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Andrew Repp 2307 words

PSY 100-04 5 hours (10 articles)

Spring 2024

SONA ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENTS

Number 1

The article, “Generations Unite to address loneliness, Climate Change and other Global

Changes” dives into the increasingly rare interactions between different generations in today's

society and the potential impact of fostering those connections. It kicks off with the story of Jaan

Rothschild, a 17-year-old who teamed up with a retiree to mentor a preschooler, highlighting the

benefits of such multigenerational interactions. Amid concerns of loneliness and depression,

programs like Sesame 3G Mentoring aim to bridge generational gaps, sparking empathy and joy.

This is crucial in an era of age segregation, compounded by events like the COVID-19 pandemic,

which exacerbated intergenerational tensions. Experts stress the importance of leveraging age

diversity to address societal challenges, with initiatives like Road Maps for Life facilitating

discussions across generations. Research underscores the benefits of intergenerational

programs, from academic improvements in children to reduced social isolation in older adults.

Moreover, workplaces are encouraged to embrace generational diversity, fostering

"Gentelligence" to harness the strengths of different age groups. College campuses are also

evolving, with initiatives like the Distinguished Careers Institute at Stanford University

providing opportunities for retirees to engage with students. A common thread throughout is

the shared purpose, whether combating climate change or tackling social issues, which drives

multigenerational collaboration. Despite challenges, there's a growing recognition of the value of

intergenerational connections, with calls for more innovators and funding to support these

efforts.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/03/generations-connect-loneliness-climate-change
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Number 2

Within the article,”How Does Climate Change Affect Mental Health,” writer Amy

Novotney claims that climate change isn't just about the environment—it's also taking a toll on

our mental health. Researchers have found that rising temperatures and extreme weather events

are causing a range of psychological issues, from anxiety and depression to PTSD and even

suicide. For example, survivors of natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes often

experience trauma similar to that of war veterans. Economic hardships resulting from

climate-related events, like droughts, can also contribute to increased suicide rates, particularly

among farmers. Moreover, higher temperatures have been linked to more aggressive behavior

and a general sense of anxiety about the future of our planet. These findings underscore the

urgent need for action on climate change, not just for the sake of the environment, but for the

well-being of people everywhere.

https://www.apa.org/topics/climate-change/mental-health-effects

Number 3

The article, “ Health advisory on Social Media use in Adolescents,”discusses an ongoing

concerns and considerations regarding the use of social media among adolescents, nearly a year

after the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a health advisory on the matter. It

highlights the efforts of psychological scientists to examine both the potential benefits and risks

associated with social media use on various aspects of adolescents' lives. Some key points from

the article include: complexity of effects, role of personal agency and platform features,

individual differences, developmental considerations,racism and discrimination, and limitations

of research. Social media's impact on adolescents is not inherently positive or negative. Instead,

its effects depend on individual characteristics, social circumstances, and the specific content,

features, or functions of the platforms they use. How adolescents' experiences online are

influenced by their own choices of who they follow as well as by the features built into social
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media platforms, both visible and hidden. A negative product of social media platforms can

perpetuate racism and discrimination through built-in algorithms and user behavior. This can

have serious offline consequences, including threats to physical safety and well-being. Overall,

the article, “Health advisory on Social Media use in Adolescents,” emphasizes the need for

stakeholders, including youth, parents, educators, policymakers, and tech industry members, to

work together to ensure the well-being of adolescents in the digital age, taking into account both

the potential benefits and risks of social media use.

https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-m

edia-use

Number 4

The article, ‘Stress effects on the body,” discusses the comprehensive impact of stress on

various systems of the human body, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular,

endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Stress, when experienced in

small doses, is manageable by the body; however, chronic stress can lead to severe health issues.

Some of the systems that are affected are the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system,

the nervous systems, respiratory system, and both male and female reproductive systems. In the

musculoskeletal system, stress causes muscle tension, which can result in chronic pain

conditions. Relaxation techniques and stress-relieving activities can help alleviate these

symptoms. Stress also affects the respiratory system, potentially exacerbating breathing

problems for individuals with respiratory diseases like asthma. The cardiovascular system

responds to stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can contribute to

long-term heart issues if stress persists. Chronic stress disrupts the endocrine system, leading to

imbalances in hormone production and potential health conditions like diabetes and immune

disorders. Stress impacts the gastrointestinal system by influencing gut-brain communication,

leading to symptoms like pain, bloating, and changes in appetite. It can also weaken the

intestinal barrier, making the body more susceptible to inflammation and gut diseases. In the
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nervous system, stress triggers the "fight or flight" response, causing physical reactions like

increased heart rate and respiration. Chronic stress can lead to wear-and-tear on the body,

affecting overall health. Overall the article states that despite these effects, effective stress

management strategies such as maintaining social support, regular exercise, and adequate sleep

can mitigate the impact of stress on physical and mental health.

https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

Number 5

“Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children”

provides guidance for parents and teachers of elementary school children on how to support

them during times of war, emphasizing the importance of resilience-building. It suggests several

tips, including honest but age-appropriate communication, creating a safe emotional

environment at home, limiting exposure to distressing news, maintaining routines, and

monitoring children for signs of stress. Additionally, it advises caregivers to take care of

themselves and involve children in household tasks to foster a sense of control and contribution.

The article concludes by highlighting resilience as a journey and encourages seeking

professional help if needed.

https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/kids-war

Number 6
Another article written by Amy Novonety, "Why Mental Health Needs to Be a Top

Priority in the Workplace" highlights the crucial role of mental health in the workplace,

emphasizing the recent guidance issued by the U.S. surgeon general. The guidance underscores

that factors such as long working hours, limited autonomy, and low wages contribute not only to

the labor shortage but also to the nation's mental health crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek

Murthy, stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health in workplace policies, especially

considering the financial stressors and shifts in workplace culture exacerbated by the pandemic.

The guidance emphasizes evidence-based tactics such as providing mental health coverage,
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appropriate training for employees, flexible work options, and equity in the workplace. The

article also discusses the financial implications of neglecting employee mental health, citing

APA's research showing that high stress levels lead to decreased productivity and engagement,

costing organizations billions of dollars. Organizational leaders are urged to implement positive

workplace practices, such as training managers to support mental health, offering flexible work

arrangements, and ensuring comprehensive mental health coverage in insurance plans.

Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need for aligning workplace policies with employees'

psychological well-being, highlighting the positive impact on employee morale, company

culture, and financial performance. It concludes by advocating for actions to improve employee

mental health, including training managers, providing flexible work arrangements, and

prioritizing mental health coverage in insurance policies.

https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/surgeon-general-workplace-well-being

Number 7

The article explores five key strategies to enhance employee mental health in the

workplace, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and positive environment for

employees. The article discussed topics or strategies that are; train managers, Increase work

flexibility, reevaluate health insurance policies, listen to employee feedback, and prioritize

diversity.How can managers play a crucial role in creating a psychologically healthy workplace?

By Training them in promoting health and well-being, recognizing signs of stress, and

supporting employees can reduce turnover and absenteeism. Additionally, educating managers

in respecting work-life harmony and equity, diversity, and inclusion policies contributes to a

supportive work climate. Offering employees options for where, when, and how they work can

significantly impact their mental well-being. Flexible work arrangements, including virtual or

hybrid work models, provide autonomy, accommodate caregiving responsibilities, and foster

inclusive environments. It’s essential to prioritize effectiveness and balance business needs with

personal circumstances. Some comprehensive health insurance benefits that cover mental
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health services are crucial for supporting employee well-being. Employers should ensure that

their insurance coverage aligns with mental health parity laws and remove barriers to accessing

psychological support. Providing accessible and understandable resources is key to supporting

employees across the mental wellness continuum. Actively soliciting and using employee

feedback to inform organizational decisions is vital for creating a supportive workplace culture

and goes a long way. Employees who feel their voices are heard are more likely to remain in their

jobs. Transparent communication of policy changes based on employee input and supportive

messages from senior leadership contribute to employee engagement and commitment.By

creating an inclusive and equitable work environment is essential for supporting employee

mental health. Experiences of discrimination and inequity are linked to stress and can lead to

employees leaving their jobs. Companies with diverse management tend to be more productive,

emphasizing the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. When

implementing these strategies can not only improve employee mental health but also enhance

company morale and performance.

https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/improve-employee-mental-health

Number 8

In the article “Is Justice blind if we say it is?,” a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, the

issue of whether justice remains impartial when jurors are potentially influenced by biasing

characteristics of a defendant was brought into focus. The case involved Ervine Davenport,

convicted of first-degree murder, who appealed his conviction on the grounds that the jury was

biased due to his visible shackles during trial. Despite jurors' reassurances that the shackles

didn't affect their decision, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction based on overwhelming

evidence against Davenport and jurors' testimonies. This case raises crucial questions about the

impact of implicit biases on jurors' legal judgments. While social psychologists have extensively

studied implicit bias, less research has directly examined its effect on jurors. Existing studies

suggest that jurors may be influenced by defendant characteristics despite denying their
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influence explicitly. Factors such as stereotypes and schemas can sway jurors' perceptions,

leading them to view defendants who align with stereotypes as more likely to be guilty.

Addressing bias in the courtroom is complex, with no easy solutions. Some reforms, such as jury

orientation and instructions about implicit bias, have been proposed and implemented.

However, removing superfluous influences that could bias jurors before they enter the

courtroom may be the most effective approach. In conclusion, the case underscores the need for

a deeper understanding of how implicit biases impact jurors' decisions and prompts

consideration of strategies to mitigate bias in the legal system. As the pursuit of justice

continues, addressing implicit bias is paramount to ensuring fair and impartial trials.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/jurors-implicit-bias

Number 9

“What Psychological Factors Make People susceptible to Believe and Act on

Misinformation,”states that the susceptibility to misinformation is a complex interplay of

psychological factors that affect how individuals perceive and respond to false information.

Research indicates that detecting falsehoods is challenging, as people often prioritize

understanding and decision-making over accuracy assessment when encountering new

information. Several psychological factors contribute to this vulnerability. Firstly, the source of

misinformation influences its perceived credibility. Individuals are more likely to believe false

information if it originates from sources within their in-group or is deemed credible. Emotional

appeal also plays a significant role, with misinformation leveraging fear and outrage being more

convincing. Moreover, misinformation that disparages opponents is often more readily accepted

than information negative towards one's own group. Repetition further strengthens belief in

misinformation, even when it contradicts prior knowledge. However, it's crucial to note that

belief in misinformation doesn't always translate into changes in attitudes or behaviors. While

the effects of misinformation can be modest, understanding its impact requires research in
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real-world contexts beyond controlled settings. In conclusion, combating misinformation

necessitates an understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying belief formation. By

addressing factors such as source credibility, emotional appeal, and individual differences,

efforts can be made to mitigate the spread and influence of false information, thereby fostering a

more informed and resilient society.

https://www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/misinformation-belief-action

Number 10

The article, “Resources for Families and Significant Others Affected by Opioid

Addiction,” discusses the impact of opioid addiction extends beyond the individual struggling

with substance use disorder to their families and significant others. This article emphasizes the

importance of resources and support systems available for those affected by the addiction of a

loved one. Families and significant others often undergo emotional turmoil, including feelings of

betrayal, fear of loss, financial strain, and guilt or anger. However, they can play crucial roles in

supporting their loved one's journey towards recovery. Recognizing this, various treatments and

support options are highlighted. Education on overdose recognition and response is crucial for

families, as it can save lives. Training programs and support groups like Nar-Anon, Smart

Recovery Family & Friends, and Learn to Cope provide avenues for mutual support, education,

and coping strategies. Notably, Learn to Cope also offers naloxone administration training,

contributing to overdose reversal efforts. In summary, addressing the needs of families and

significant others affected by opioid addiction is essential for holistic recovery. By accessing

available resources and support networks, they can navigate the challenges more effectively

while contributing to their loved one's journey towards wellness.

https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/family-resources-opioid-mi

suse
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