My Father Was An Alcoholic - 844 Words

We all know the typical meaning of Monday; a new week starting, going back to school or to work, dealing with stress, following a schedule. I go through all these steps every week; however, the day-after Sunday has meant much more to me than a simple week starting again. Astrid, my mother, was living in Cayenne during the Twenties, more specifically in 1987. She followed her parents when they moved because my grandfather was in the army and had been transferred to Guiana. She went through tough moments in her life; her dad was wicked, cold and often away. During the time my mother was a teenager, women were not treated equally as men, most of the time they would stay home, bring the children to school and prepare dinner while the husband would go to work in order to earn money and make live his family. My grandfather was an alcoholic; therefore, he had unacceptable behavior toward his family. My grandmother could not leave with her children because her husband was the only one working and bringing food on the table. It was the end of the weekend. Her dad had been drinking a lot, so she decided to leave for the night with her friends. When she came back on Monday at dawn, he was sitting on her bed waiting for her daughter to enter the room and gave her a lesson that she would never forget. The next day she decided without telling anyone but her mother to leave the house and never come back, not until my grandfather would still be a part of this world. Weeks later, sheShow MoreRelatedEssay about alcoholism1234 Words   |  5 Pages(NIAAA). An alcoholic separates them self from almost all social situations and consumes his/her self in having another drink or thinking about their next drink. Seventy six million Americans, about 43% of the U.S. adult population, have been exposed to alcoholism in the family (NIAAA) . I have first-hand experience dealing with an alcoholic because my father was one until his death on July 2,nd 2004. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;My father’s alcoholism started around 10 years ago. That was the firstRead MoreAlcoholism And Their Effects On Alcoholism Essay1326 Words   |  6 Pagesinterview was conducted in an attempt to learn firsthand the effects that alcoholism has on other members of the family unit. The Individual interviewed is a 21 year old Female. Interviewer: â€Å"It is my understanding that someone in your family has been struggling with alcoholism, is this correct?† Respondent: â€Å"Yes, My father has been effected by alcoholism since before I was born, and continues to struggle with it today.† Interviewer: â€Å"How would you describe your relationship with your father?† Respondent:Read MoreMy Personal Statement On Education1087 Words   |  5 PagesI was raised by two hard working parents who instilled in me the value of higher education. 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In Scott Russell Sander s essay, Under the Influence, he shows how children of alcoholic parents suffer from self-blame and how such blame can affect them for the rest of their life. Sanders illustrates the troubles he experienced as a young boy due to his fathers drinking problem. Scott blamed himself for his father s addiction to alcohol. WheneverRead MoreAddictions to Work and Alcohol Essay727 Words   |  3 PagesHuman behavior varies depending on culture, environment, or special circumstances. Ellen Goodman was born on April 11 of 1941; she is an American journalist and Pulitzer Prize winning columnist. The author Scott Russell Sanders studied physics and English at Brown University, graduating in 1967. â€Å"The Company Man† essay indicates how an excess of work can take over an individual’s life by having emotional impact on the people around them on a daily basis. â€Å"Under Influence† essay shows the readersRead MoreAn Alcoholic Case By F. Scott Fitzgerald And My Son The Murderer954 Words   |  4 Pages People might sometimes find themselves in a situation in which there is nothing they can do to help those who they care about, but they do it against all odds anyway. In both â€Å"An Alcoholic Case† by F. Scott Fitzgerald and â€Å"My Son the Murderer† by Bernard Malamud, the deuteragonists are dealing with the effects war had on them: one falling into alcoholism and the other into depression. Meanwhile the protagonists, the Nurse and Leo respectively, are trying to prevent them from suffering with noRead MoreAttachment Theory As A Framework For Understanding Interpersonal And Emotional Outcomes Of Adults1442 Words   |  6 Pagesthroughout adult-hood. In the past, research done on father -child relationships, has generally, focused on the attachment the child develops, when the father is absent in the child’s early stages of development. In my research, I found recent studies, performed on father-child relationships, and how secure attachment bonds are developed, when the father is not only present, but positively active in the child’s life. The active presence of a father during the first years of a child’s life are importantRead MoreWhat Is the Appeal of Alcohol?1662 Words   |  7 Pagesa tough day in the office or being laid off from the company. Alcoholic parents do not mature decisions and should not be parents. Alcohol makes dealing with children tough, thoughts are slowed and the tendency to overreact to normal actions increases. By partaking in alcohol consumption, risks develop that ordinarily would not be there. Alcoholic beverages are not difficult to come by; they can be found at nearly every store. This was made possible by alcohol distributor’s pow er to export their product

Long Term Consequences Of Child Abuse Essay - 1931 Words

Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse Introduction Child abuse has infested the United States of America; it is now more common than ever before, and sometimes it may not be known that this issue is occurring. In most cases, it is obvious to the child and sometimes to his surrounding support; although in few cases, the child may not be capable of comprehending the issue at hand to further tell and report the situation (Shi 198). There is an error in the method used to study how often child abuse occurs. The problem is that this method still lacks a step to be able to understand the horrendous experience that children endure (Shi 198). Child maltreatment is a sensitive subject to many. Child maltreatment is basically known as any type of abuse affecting the child. It is only defined as follows: the child is left with potential harm of health, developmental and survival processes, or behavioral dignity in relationships and trust (Norman 2). The issue of child abuse has negatively affected numerous home lives. This situation will affect each child differently, and children could be left with permanent and long-term damage (Norman 2). Children who have experienced abuse continue to hurt by experiencing long term physical, societal, psychological, and behavioral effects to deal with for years to come and quite possibly the rest of their lives. What are the Basic Areas of Long-Term Consequences? The basic areas of long-term consequences include: physical effects, psychologicalShow MoreRelatedLong-term consequences of Child Abuse on the Society1559 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Long-term Consequences of Child Abuse Child abuse is the physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment of a child by his or her parent or guardian. Many do not realize how many children are abused in their homes every day. 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Victims betweenRead MoreThe Long Term Ramifications Of Child Abuse And Neglect1478 Words   |  6 PagesTitle The long term ramifications of child abuse and neglect are profound and may endure long after the maltreatment has occurred. Individuals that undergo such abuse either physically or mentally may affect various aspects of their development. The outcome of abuse and neglect can range from minor effects to fatal situations. In the novel â€Å"To Kill a Mockingbird† Dill was emotionally damaged and neglected by his parents. In 2006, an estimated 905,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglectRead MoreThe Effects Of Sexual Abuse On Children Essay1626 Words   |  7 Pagesthere are individuals who act on horrible inexplicable instincts such as molesting a child or even to the point of sexually abusing a child. We as a society are constantly bombarded with reports of extreme sexual abuse cases of children and even infants. When we read or see a report of sexual abuse in the news the first thing that comes to mind is, what sick individual would think to do that to such an innocent child. More often than not the culprit ends up being an individual that fits the profile

Cocept Analysis Adaptation free essay sample

All of these situations describe a form of adaptation on behalf of the individual in order to deal with a stressful situation. According to Sister Callista Roy (2009)† adaptation is the process and outcome whereby thinking and feeling persons as individuals or in groups use conscious awareness and choice to create human and environmental integration† (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of adaptation in the hope to bring clarification to the use of the term in nursing research and practice. This will be done in the form of a concept analysis. A concept analysis is the rigorous process of bringing clarity to the definition of the concepts used in science (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). The concept analysis process of Walker and Avant (2005) includes selection of a concept, determining the aims or purpose of the concept, identifying all the possible uses of the concept, determining the defining attributes, identification of model cases: identifying borderline, related, contrary, invented and illegitimate cases, identifying antecedents, consequences and lastly defining the empirical referents (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). The concept analysis process is important because most of nursing theory has been based on concepts adopted from other disciplines, so it is necessary to explore these concepts to discover their relevance to the nursing profession (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). Aim of the Analysis The aim of this concept analysis of adaptation is to discover what descriptors of this concept make it more relevant to nursing practice and research. As pointed out by Rodgers and Knafl (2000) the value of discussing concepts is to promote the clarification and refinement of an idea that is intended to contribute to the problem solving efforts of a discipline (Holden, 2005). Literature Review of the Theory Adaptation Taylor’s (1983) cognitive adaptation theory states that individuals use positive thought processes as a form of adapting to stressful circumstances. Engaging in mildly positive self-relevant distortions enables an individual to maintain an optimistic outlook, enhance self-esteem and encourage a sense of mastery when facing a threatening event (Henselmans et al. 2009). Taylor proposes that these positive thoughts give an individual a sense of control which will then force the individual to take constructive action when dealing with a stressful situation. Schkade and Schultz (1992) in their occupational adaptation theory proposed that there is a normal process that individuals go through as they strive for compet ency on their jobs. There is an interaction with the environment that drives the individual to attain mastery over work related challenges. In this process the individual evaluates their responses to the challenges based on an internal sense of effectiveness or satisfaction. The self-assessment phase is the only means of evaluating the level of adaptation in this theory. Charmaz (1995) proposed that adaptation for most people is a gradual process of evolution where an altered individual changes to accommodate bodily and functional loss (Livneh amp; Parker, 2005). The changes in the individuals result from a recognition of a loss of their former self -image and the adaptation only comes about after that realization. Yoshida (1993) believes that adaptation through identity reconstruction only comes about after the individual struggles between their identity as a disabled person and their identity as their former self (Livneh amp; Parker, 2011). There is a constant internal struggle to which the outcome cannot be predicted. Lewin speaks of a reciprocal, interactive process of adaptation that involves the individual and the environment (Livneh amp; Parker, 2011). The environment consists of internal and external factors that influence the adaptation process. The internal factors can include type and severity of illness and/or the individual’s concept of self. The external factors include variables such as physical, social and vocational aspects of the external environment. The level of adaptation will depend on the interaction between the individual and these environmental factors. Uses of the Concept Adaptation as defined by Merriam-Webster (2013) is the adjustment to environmental conditions, adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation. Synonyms for adaptation: acclimation, accommodation, acclimatization, adjustment and conformation. Charles Darwin theory of natural selection states that organisms adapt to their environment to become better fitted to survive and that they pass these genes on to the next generation ( ). According to Natural Resources Canada (NRC) adaptation includes activities that are taken before impacts are observed (anticipatory) and after impacts have been felt (reactive). Both anticipatory and reactive adaptation can be planned as a result of deliberate policy decisions and reactive adaptation can also occur spontaneously (NRC, 2008). Defining Attributes Two defining attributes of adaptation are interaction and environment. A common theme that emerged during the review of information researched for this topic was that adaptation occurs after interaction between the individual and the environment. The Roy adaptation model (Roy amp; Andrews, 1999) viewed the individual as a holistic adaptive system who responds to different stimuli in the environment, he/she processes changes in the environment through emotional channels that involve perception, learning, judgment and emotion (Cunningham, 2002). Model Cases Walker amp; Avant (2010) state that a model case illustrates or exemplifies the concept and includes demonstrations of all defining ttributes (CCN, 2012). A model case of adaptation could be a previously withdrawn 45 year old female patient with a new colostomy. The patient Mrs. X shied away from learning how to care for her colostomy, refusing even to look at the colostomy during colostomy care. Subsequently Mrs. X now asks appropriate questions, has become more involved even to the point of changing her colostomy appliance. During this process the nurse encourages the patient by asking open ended questions about her feelings, the nurse also assures the patient that when she is ready to talk or learn someone will be available to answer her questions. Mr. L is a 35 year old newly diagnosed diabetic, who is open and receptive to diet and lifestyle changes that has become necessary to control his blood glucose levels. The adaptation can be seen by the patient taking part in the discussion with his nutritionist, asking appropriate questions and requesting information about resources that will be available to him should he need more support in adjusting to his new lifestyle changes. A contrary case is an example that does not display the attributes of the concept. Ms. B a 25 year old that received a right lower limb amputation due to a car accident refuses to take part in physiotherapy. In fact, she is somewhat hostile to the healthcare team and does not take part in any discussion about her plan of care and her rehabilitation. Attempts by the nurses to build a therapeutic relationship by asking open ended questions and sitting with the patient to offer comfort and support are not acknowledged. Related cases, according to Walker amp; Avant (2010), include most but not all of the attributes that relate to adaptation (CCN, 2012). Safety in many cases can be related to adaptation. Nurses find that they will have to step in and modify a patient’s environment to aid in the adjustment to an ongoing ailment. This may include dimming the lights, providing a quiet atmosphere and limiting visitors for a patient that has a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The nurse understands that it is important for this individual to have a calm quiet environment he/she also knows the importance of administering antihypertensive medication and sedative as needed to achieve an internal environment that is conducive to this person’s health. Providing safety may also come in the form of providing a clutter free environment for all patients. This includes ensuring that the bed is in the lowest position, all electrical cords are secured properly and the patient’s belongings and the call light are within the patient’s reach. These little changes go a long way in helping people adjust to the strange environment of a hospital room and by performing these tasks the nurse is fulfilling his/her role of promoting adaptation according to Roy’s Adaptation Model. Antecedents and Consequences According to Walker and Avant (1995), antecedents are the events or incidents that happen before the concept (Cheng, Foster amp; Huang, 2003). An antecedent to adaptation is stress, stress which can affect the body as a result of an accident, infection or an illness. The onset of a physical trauma or the diagnosis of a life threatening illness can set into motion a chain of psychosocial experiences, reaction or responses (Livneh amp; Parker, 2005). The goal of nursing at this point would be to promote adaptation (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). The needs of the patient will be assessed and the plan for an appropriate intervention should be formulated. Control over the situation maybe beyond the scope of nursing practice however, the goal is for the patient to try to achieve integration with the environment, external or internal. Consequences are the events or incidents that happen as a result of the concept. A consequence of adaptation is that a change has taken place, a change in mindset or behavior. A patient that was not able to ambulate without assistance may now be able to walk around their home using crutches or a cane. The newly diagnosed breast cancer patient is no longer fearful because she has developed a positive outlook about her disease. She has started to look for support groups and researching natural intervention to help battle her illness. Taylor (1983) proposed that self -generated control perceptions prevent helplessness and promotes constructive thought and action (Henselmans et al. , 2009). Empirical Referents Walker and Avant (2010) define an empirical referent as a measurement tool or mechanism for the demonstration of the existence of the defining attributes of a concept (CCN, 2012). Cognitive adaptation is measured by the individual’s feelings of control or mastery over the illness as well as the individual’s positive outlook relating to their illness. One of the tools used to measure optimism is the Life Oriented Test (LOT). It consists of eight items and yields a total score between 0 and 32. An example of a question is: ‘I always look on the bright side of life’. The participants are asked to rate this statement on a 5 point scale, ranging from 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The Pearlin and Schooler’s Mastery Scale is used to assess feelings of control over events. Seven items are used to assess global beliefs of perceived control rather than events being controlled by fate. Five items are phrased in a positive way and two items in a negative way. An example of a statement is ‘I have little control over the things that happen to me’. A five point scale is used here also 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher points on both scales, indicates a higher level of perceived control or optimism which points to positive adaptation. Conclusion Adaptation is an innate basic function that all humans and organisms must have to overcome different stressors in life. How one adapts is closely related to our coping strategies. Adaptation can be positive which results in human and environmental integration (McEwen amp; Wills, 2011). The nurse’s role in this process is to adapt to the patient’s needs by performing a thorough assessment to be able to provide the tools needed for the individual to positively adjust to complications that they are experiencing. References Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2012). NR 501 Theoretical basis for advanced nursing practice. Concept Analysis: Directions with Scoring Rubric. St Louis, MO: Author Chen, S. F. , Foster, R. L. , amp; Huang, C. Y. (2003). Concept analysis of pain. Tzu Chi Nursing Journal 2:3 Cunningham, D. A. (2005). Adaptation of Roy’s adaptation model when caring for a group of women coping with menopause. Journal of Community Health Nursing 19(1), 49-60 Henselmans, I. , Sanderman, R. , Helgeson, S. V. , de Vries, J. , Smink, A. , amp; Ranchor, A. V. (2010). Personal control over the cure of breast cancer: Adaptiveness, underlying beliefs and correlates. Psycho-Oncology 19: 525-534 Holden, L. M. (2005). Complex adaptive systems: Concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 52 (6) 651-657 Honoch, L. , amp; Randall, M. P. (2005). Psychological adaptation to disability: Perspectives from chaos and complexity theory. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin 17-28 Lorre, G. A. , Schkade, J. K. , amp; Ishee, J. H. (2004). Content validity of the relative mastery measurement scale: A measure of occupational adaptation. Occupational, Participation and Health 24 (3) McEwen, M. , amp; Wills, E. (2011). Theoretical basis for nursing (3rd ed. . Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health. Merriam-Webster. com. (2013). Adaptation. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/adaptation Stiegelis, H. E. , Hagedoorn, M. , Sanderman, R. , Van der Zee, K. I. , Buunk, B. P. , amp; Van den Bergh, A. C. M. (2003). Cognitive adaptation: A comparison of cancer patients and healthy references. British Journal of Health Psychology 8 303-318 What is Adaptat ion? (2008) Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved from: www. nrcan. gc. ca