recognizes why he has ended up in that state. One moment where Marlow sees the strange fascination of being seduced by madness in Africa is when he hears a native screaming, "the faintest trace of a response to the terrible frankness of that noise" (Conrad, ). Part of Kurtz's madness stems from the fact that he regards himself as "extraordinary" (Conrad, ) and thus is not subject to the rules that the others must adhere to. The Russian excuses him by saying "you can't judge Mr. Kurtz as you would an ordinary man" (Conrad, ). Kurtz wanted to educate and civilize the natives of Africa, which within the terms of reference of the book, is essentially a type of madness because it is such a futile attempt. He is breaking the rules through trying to do something good for the natives, but continues to do so as the darkness wins and he essentially becomes savage. His madness is savage, and his savagery is mad: they are linked together within a kind of mutually parasitic relationship that takes Kurtz further and further into insanity. Essentially the whole book deals with a voyage into the "heart of darkness" which is essentially madness. Marlow realizes that he is discovering the "wild and passionate uproar" at the heart of all human beings. Heart of Darkness suggests that it is savagery of Africa that most perfectly encapsulates this "uproar" and that the European should avoid too much contact with it if he is to avoid madness. In conclusion, nearly all the characters in Heart of Darkness are mad in one way or another. Kurtz is mad, the natives are

Conformity Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conformity - Term Paper Example As said above, there are several factors that determine the impact of this process. A brief explanation of how some of these factors affect the psychology of a person is provided with apt examples. Conformity is an interesting topic to be discussed in the field of social psychology because the degree to which it affects each person is completely dependent on the external factors. There is also another dimension to it wherein the individual conformity comes into picture. Here, the individual by themselves accept the norms of the group they belong to and follow them. As an individual belonging to any particular group, there are always some norms and cultural rules that need to be followed in order to be in social coherence with the group. The individuals are under immense pressure to follow them so as to be considered a part of that group. In the current world, the generation of youth and peer pressure is forcing more of individuals to succumb to the thoughts of superior groups within their community. They just have to do it to survive that atmosphere. Conformity is more of a group culture inference. Hence the size of the group, their cohesion and the status of each individual in the group play a major part. There are also pundits who believe that conformity is more of a culture oriented subject. They believe that it varies based on different cultures. Asch (1956) has demonstrated an example to prove that conformity is related with culture. He showed that an individual's judgment about a generic issue will be influenced by the norms of the group he belongs to, even though his individual assessment of the same contradicts. All the experiments done by these people have shown that the socio-cultural norms have an impounding effect on the individual conformity exercised. (Asch 1956) Variances of Conformity With the generic meaning of conformity being discussed, the three variances of conformity need to be mentioned. Herber Kelman, famous professor of social ethics had defined three variations of conformity. They are discussed below. Compliance Compliance is a form of conformity where a person, although disagrees about a certain topic within himself, acts to comply with the others in order to please them or to make them feel comfortable. This kind of act can either have a positive effect or a negative on the individual. Basically, a certain line of reference needs to be drawn such that the person can comply with others in order to please them but have to make sure he or she doesn't lose their self esteem in doing so. An example of such activity would be in a professional environment where a worker has to comply with their boss over any kind of issue in order to satisfy them.( Dittes et al 1956) Identification Identification is rather an alternate way of looking at compliance wherein the individual admittedly follows the values and norms of other persons they like. They willingly want to follow them, their roles and be like them. In some cases, it is how they would have been brought up. An example of such a scenario is where an individual follows the footsteps of his/her father and follows his ideals and values. It is because either he/she liked it or it is the way they are brought up. ( Dittes et al 1956) Internalization Internalization is one form which in most cases has the highest probability of causing negative vibes within a person. It is where a

Healthy Food Options for College Students

Healthy Food Options for College Students Priya Gunasekaran Purpose Statement/ Research questions The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of college students living arrangements (independent variable) of food consumption (dependent variable), based on a college campus (the research site). Fruits and vegetables vs processed foods (control variable) focuses on modifying college students dietary intake and preferences in dining halls. The independent variable(s) living arrangements was defined as college students living in residential halls, living in a rented apartment (off campus), and living with their family. (El Ansari et al., 2012; Laska et al., 2010; Ridell et al., 2011). The dependent variable(s) will be food consumption defined as measuring the amount of foods consume through meals. (El Ansari et al., 2012). The control and intervening variable(s), fruits and vegetables (identify the control and intervening variables) will be defined as the daily average intake serving of fruits and vegetables consumed. Boek et al., 2012; El Ansari et al., 2012; Graham et al. , 2013; ODonnell et al., 2014; Yeh et al., 2010 ). This study will contribute to enhancing healthier food options for college students as well as to meet their nutritional needs. Also, a food frequency survey will be utilized to access how often do college students consume healthier options vs processed food based on their living arrangements. Research Questions Does living arrangement impact college students food consumption on healthier foods vs processed foods at campus dining halls? Null Hypothesis: There is no difference between choosing processed foods or healthier foods in college students food consumption based on living arrangement. Alternative Hypothesis: There is a difference between choosing processed foods or healthier foods in college students food consumption based on living arrangement. Hypothesis: College students with better food consumption are likely to consume more fruits and vegetables than processed foods that are unhealthy. Descriptive Questions 1. How does living arrangement affect college student food choices? 2. What are the factors that influence food consumption on college students? 3. How do college students rate on fruits and vegetable consumption vs processed foods based on their living arrangements? Inferential Question 1. How does food consumption depend on living arrangements on college students? 2. Does the consumption of fruits and vegetables help college student make smart, healthy food choices than choosing processed foods? References Boek, S., Bianco-Simeral, S., Chan, K., Goto, K. (2012). Gender and Race are Significant  Determinants of Students Food Choices on a College Campus. Journal of Nutrition  Education and Behavior, 44372-378. Retrieved from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22607739 Boucher, D., Gagne, C., Cote, F. (2015). Effect of an intervention mapping approach to  promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables among young adults in junior college:  A quasi-experimental study. Psychology Health, (11), 1306. Retrieved from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25970738 El Ansari, W., Stock, C., Mikolajczyk Rafael, T. (2012). Relationships between food  consumption and living arrangements among university students in four European  countries A cross-sectional study. Nutrition Journal, Vol 11, Iss 1, P 28 (2012), (1), 28.  Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3420253/ Fernandes, A. C., de Oliveira, R. C., Rodrigues, V. M., Fiates, G. R., da Costa Proenà §a, R. P.  (2015). Perceptions of university students regarding calories, food healthiness, and the  importance of calorie information in menu labelling. Appetite. Retrieved from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25865662 Graham, D. J., Pelletier, J. E., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Lust, K., Laska, M. N. (2013). Research:  Perceived Social-Ecological Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Purchasing,  Preparation, and Consumption among Young Adults. Journal of The Academy of  Nutrition and Dietetics, 1131366-1374. Retrieved from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23958116 Laska, M. N., Larson, N. I., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M. (2010). Dietary patterns and  home food availability during emerging adulthood: do they differ by living situation? Public Health Nutrition, 13 (2), 222-228. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931267/   ODonnell, S., Greene, G. W., Blissmer, B. (2014). The Effect of Goal Setting on Fruit and  Vegetable Consumption and Physical Activity Level in a Web-Based Intervention.  Journal of Nutrition Education Behavior, 46 (6), 570-575. Retrieved from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24857600   Riddell, L. J., Ang, B., Keast, R. S., Hunter, W. (2011). Research report: Impact of living  arrangements and nationality on food habits and nutrient intakes in young adults.  Appetite, 56726-731. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21349307   Yeh, M., Matsumori, B., Obenchain, J., Viladrich, A., Das, D., Navder, K. (2010). Validity of  a Competing Food Choice Construct regarding Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among  Urban College Freshmen. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 42 (5), 321-327.  Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20655281  

No Child Left Behind Will Reform Our Educational System Essay -- Finan

No Child Left Behind Will Reform Our Educational System (this essay is missing the works cited) Just three days after taking office in January of 2001 as the forty third president of the United States, George W. Bush announced his plan of No Child Left Behind. Signed January 8, 2002, it was the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the central federal law in pre-collegiate education. (Rebora) No Child Left Behind cleared Congress in a landslide with overwhelming majorities. (Seligman) It was said to be the most ambitious school reform effort in at least a generation. (Symonds) No Child Left Behind, is a landmark in education reform, designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. Bush describes his plan as 'the cornerstone of my administration' (Rebora). At a time of wide public concern about the state of education, the legislation sets in place requirements that reach into virtually every public school in America. The law emphasizes accountability, teacher quality, parent choice, improved teaching methods, and flexibility. (Correa) Strict requirements and deadlines have been set for states to expand the scope and frequency of student testing, revamp their accountability system and guarantee that every classroom is staffed by a ?highly qualified? teacher in his or her own subject area. (I ed) The plan also mandates annual student testing in reading and math by 2005, and requires all school districts to allow students in consistently low-performing schools to transfer to higher performing schools, at the districts expense. (Hull) From year to year, states are required to improve the quality of their schools. No Child Left Behind has expanded the federal ... ...spects that put too much of a burden upon the teachers. All children deserve an excellent education, but it takes more than the teachers and the school system to ensure the success of a child. The child must have the drive and parents as well must be involved. Although the plan has many great ideas, the school system should not be punished if a small group fails what about the large amount that is doing wonderfully? This law was an outstanding start. Now that lawmakers are aware of the problems, they need to act. The worst that could happen is that No Child Left Behind is unchanged, leaving behind yet another child. (Symonds) ?Reform is no longer about access or money. It is no longer about compliance or excuses. It is about improving student achievement by improving the quality of the education we offer American students.? Secretary of Education Rod Paige.

African Americans and the Prison System Essay

I. The History of Oppression and African Americans? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K.. III. The lasting effects of slavery: continuous oppression? K? K? K? K? K? K? K a. The lost sense of culture and cultural pride: Feeling of inferiority b. No economic foundation c. Unleveled playing field IV. Maintaining oppression? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K. PART 2 : THE NEW AGE SLAVERY: The Prison System I. The Prison Institution? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K II. Race and the Prison System? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K.. III. The lasting oppression? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K.. IV. The effects of oppression? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K a. Demise of the Black family b. Lost political voice V. Solutions? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K. VI. Closing? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K? K I. Introduction In the book the Mugging of Black America, Earl Ofari Hutchinson relays an interesting experience by a reporter. The reporter, who spent two and a half hours watching suspects march before Washington, D. C. Superior Court Judge Morton Berg, noted that all but one of these subjects was Black. He stated, ?  §There is an odd air about the swift afternoon? Xan atmosphere like that of British Africa in colonial times? Xas the procession of tattered, troubled, scowling, poor blacks plead guilty or not guilty to charges of drug possession, drug distribution, assault, armed robbery, theft, breaking in, fraud and arson. According to Hutchinson, the reporter witnessed more than a courtroom scene; he witnessed the legacy of slavery. This paper will attempt expand on Hutchinson?  ¦s theory. It will do so by first describing slavery and its lasting impact then it will attempt to show how the current criminal justice system mirrors slavery. PART 1: Slavery I. The History of Oppression and African Americans The history of the oppression as it relates to African Americans began in 1619. It was this year in which a Dutch ship brought the first slaves from Africa to North America. Following this arrival of twenty Africans in Virginia, white European-Americans created the institution of slavery. Slavery spread so quickly that by 1860 the original twenty slaves turned into nearly four million. In the beginning the legal status of these Africans was undefined. This absent definition created a lack of certainty which allowed for some slaves to become free after years of service. This only lasted briefly. In the 1660s, however, the colonies began enacting laws that defined and regulated slaves and the institution of slavery. One of the most important of these was the provision that black slaves, and the children of slave women, would serve for life. These ?  §breeding laws were just the beginning. Soon, slavery in the United States was governed by a body of laws developed from the 1660s to the 1860s. Even though every slave state had its own slave code and case law, it became universal that slavery was a permanent condition. In addition to slavery being a permanent condition, slaves were also, under these laws, considered property. Slaves, being property, could not own property or be a party to a contract. Since marriage is a form of a contract, slave marriages had no legal standing. Most codes also had sections regulating free blacks. Under these codes blacks who were not slaves were still subject to controls on their movements and employment. These laws served not only as a physical limitation, but an ideological one also. In addition to granting slave owners and white people power over slaves and in some cases free blacks, the laws also granted slaveholders and white-Europeans an intangible source of power. Socially, the institution of slavery allowed white slave owners to believe they had not only physical control, but physical and mental superiority over the slaves. With only a few exceptions, all slaves were Africans. This fact placed the label of inferiority on black skin. The actual institution of slavery as it relates to master and slave lasted up in till the Civil war. The American Civil War was fought, in part, over slavery. During the war, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which ?  §freed all slaves. This seemingly, brought the end of slavery throughout the United States, but unfortunately left a lasting impression. From this point on slavery took on a new form as former slaves being associated with the label of inferiority. II. The lasting effects of slavery: continuous oppression Slavery is defined by Webster?  ¦s dictionary as ?  §The state of being under the control of another person . Aalthough the actual physical control and violence supposedly ended after the emancipation proclamation, The intangible theory of supremacy derived from the institution of slavery resulted in many lasting effects. These effects in and of themselves are a form of force, a form slavery. a. The lost sense of culture and cultural pride: Feeling of inferiority Slave drivers made great efforts to eliminate African culture. For instance Africans were beaten if they were caught speaking their native languages or carrying out native rituals . Therefore, they were not able to effectively pass the languages, stories and traditions on to their children. This forced suppression resulted in the loss of verbal records and a rich legacy of history. It is no secret that there is pride in culture. Taking away the culture takes away the pride and the motivation and results in feelings of worthlessness. b. no economic foundation Slave drivers not only attempted to deprive the Africans of there culture and pride, but they successfully robbed them economically. Slaves were forced to work without pay for years while padding the pockets of the slave owners. This deficit of economics resulted in an inability to establish an economic foundation in the United States. c. Unleveled playing field Along with the deprivation of financial resources, another significant factor concerning the state of African Americans is arrested development. Slaves were deprived of opportunities to learn and become more competitive in many areas of society. Black people were not allowed to read or learn to read, so they could not take advantage of written text. All these lasting effects placed blacks in a severely disadvantaged state when slavery was â€Å"abolished†, led a socioeconomic structure in which white people generally held the highest ranks and Black people generally held the lowest ranks. III. Maintaining oppression In order to maintain this socioeconomic structure, there always seems to be a new form of oppression set in place to maintain ?  §slavery. As if the above detrimental effects of slavery were not enough, the White southerners were anxious to maintain more direct power and control over people with black skin, despite there classification as ?  §free. The White southerners decided to, again, use the law in order crystallize there theory of inferiority and keep black people at the lowest ranks. In 1865, southerners created Black Codes, which served as a way to control and inhibit the freedom of ex-slaves. These historic Codes controlled almost all aspects of life, and prohibited African Americans from almost all the freedoms that had been won during the Civil War. The codes, which were blatantly racist and oppressive, were eventually suspended in June 1866, during the ? §reconstruction era. During this time period in America and despite resistance, African-Americans were slowly becoming part of this nation’s inclusion. By 1868, the 14th Amendment to the Constitution confirmed the long awaited citizenship for Blacks in America. By 1870, the 15th Amendment was added to the Constitution which made it illegal to deny the right to vote based on race. The Reconstruction era, although short-lived, showed the first real attempts of inclusive freedom for African-Americans since the abolition of slavery. Gains were taking place: Citizenship, Voting, Education, and Politics. But, the underlying desire to have power over those in black skin never subsided. Just like the black Codes, this desire to dominate again manifested itself in another form, Jim Crow Laws. These laws promoted discrimination and the denial of equal protection by law. Just like the codes, they too were eventually abolished. Just like the Codes, Jim Crow laws, the desire of our society to suppress those in black skin will soon take another form. Today that form is the Criminal Justice System. PART 2 The New Age Slavery: The Prison System I. The Prison Institution Prisons are big in the United States. During the past 20 years, the United States experienced a massive increase in incarceration. The prison population increased fourfold, from 330,000 in 1980 to nearly 1. 4 million in 1999, and the incarceration rate increased from about 140 to about 476 per 100,000 resident populations. Today there are more than two million Americans behind bars. But even more startling is the fact that more than one-half of these incarcerated Americans have black skin. Although black Americans only make up about 12% of the US population, they account for more then 30% of all arrests, 44% of all prisoners and 40% of prisoners on death row. II. Race and the Prison System These obvious disparities in the criminal justice system can be attributed to many different things ranging from racial profiling to the lack of opportunity and poor education, but most criminal justice observers believe that these disparities have emerged from the underlying assumptions rooted in slavery. The assumption that slaves were inferior has carried over to today. Currently this theory of inferiority and desire to maintain oppression influences one of the major policies in place attacking African Americans today, the ?  §war on drugs. Most of the shocking disparities in the criminal Justice System as it relates to African Americans in prison can be attributed to the ?  §war on drugs. According to a study by Human Rights Watch, African-Americans comprise 62 percent of the drug offenders admitted to state prisons. In seven states, â€Å"blacks constitute between 80 and 90 percent of all people sent to prison on drug charges. † According to studies of the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, African-Americans constitute 15 percent of the national drug users, but comprise an amazing one-third of all those arrested on drug charges and 57 percent of those convicted on drug charges. The criminal justice system generally, and contemporary crime and drug policies in particular, serve as a means for White America to control the African Americans like they did in the 1600 . III. The lasting oppression Similarly to the black codes and segregation implemented after the abolition of slavery; restrictions are placed on prisoners after they are released. Once a prisoner is released from prison, parole and the bans on public assistance, public housing restrictions, etc. create barriers and a seemingly doomed cycle of dominance. Since half of the prisoners in prison are African American, these barriers, like the lasting effects of slavery, have a disproportionate effect on our black communities. III. The effects of oppression According to the Department of Justice?  ¦s Bureau of Justice statistics, the number of adults in prison, jail, or on probation or parole reached almost 7 million during 2004. Since Blacks comprise 30 percent of probationers and 41 percent of prisoners. That means around 4,500,000 African Americans are affected directly by the criminal justice system. Unfortunately those African Americans sent to prison or under parole are not the only people affected. The impact on the black community does not stop at the prison door, conversely it goes far beyond. Even after a prisoner is released there are lasting effects to the prisoner, his or her family and the community as a whole. a. Demise of the Black family One effect of the high rate of incarceration of African American males in particular has been the decreasing number of marriageable men in the African American community. Along with high rates of homicide, AIDS-related deaths and other factors, this has created a substantial imbalance in the male-female ratio among adult African Americans. Whereas gender ratios for African Americans at birth are about 102-103 males for every 100 females, by the age range 40-44, this declines to 86 males per 100 females, whereas white rates are 100:100 for this group. b. Lost political voice The impact of the criminal justice system on the black community goes beyond the declining family structure to issues of political influence as well. As a result of laws that disenfranchise felons and ex-felons in various states, an estimated 1. 4 million African American males, or 13% of the black male adult population, is either currently or permanently disenfranchised as a result of a felony conviction. In fourteen states, a felony conviction can result in lifetime disenfranchisement, and in seven of these states, an estimated one in four black males is permanently disenfranchised. Thus, not only are criminal justice policies contributing to the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, but imprisonment itself then reduces the collective political ability of African Americans to influence these policies. V. Solutions The constant demise in the structure of the black family, lost political influence and seemingly arrested development are all very familiar results of a history of oppression. Since these effects of slavery and disparities in the criminal justice system seemingly steam from hundreds of years ago there is no â€Å"quick fix†. Ideally the answer would lie in the destruction of all prejudice. But, it is impossible to erase the deep seated legacy and resurfacing effects of slavery. Therefore this problem must be attacked from a variety of different angles. Recommendations for change can be considered in the areas of awareness, legislative change, criminal justice officials?  ¦ initiatives, and criminal justice/community partnerships. The following are some suggested that will allow for a beginning to a seemingly circular and endless problem. 1. Legislative Actions Legislation should be pushed to Reconsider Mandatory Sentencing Policies and Equalize Penalties for Crack and Powder Cocaine . 2. Criminal Justice Officials?  ¦ Initiatives ?n Criminal Justice Officials should Expand Drug Policy Options And Expand the Use of Alternative Sentencing 3. Criminal Justice/Community Partnerships. The criminal Justice system and the community should attempt to Increase Community-based Diversion from the Criminal Justice System And Strengthen the Link between Communities and the Justice System VI. Closing Oppression in the form of institutionalization is nothing new to those dressed in black skin; it has been present since 1619. In this year Africans were brought to the United States and forced into the institution of slavery. Even after the abolition of slavery, a series of codes and segregation laws were set in place to maintain the suppression of black people because black skin was stigmatized as inferior. Even though the prejudice and biased codes and laws were eventually abolished themselves, this stigma remains. Because this theory of black inferiority was embedded in the American culture due to slavery, various means of oppression are able to continually resurface in different forms. Today that form is Criminal Justice System, more specifically the drug policies. Practically mirroring the institution of slavery, African Americans are being controlled and dominated by this system. Control by the USCJS includes the probation, parole, imprisonment, lost economic power, struggling communities and lost political voice. In order to end this vicious cycle of oppression, action must be taken. First people must be made aware of the disparities. Next those who are made aware must press for legislative change, criminal justice officials?  ¦ initiatives, and criminal justice/community partnerships. The challenge for the community at large is to engage in broad discussion of the mix of family, community, and government initiatives that can begin to reverse the cycle that has been set in motion in recent years. Let?  ¦s do what Abraham attempted o do in 1877, let?  ¦s end this legacy of slavery.

Ethics in Groups Essay

Abstract In today’s society more and more people are starting to seek guidance and/or assistance with personal matters or issues from counselors. This essay will not only state the benefits of counseling to a group or to an individual but it will also discuss and state the many challenges that counselors/associates may encounter during their sessions and elaborate on the hot topics of ethics in the field of counseling. It will provide the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of group counseling as well as that of individual counseling. It is very important for counselors and associates of all professional levels to implement ethical values in their everyday practice so that they may familiarize their self with the dos and don’ts they could make or break their career. Research from various scholarly journals, articles and textbook readings will be used as factors for this essay paper. Ethics In Groups The implementations of ethics in counseling is not to micromanage and/or try to inform someone of how to do their job, it is provided in order to help counselors and other professionals maintain standards within the profession one is in and it is the standard of behavior or action in relation to others. â€Å"A code of ethics for most professional organizations or associations is designed to articulate the standards of practice for a group of people. † (Kocet, 2006). Although ethics have many definitions, they are all intertwined to state the same meaning. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"Most ethical problems and situations deal with therapy and growth groups, although ethical standards apply to leaders of all kinds of groups. † (p. 27) These types of problems or unethical behavior usually occurs when a leader is not knowledgeable enough to lead a group or the leader shows or have a lack of care for their members. â€Å"All professional associations, such as the American Counseling Association, the National Association for Social Workers, and the Psychological Association, have ethical standards regarding working with clients in groups. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 27) Apart from the fore mentioned organizations, there are other distinctive organizations that consist of professionals that do group work such as the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) and the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW). When it comes to ethics, these associations have their own code of ethics. In order to be an effective counselor or leader one must be able to include their knowledge of and the ability to integrate the code of ethics into their professional day-to-day practice. In the field of counseling there are two central components of a code of ethics. The first component is â€Å"a code outlines the prescribed or mandatory professional behaviors by which counselors are expected to govern their conduct† and the second component is â€Å"a code that contains aspirational components, which encourage active ethical reflection that fosters clarification of fundamental ethical beliefs of the profession†. (Kocet, 2006) Due to the many errors that counselors or any other associate may encounter in their career not every code of ethics can encompass every potential ethical dilemma faced by a professional. To help professionals in this area, the code of ethics can serve as a regulatory guide for laying the foundation necessary to promote the competency and value of counselors. It is up to that person to abide and follow and/or do what is morally right. However, not everyone is perfect. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God. The hot topics that are consistently being a problem in the field of counseling are those of leaders who are not prepared and/or qualified, lack the knowledge of being an effective leader, leaders having a dual relationship with its members, confidentiality of the leader and some of the members that are in attendance in the group. Counselors can have successful group sessions only if they were to prepare themselves and follow the guidance that is provided to them within the code of ethics. In the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) Best Practice Guidelines (2008) it states â€Å"Group counselors do not attempt any techniques unless thoroughly trained in its use or under supervision by a counselor familiar with the intervention. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 28) Following the guidance provided within the Best Practices can help counselors or any other associate not make the many errors that are made when the lack of knowledge is not present. Leading a group without knowledge is also unethical, especially trying to lead one without the proper materials, guidance, and/or a seasoned counselor/leader. It is very imperative for a leader to have the knowledge of the group they are going to lead. The lack of knowledge is like â€Å"the blind leading the blind†. If problems, questions or situations occur in a group a leader should have some sense of knowledge on how to handle them and/or what steps to take to get the group back in order, if it comes to that point. In an article that addresses education/training and professional competency along with other ethical issues in exercise psychology (i. e. counseling or clinical physiology), it too abides by the same guidance in reference to ethics. In their field of training â€Å"licensed psychologists with limited or no training in the movement sciences should not ethically refer to themselves as â€Å"exercise psychologists† because of a lack of proper training in exercise science. † (Pauline, Pauline, Johnson, Gamble, 2006) Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Relationships outside of the group session are not always harmful however; the leader (professional) and member (client) must be able to still maintain a â€Å"business† relationship without things getting out of hand, in which sometimes they do. In reality â€Å"It is the leaders’ responsibility to make sure the therapeutic relationship is not being jeopardized. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 29) Dual relationships/multiple-role relationships occur when the therapeutic connection has geared towards a friendship relationship. During these relationships leaders must maintain ethically proper professional boundaries to include the atmosphere that they will be in. If leaders are going to form relationships outside of the group setting and/or office environment boundaries must clarified prior to. If a leader finds himself or herself gaining emotional feelings for the client or vice versa, the leader needs to take the more conservative approach that was suggested by Bernstein and Hartsell and follow it â€Å"once a client, always a client† (Pauline, 2006) Confidentiality is another major ethical issue in counseling that often arises in a variety of modern and exercise counseling settings. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"There are two issues regarding confidentiality that nay group leader should understand: the leader’s ethical responsibility for keeping material confidential and the leader’s lack of total control regarding members keeping matters confidential. Members turning to counselors for assistance with their matter and/or guidance go to them because they feel as their issues, matters or concerns will remain in the setting that was chosen for them to talk confidentially. Leaders divulging information about clients/members to anyone is unethical; the only time that a leader may divulge information about a member is when it is a case dealing with a child or it is an adolescent group. In China, the field of counseling psychology also faces the same ethical issues that many other counselor, associate or professional encounter. In a survey-based study of Chinese professionals to explore general ethical awareness and features of ethical dilemmas, â€Å"Chinese professionals demonstrate a strong awareness of professional ethics, but they require more training in regards to the issue of confidentiality. † (Qian, Gao, Yao, Rodriguez, 2009) In comparison to American participants, a larger number of Chinese participants regarded not to inform the client of the aim of psychological assessment or to record a session without receiving prior consent from the client. The most prominent ethical problem that was reported by athletes that was receiving counseling was â€Å"The counselor breaks the rule of confidentiality and reveals the content of counseling to one’s coach†. (Qian, 2009) Although confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed, â€Å"The best way to prevent any breach of confidentiality is to stress its importance and discuss the subject whenever it seems necessary. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 30) Counseling deals with providing professional guidance by the usage of standard psychological methods such as that of collecting case-history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes. In the process of counseling, the counselor’s goal is to help the individual toward opportunities that can grant the greatest fulfillment of his or her personal needs and aspirations. The counselor set their best efforts forth in order to clarify the client’s own thinking rather than to solve his or her problems. â€Å"Professional counselors (such as educational guidance and career counselors) and counseling psychologists (such as marriage and bereavement counselors) are found in a wide variety of institutional settings and in private practice. † (Merriam-Webster, 2013) In the field of counseling there are many principles and standards that counselors must abide by. â€Å"Personal and professional values often predict and guide one’s choices, decisions, and behaviors in interpersonal, social, and professional realms. † (Crether & Winterowd, 2011) Counselors having these qualities in the field of counseling can help prevent some of the ethical issues and/or concerns that occur in counseling. Social counseling, another approach in the field of counseling, â€Å"is both a goal and a process for counselors who believe in developing an increasingly socially just world, one in which all people receive equitable opportunities to access resources and participate in policy and law development that affect them, ultimately resulting in a society that embodies harmony between the needs of individuals and the needs of the whole. † (Crether, 2011). Social justice is used in individually counseling as well as that of family counseling. Issues In Group Counseling In group counseling many problems may occur in different areas, especially when it comes to trying to have a productive group session. Issues that may occur in group counseling has been known to occur in the areas of coleading, legal issues, research, training, and future trends. Each of the stated issues are very important for counselors to learn about prior to their leading of a group. â€Å"The environment in which counseling is practiced is complex and ever changing, and new ethical issues are constantly emerging. This makes it difficult for even the most ethically conscientious practitioners to keep current. (Herlihy & Dufrene, 2011) According to an article that was produced by Journal of Psychology and Christianity, â€Å"It is incumbent upon all professionals who provide counseling, therapy, or mental health services to offer quality care and to work within the bounds of their professional ethical guidelines. † (Schneller, Swenson, Sanders, 2010) These guidelines have been developed by major professionals that provide â€Å"subject matter expert† services, including those professions in the psychology field, social workers, licensed professional counselor, and psychiatrists. The codes that each of these professionals use address issues such as maintaining client confidentiality, advocating for client/patient welfare, and appropriately handling multiple-relationship issues. Counselors seem to make many errors within the counseling field; this could be from the lack of training, knowledge and education of counseling. One should never use group therapy for their own personal growth. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"We have heard of numerous instances of leaders drawing attention to themselves and using the group for their own therapy. This is unethical. † (p. 29) Leaders making mistakes in group sessions may cause a group to fail at disjunctive tasks when a too-confident leader rejects a superior solution offered by a subordinate. Seeking advice from someone that is not â€Å"equal† to another individual is not always an unwise decision. Seeking and/or accepting advice from another individual is not always harmful. When they put their minds together and/or work together on a task, discussion or whatever the case may be a resolution to a task, problem, or situation can be resolved without looking back and stating should’ve, would’ve, could’ve after its failure. Coleading in counseling is when a leader has one or more colleagues assisting with leading a group. Although this could be an advantage for some due to a coleader offering additional ideas, pointers, feedback, support, etc in group sessions, especially when therapy groups are intense and difficult to handle and/or work with. According to Jacobs, (2012), â€Å"One disadvantage for some agencies and settings is that coleading takes time away from other counseling duties and can add stress to an already demanding work schedule. † (p. 451) Other disadvantages that my occur when having a coleader is that of different personalities, styles and goals. It is known that no matter how much in similar two or three people are, there is going to be some type of disagreement or differences amongst them because God did not make everyone the same and people are entitled to have their own opinions and use their way of thinking. Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether Prophecy, let us Prophesy according to the proportion of Faith. Also, within the disadvantages of coleading is that of interpersonal conflict, ineffective communication, competition between leaders, envy and overdependence on the coleader. Not having effective communication amongst the leader and coleader will continue to have problems within the group because neither will be willing to listen to what the other has to say. Effective communication is important in any line of business, relationships, and work settings. In the coleader relationship â€Å"it is noted that the relationship between coleaders promotes a potential dynamic that would either facilitate or complicate the group process. In order to have an effective relationship in such a group setting it is important that the â€Å"counseling profession learn as much as possible about the relationship dynamics and how they affect the group process. † (Luke & Hackney, 2007) When leaders are incapable of working together, it will be almost impossible for them to lead an effective group and members may not see them as being capable to provide them guidance and/or assistance with their reason of being a part of the group. Legal issues occur in counseling when counselors fail to take into consideration the act of due care of their members and acting in good faith of their well-being. When leading a group, leaders must practice within their limits of expertise and not neglect their duties as a group leader. Counselors have been sued in cases where malpractice was not within the â€Å"professional setting† of the particular group or individual session being held (i. e. Female Patient Wins $1,423,000 in a Physical and Sexual Abuse Case Against her Psychotherapist). Counselors are being sued for in malpractice pitfalls in the following areas: excessive or inappropriate self-disclosure; business relationships with patients; using techniques without proper training; using incorrect diagnosis deliberately; the true love exception for sexual relationships and out of office contact. The fore mentioned pitfalls are common problems that may arise in time of litigation and once these pitfalls are acknowledge by counselors or any other profession they can be avoided. â€Å"Ethical standards require counselors to monitor their professional actions and to take responsibility for those actions, including those that are considered minor infractions. † (Welfel, 2005) It is in the best interest of the counselor to keep everything professional amongst the group and/or individual that is being counseled in order to prevent a trajectory in their life. Great emphasis is being put on group therapy in order to for researchers to determine the effectiveness of group work. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"Overall, research on the effectiveness of groups needs to be greatly expanded to reach the level of sophistication that has been established on the effectiveness of individual counseling. † (p. 459) In reasoning for editorials findings of why research is limited in the group field it is due to the lack of time, finances, lack of interest and the difficulty of designing a research project where the variables can be controlled enough to study different aspects of group counseling. In an article titled Review of School Counseling Outcome Research, attempts were made in order to try and combine research studies of school counseling interventions to explore the overall effectiveness of such interventions. In order for this research to get started, the American School Counselor Association (2005) published The ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs, which is also well known as the ASCA National Model. â€Å"The ACA National Model was developed in order to guide school counselors in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program. † (Whiston & Quinby, 2009) Although this model was intended for great purpose of implementing comprehensive school programs, very few research studies have been conducted on the comprehensive programs. This goes back to the fore mention of Jacobs readings of why research is not effective in group research. It is in the hopes within the reading of Jacobs that researchers â€Å"will empirically study different ways that students are taught to lead groups and what ways are more effective. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 459) In the future of counseling, â€Å"Most experts seem to agree that group work will continue to be a major force in the field of counseling. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 461) Research is a continuous job that experts in the field of counseling must continue to do because of the many changes that occur, especially ethical challenges and changes. Researchers are needed in the future to continue the investigation of the new Codes that may arise and analyze the effectiveness of them in the counseling profession. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"More training in specific group leadership skills is essential if leaders are going to be prepared for all the different kinds of groups that will exist in the next 10 years. Leaders that are going to continue to lead in areas of professions such as counseling they need to learn more ways to involve their members in the therapeutic process while integrating counseling theories. â€Å"Research activities are subjected to higher demands on ethics and safety than similar activities that are not classified as research. Therefore, the boundary between research and non-research will often determine the ethical demands on an activity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hansson, 2011) It is very important that researchers make a continuous attempt on ensuring research will continue in the field of counseling so that leaders will have the knowledge and leadership abilities to work towards successful counseling/therapeutic sessions. Group Versus Individual Counseling The question of which is better individual counseling or group therapy has probably been a question of many years. According to Jacobs (2012), â€Å"This is difficult to answer because people and situations are so different. † With the question being asked of which is better it will have to be based upon the individual to decide due to him or her personal decision. There can be many advantages to both forms of counseling; group counseling is not made for everyone and neither is individual counseling. Group counseling can be an advantage to some people because they find it important to receive feedback/input from others as well as learning more from other individuals that are talking and within groups of teenagers they will often talk more readily to other teenagers than they will with adults. Group counseling assists with an individual’s growth and problem solving with certain issues and/or concerns they have encountered (i. e. loss of a love one, addiction). In group therapy sessions, members are encouraged, not forced, to discuss openly and honestly about their reason(s) for being there. The leader/counselor works to create an atmosphere of trust and acceptance that will allow members to feel more comfortable and to support one another. In the article of Therapists’ views of the relative benefits and pitfalls of group work and one-to-one counseling for bereavement, explored to see which form of counseling was beneficial for the bereavement. This case consisted of nine experienced bereavement therapies that had experienced both groups and individual forms of counseling. During their research it was determined that â€Å"there is ample evidence that bereavement is a major health risk, involving enormous psychological and physical health costs to individual and society. † (Vlasto, 2010). Their findings in both individual and group counseling forms of bereavement are basically the same results from any other group session of counseling. For a group session members benefited more from the following areas: social contact, social skills practice, support, challenge of witnessing difference, generate a culture of honest sharing, and normalcy of grief. Members in group settings can find a sense of hope by sharing their thoughts and feelings from other members in the group. Although group settings can be a challenge at times it is still beneficial to those who desires a â€Å"need† of support from other individuals due to them not being able to do it on their own. This type of support was described as a ‘dual thing’ of ‘being supported and supporting’ thereby indicating the inter-active nature of this function. (Vlasto, 2010) In individual counseling for the bereavement, individuals benefited safety, formation of reparative relationship, expressing extreme emotion and dealing with blocks and accessing deeper material. Individual counseling is more of a gentler and safer process for those individuals that are not yet ready to express or let out their total emotions amongst a group of people. Individual counseling can also be looked upon as â€Å"enabling the initial story-telling and release of emotion. The ‘building of trust’ and confidentiality, assured in a one to one situation, was thought to be particularly important for ‘shy’ people or those who have difficult experiences of groups or families. Groups and individual counseling also have disadvantages to them. The disadvantages for group counseling sessions were that of non-disclosure of feelings and information, ‘competition’, and over-exposure. Individual counseling had disadvantages of power imbalance and intensity for both parties. Although these type of group settings have disadvantages they are not disadvantages that cannot be resolved in a civil manner. â€Å"Groups, being primarily a social intervention, were thought to help clients feel less isolated and to see how other people grieve. Individual counseling was perceived as a safer experience providing clients with a chance to tell their story in depth, and to release deep feelings without embarrassment. † (Vlasto, 2010) In an outcome research that was developed in school groups related to specific issues, whereas other schools focus more on assisting students individually. The outcome of this researched â€Å"found that individual counseling is generally more effective than group counseling. † (Whiston, & Quinby, 2009) Also within their findings individual counseling does not require a long process in order to be effective. Again, trying to figure which is better will be based upon people’s issues/concerns and the ability of the therapist. A therapist choosing group therapy over individual counseling or vice versa will solely be based upon the therapist because they have to find within themselves what area are they more successful in. Working with groups or individually counseling? This decision making process can be factored upon the knowledge, education, and leadership skills that the therapist have. Personal Leadership Qualities My personal leadership qualities did not derive only from the teachings within this course on how to lead a group or an individual counseling setting, it goes back many years. The leadership qualities came throughout my life of living. On a personal note I have had to lead by a â€Å"good† example due to being a single mother for over 21 years and serving my country for over 16 years. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. In order for one to be an effective leader they must instill within themselves the characteristics of caring, openness, flexibility, trustworthiness, honesty, patience, etc. Once someone sees these traits within an individual, more than likely they will be more than willing to seek that individual for guidance and/or support. Outside of the aforementioned characteristics a leader needs the following leadership qualities in leadership as well: comfort and confidence within self to lead a group or an individual; the ability to tune into other people’s feelings, reactions, moods and words. Of the characteristics that are listed above I believe I now have all the qualities, not saying that I have had them the whole time. These personal qualities were within me but it came to a point when I wanted to share with others what I have learned from others leaders that were in leadership positions and from the education I have received. Leadership to some could possibly mean that they are in just in charge, but where they fell to realize is when that approach is taken no one will is willing to follow. When one falls into leadership rolls they must be able to lead and have the attributes of what it takes to be a leader. My beliefs of leadership skills are similar to the definition itself. I believe that one must have the knowledge, experience, the capability of motivating and taking care of people that looks for them for guidance and support. According to Jacobs (2012) â€Å"Leading groups successfully requires a great deal from the leader. Often people lead groups when they simply do not possess the necessary leadership characteristics. † (p. 26) In the Army we live by the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-less Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage, in which it spells out the Army acronym of LDRSHIP (leadership). For this course I conducted four Psychoeducational Group Sessions with co-workers from my place of employment. Prior to me starting I almost did not have a clue as to how this was going to turn out because this type of setting was my first in my life of me having to conduct. I have had to conduct classes within the military setting but never within a counseling group session. But with prayer and support I was able to get through it. Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. The individuals were not forced to be a part of the group and none of them were required to state any personal information unless they wanted to. The first two group sessions that I conducted were more in tuned because of the number of personnel in attendance. In these sessions I wanted to ensure I used the leadership qualities that I had within me because I wanted to have a successful group session. Receiving feedback from individuals after the session I had used the majority of the leadership characteristics that were aforementioned. After receiving feedback from several of the members, it made me feel good that I was able to conduct a â€Å"successful† group session and to know that the sessions I was holding should be something that is done more often. Approach To Group Counseling â€Å"Our approach to groups is based on the principles of impact therapy, which is a multisensory approach that recognizes that change or impact comes not only from verbal, but also visual and kinesthetic exchanges. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 20) Over the last several weeks I have had to use certain approaches to hold group sessions. I had to ensure while holding these sessions that I had the right tone and body language to conduct them. If I was to show nervousness or my inability to lead the group the members probably would have thought I was incapable of leading or holding the group session successfully. In the group session I ensure that the members were well informed of what each session was going to be about. The leader approach that I used during the sessions was that of leader-directed. â€Å"A leader-directed style can be of great benefit by provoking structure, thought-provoking questions, and group exercises. † (Jacobs, 2012, p. 23) The leader-direct approach was a successful approach with the group because they were allowed to discuss and express their concerns about change and show their support for one another. At times an individual would want to continue for a long period of time but they had no issue with me informing them I would come back to them because other members wanted to speak. The members in my group sessions were all eager and willing to participate, although for the last two sessions, the participation for some was not feasible due to work or their absence from work. Overall, the outcome of each session held was a success regardless of the amount of members that attended. It was also a success because the members that attended were able to share information that was bottled up inside of them for quite some time. The ethical challenges they I encountered within the course was that, from the beginning I had to understand the meaning of ethical issues or concerns in the field of counseling. In everyday living I cannot say that I actually think of ethically living although it is a highly recommended practice in the military. The unethical challenges that I/we face in our everyday way of living is implementing the ethical values into our day-to-day living. This will help prevent many of the unethical behaviors that occur. It is critical that all professions understand and apply the code of ethics into their day-to-day practices. Isaiah 1:17-19 (KJV) Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18-Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19-If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Conclusion The one thing that is very important within the area of ethics in group counseling, the counselor that is providing the counseling must have the leadership skills, knowledge and training in order to run a successful group session in counseling and/or individual counseling. Counseling is a field of profession that can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience not only to the counselor that is providing the counseling but to the individual or group that is receiving the counseling. It can be rewarding to both because if it was a success and issues/concerns were resolved and/or results were shown from the individual that was receiving counseling, although trials and tribulations may have occurred during the session, it was a success. A counselor/leader must be able to find within themselves which works best for them in the field of counseling, individually or group counseling. A leader should never jeopardize their career or lose sight of what counseling really is by not following the guidance that is provided for them, especially the ethical practices. The most important lessons or attributes that a counselor or associate can have in the field of counseling and that is of having a well-educated background, experience, and knowledge of how to be an effective counselor/leader. Reaching People. Restoring Lives.