Reflection Instructions

Purpose of Reflection Assignments

The Reflections are a final opportunity to remember what you’ve learned in each Lesson.  I’ve asked a question designed to deepen your thinking about the material, and hopefully make the topics more memorable.   

How to Submit

Your Reflections are submitted in Brightspace.  In each Lesson, there is a link to submit the appropriate Reflection.

Go to the Lesson and click on “Reflection.”  This will give you a screen to attach and submit your assignment.  

If you write about another person, get his/her permission before revealing names or other identifying information.  Or you can refer to the person by initials (not name).  

Instructions for Reflection Assignments

Answer the assigned prompt with a paragraph of at least 200 words. Include at least 2 topics from the readings. 

Grading Criteria (Full Credit = 10 points)

Your grade will be based on the criteria in the Reflections grading rubric, which is attached to this assignment in Brightspace.  Before submitting your work, review the rubric to understand how points will be earned. 

For full credit, your answer must have at least 200 words, with no spelling or grammar mistakes, and it must include at least 2 topics from the readings.  Your answer must show excellent analysis and effort in formulating an opinion. 

Plagiarism

Do not copy material from another source, unless you enclose the copied material in quotation marks and correctly identify the source.  You are allowed to quote short passages (50 words or less), but it is not required.  If you use quoted material, remember to identify the source in a bibliography at the end of your assignment.  You may use APA or MLA style for your bibliography.

Exception:  You may refer to our textbook simply by chapter and page number (or section heading).  Just put quotation marks around the passages you use, and explain that it comes from our book.  

Do not copy material from another student and submit it as your work.  Do not give your work to another student to be copied.

Do not use online “rewording” engines or purchased papers.

Do not use any form of AI to write your assignment.

If you engage in these behaviors, or any form of plagiarism, you will be subject to the penalties described in the course syllabus.

Reflections

Reflection 1

PROMPT: Suppose you’re having motivational issues about attending class and submitting assignments. For example, you’ve noticed a tendency to miss class (or be late), or you’re having issues submitting assignments on time. After reviewing the psychological theories in Chapter 2, choose an approach, treatment, or therapy that might improve your motivation. I’m not looking for an expert analysis. Instead, give me your common sense reaction using one of the theoretical models.

TO DO:  Write a paragraph of at least 200 words describing your selected theory and how it could apply to a person’s motivational state.  Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. Can you see a connection between psychological theories and real-world mental health issues? Do you think that people can use their psychological knowledge to help themselves (in non-emergency situations)? 

Reflection 2

PROMPT: As explained in your book, several mental health disorders seem to be influenced by genetic factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disorder. Suppose a future medical test could predict your chances of getting schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders. Would you take the test? What factors would you consider before deciding whether to take the test? Imagine you discover that your child has a heightened risk of a disorder. Would you tell him/her? What if your parent or sibling had heightened risk? Would you tell him/her?

TO DO:  Write a paragraph of at least 200 words explaining your reasoning.  Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. Give your opinion about the ethical considerations of telling or withholding this type of test result from a person.  

Reflection 3

PROMPT: Everyone experiences stress at different times in life. As noted in Chapter 9, young adults (Gen Z in particular), seem to be experiencing unusually high stress levels in recent years. Based on your own experiences, what are some reasons that early adulthood might be especially stressful? How can a person reduce his/her stress levels, or at least minimize the effects of stress?

TO DO: Write a paragraph of at least 200 words to answer the prompt. Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. What advice would you give someone (or yourself) to reduce exposure to stress, or to mitigate the effects of previous stressful experiences?

Reflection 4

PROMPT: Most people occasionally experience unusual eating or sleeping patterns. For example, you may have noticed that you eat more sweets or junk food during the week of final exams, or that you have trouble sleeping when angry with a family member. How can we distinguish between normal, temporary disruptions of eating or sleeping versus eating/sleeping issues that indicate deeper mental health issues? How could a person prevent or diminish eating/sleeping disruptions during stressful times?

TO DO: Write a paragraph of at least 200 words to answer the prompt. Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. You may include a personal experience (if applicable) or describe observations of other people. If you mention another person, use initials instead of the person’s name.

Reflection 5

PROMPT: People frequently use alcohol, nicotine and/or cannabis. As you know, substances like this can be used with little to no issues by many people. However, some people are prone to develop usage disorders or addictions. There are many discussions about these issues, but for this reflection I want you to focus on a specific angle. Think about the second-hand effects of usage disorders and addictions. For example, how might a person’s alcohol use disorder affect his ability to keep a job and support his family? Or, how might nicotine addiction affect a person’s pregnancy and fetus? (I’m sure you can think of other examples.) In other words, focus on ways that a person’s usage disorder or addiction could affect someone else. Which is more important: A person’s right to his/her own activities or the possibility that a second person could be involuntarily affected? Does your opinion differ depending upon the substance being used or the person who is affected? Should these be legal issues? Healthcare issues? In the vast majority of cases, a person with a usage disorder or addiction cannot “just quit” the substance. How does this affect the legal and/or healthcare implications?

TO DO: Write a paragraph of at least 200 words to answer the prompt. Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. This prompt is largely a philosophical question, and does not necessarily have right or wrong answers. So, feel free to give your opinions and include any examples that could help prove your point of view.

Reflection 6

PROMPT: After reading chapter 17, what are your thoughts about paraphilic behaviors and disorders? Is there a line between sexual exploration and harmful disorders? If so, how can we distinguish between the two? Has psychology gone too far in categorizing paraphilic behaviors as disorders? Not far enough? What do you think of surgical and/or chemical castration for repeat offenders? Are they ethical under all circumstances, some circumstances, or never ethical? Similarly, do you feel that civil commitment is ethical? If so, under what circumstances?

TO DO: Write a paragraph of at least 200 words to answer the prompt. Include at least 2 terms from the reading material. Feel free to include additional questions you may have that seem difficult or impossible to answer. Also, you’re welcome express opinions about these issues and/or include examples.