1

Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Chandra CorkerB. A. Psychology, 2012

Personal Statement

Psychology is a field that affects every aspect of human life; the processes of the mind to

develop a thought that causes the body to carry out an action and even the reason as to

why we gravitate to certain items as a consumer is the art of Psychology. All around us,

industries are making organizational changes to influence the perception of the consumer;

customer satisfaction is the marketing engine for today. The demand for “above and

beyond” customer service delivery calls for trained individuals, opening the career market

beyond what was once noted.

There is no doubt that as long as there is life, psychology will exist; there is no escaping it. The

need for mental and emotional healing will always be a sought out component of the human

spirit; its boundaries are limitless due to culture and diversity. As this educational journey

began, I was focused on a traditional mental health setting, four sterile walls within the

confines of a hospital or mental health clinic. Now that the light at the end of the tunnel is in

sight, the realization of the options and opportunities that exist are astounding.

As a career path, it is important that I concentrate on strengthening family structure (women’s

health and child safety); realizing that even those two choices leave such a broad range for

career focus. The complexity of the human body still leaves science pondering upon the

physiology of system functions, as a woman, the questions multiply; added with the matters

of life experiences and socioeconomic hardships. As the neck, in some instances the head,

of the household, the stress can manifest physically. Providing an outlet where woman can

gather to be restored, network and obtain resources valuable to their personal and family

needs is essential for the stability of the family unit.

Personal Statement cont.

The decision to work with children comes through the lack of resources available within the

community setting. As a society, lost is the need to nurture and protect the innocent; we

have become plagued with allowing nature to take its place. When afforded, materialistic

products and electronics have substituted cherished family bounding; depleting this

generation of emotions and mechanism of socialization, making way for behavioral

imbalances. The course that I have chosen is not a rescue mission, but a calling to give my

all. This goal will be achieved as I further my education, attaining a Dual Masters of Arts in

School Counseling and Community Counseling.

The decision to study psychology was birthed through various life experiences. When looking at

my community, it is obvious the need for resources that address the healing of the human

spirit. I live in a culture where asking for help characterizes a person as vulnerable. I want to

be a part of a change that helps others to recognize that seeking out services and resources

to improve one’s own quality of life is a characteristic of strength.

As an African American, I take great honor in acknowledging the Sukuma proverb “One knee

does not bring up a child” establishing the origins of communal responsibility with child

rearing; encouraging the wisdom and strength of men and women of all ages to become

involved in laying foundational structure and discipline, instilling morals. The days of

individualism has run its course, now needed is a cohesive unit; I am not trying to be a super

woman, no need attempt a solo act to save the world. However, I do vow to commit to

helping others until all plans, ideas and modes of creativity have been exhausted; this

includes giving of my time and my talent while going beyond of duty (within ethical

boundaries) to be a part of a profession that believes in people.

Resume

Chandra N. Corker

10114 S. Eggleston Ave.

(773) 332-1087 Primary

(773) 332-1160 Secondary

jccorker5@wowway.com

Education

Argosy University, Chicago Campus

BA Psychology, 2012

Concentration: Criminal Justice

Olive Harvey College

Associate of Arts, 2009

Work History

Advocate Medical Group

Burbank, IL

February 2011 to Current

Patient Service Representative

Advocates and serves as a liaison to effectively direct and assist patients with appointment coordination and

problem solving. Duties include large volumes of monitoring daily operations, appointment coordination,

computerized order entry, and telephone triage. Verifies insurance and accept payment at time of service.

Complete other administrative duties as assigned; drafting reports and correspondence, creating interoffice

signage and other attention to detail assignments.

Resume cont.

Service Employees International Union IL & IN

Chicago, IL

June 2008 to April 2009

Customer Service Representative-Team Lead

Manage the statewide healthcare enrollment program for Home Daycare Provides and Home Healthcare

Workers. With a large clientele of approximately 25,000 workers and a$27 million budget, performed case

management and quality control, members education services, outreach programs, established vendor

contracts to purchase goods & services, assigned staff workload, conducted weekly staff meetings and

interviewed potential employees.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Chicago, IL

April 2004 to April 2008

Customer Service Representative

Advocates and serves as a liaison with various hospital departments and

physicians offices to effectively direct and assist patients with appointment coordination and problem

solving. Duties include large volumes of monitoring daily operations, appointment coordination,

computerized order entry, and telephone triage.

Secretary

Provide clerical support for the management staff. Demonstrated attention to detail; compiled medical records

and drafted office correspondence. Answered telephones, directed calls and routed messages. Resolved

patient accounts and created statistical reports. Responded to court subpoenas, monitored departmental

archiving logs and chart maintenance.

Patient Care Technician

Provide basic patient care under the direction of a medical doctor and registered nurse to assist the patients with

activities for daily living needs. Measured vital signs, collected specimens, and carried out other non-sterile

tasks; executed phlebotomy skills and performed EKG’s.

Resume cont.

Fresenius Medical Care

Chicago, IL

August 2002 to April 2004

Medical Records Clerk

Administrative Clerk

Audited and maintained patient records. Corresponded to court subpoenas. Scheduled patient transportation

and assisted with new patient admissions. Prepared internal and external corporate audits for site review;

facilitating staff assignment. Conducted new employee orientation; gathering required documents and

monitoring training modules. Reviewed daily staff schedule; assigning adequate coverage.

Internships & Volunteer History

Assembly of Faith Outreach Center

Chicago, IL

September 1997 to August 2011

Outreach Coordinator

Focuses on administrative duties that orchestras the organization of community outreach programs, establish

vendor relationships, resource advocacy, creating lesson plans for mentorship and after school programs,

coordinating activities, and publishing materials.

University of Chicago Hospitals

Chicago, IL

April 2006 to December 2007

Volunteer Services Internal Auditor

Internship

Conducted internal audit of current volunteer records and maintained compliance according to the standards and

regulations of The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization; monitoring eligibility,

qualification, placement and attendance of all volunteers.

Resume cont.

Patient Resource Coordinator, Student Intern

Internship

Resource coordinator for the Women's Care Center; worked with antepartum at risk teenage patients.

Responsible for conducting patient assessment in collaboration with nurse case managers, social services,

and recreational therapist in order to deliver personalized recreational therapy services to alleviate stressors

due to extended hospitalization.

Skills

Certified Nurse’s Assistant (1994)

Knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Trained All Kids enrollment agent

Superior customer service etiquettes

Professional References

Tanya Anthony

Chicago Park District – Chief Administrative Officer

12656 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60628

773- 858-8080

tsanthony4@yahoo.com

Vicky Tanunalond

Advocate Medical Group – Operations Manager

4901 West 79th Street

Burbank, IL 60459

708-346-8260

Vicky.Tanulanond@advocatehealth.com

Rosemarie Dodd

Advocate Medical Group – Clinical Manager

4901 West 79th Street

Burbank, IL 60459

708-346-8268

Rosemarie.Dodd@advocatehealth.com

Reflection

My academic tenure at Argosy University has been life altering. I have to

admit that I entered the university questioning the process; I was uncertain if I had

made the right decision of what degree to pursue. As time went on and I completed

courses, I realized that I could not have made a better choice. Argosy creates an

atmosphere that is conducive for learning; the intimate classroom setting, access to

technology and skilled professors and staff caters to any student, any learning style.

Through my Argosy experience, I obtained skills to self-analyze; the

objective is to embrace my strengths and address my weaknesses. Some of my

strengths are my drive and determination to overcome obstacles and my passion for

writing. My weakness is time management; I want to do it all. I do not turn down any

opportunity. I am a late bloomer; married and had children at an early age. Now I

feel as if the world is mine and I must conquer all; sometimes all at one time.

The end of my journey is nearing, and I am glad that the light is shining

brightly. Throughout my educational journey, I have established relationships with

instructors and fellow students that will last a lifetime. I am proud to say that I

attended Argosy University and I believe that I have embodied its DNA that makes

room for a successful professional career.

Table of Contents

• Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and

Information Literacy

• Research Skills

• Communication Skills: Oral and Written

• Ethics and Diversity Awareness

• Foundations of Psychology

• Applied Psychology

• Interpersonal Effectiveness

Critical Thinking

Cognitive Abilities: Split-Brain Scenario

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

The brain is made up of two hemispheres that are responsible for specific functions. These two

hemispheres are connected and communication is facilitated through a thick nerve band

called the corpus callosum. Known to many is how the right side of the brain controls the left

side of the body and the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. Dominate

functions of the left hemisphere are language, math and logic. While the right brain is

dominate in spatial abilities, face recognition, visual imagery and music.

In cases of split-brain, the hemispheres are no longer connected; they no longer communicate

with one another. In this models scenario, a split-brain patient was shown an image in the

left visual field but could not name the information. Normally, the information goes from the

right hemisphere, to the corpus callosum and to the language center of the left hemisphere.

The left hemisphere enables us to produce speech. The damage to the corpus callosum

prevents the patient from communication what they are seeing in the left visual field. This

particular patient will ignore everything that occurs to the body on the left side; even failing

to report moving objects.

The most common symptoms experienced after split-brain operation are depression and anxiety.

For these symptoms I would recommend individual therapy and/or cognitive behavioral

therapy to teach coping mechanisms; severe cases would warranty the use of

antidepressant medications. Other medical risks are continued seizures, although they will

not be as severe as previous episodes, stroke, loss of movement, language and sensation

due to nerve impairment. Overall, any decision to have surgery comes down to the pros

outweighing the cons; the potential post-surgical health outcome is better than their current

status.

Critical Thinking

The study from the first video definitely raises some eyebrows. According to the American

Counseling Association (ACA) Section G.2.a., any study participant has the right to informed

consent in language that precisely explains the study and procedures to be performed. With

that said, one has to except that the extent of the study was understood by the participant.

What may have been alarming, and even inappropriate, was the researcher and interviews

interaction as they watched the study participant response to the images posted during the

study.

The ethical unethical component of research is its needs to use willing participant to prove or

disprove proposed theory. Is it right to trade the suffering experienced by participants for the

knowledge gained by the research? Maybe in layman’s term no; but how else do we find

cures for diseases and viruses that might otherwise destroy the human race. The human

anatomy is so complicated; and the physiology of brain may never fully be understood.

Without participants, such as the one in the first video, we may never gain insight on

intricate matters.

American Counseling Association. (2005).Research and publication. In ACA Code of Ethics.

Retrieved from www.counseling.org

YouTube. (2012). Split brain video. Retrieved on Jan 18, 2012. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntnua6TRue4

Critical Thinking

Research Skills: Childhood Trauma &

Chronic Pain in Adulthood: A

Correlational Study

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Abstract

This correlational study will examine the connection between childhood trauma and chronic

pain disorders in adulthood. The objective of this study is to reveal the linear connection of

trauma and pain based upon documented cases of child abuse and physician diagnosed

pain disorders. Reports of childhood maltreatment are prevalent in outpatients with chronic

pain (Tietjen, Brandes, Peterlin, Eloff, Dafer, Stein, Drexler, Hutchinson, Aurora, Recober,

Herial, Utley, White, & Khunder, 2010). Cases of pain disorders indicating the experience of

child abuse (n=250) will be examined. Various types of childhood abuse and neglect are

strongly associated with a painful illness; test data will reveal that higher scores of trauma

will result in higher measurements of pain. The correlations reported between a history of

childhood abuse and pain disorders are difficult to ignore (Wilson, 2010).

Methods

Participants

The sampling population will include 250 adult patients (male and female) ages 18 and older;

race and ethnicity will vary and will not be used as a mean of exclusion. All research

participants are patients of Roseland Community Hospital Pain Clinic and have indicated,

during the collection of demographic information, experiencing a form of trauma (neglect,

maltreatment and/or abuse) during childhood.

Critical Thinking

Instruments

The assessment tools used for the purpose of the study is The Childhood Trauma

Questionnaire; a self-report retrospective inventory used to measure childhood or

adolescent abuse and neglect. Also included is a 3 item Minimization/Denial scale for

detecting false-negative trauma reports. There is only one version of this assessment

available, making the results consistent and reliable.

To assess the severity of pain, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale will be used. These

two instruments will establish a relationship between childhood trauma and chronic pain

disorders in adulthood.

Procedure

Surveys were completed by patients seeking treatment at the pain clinics during an office visit.

Self-reported information on demographics (including body mass index), social history, and

physician-diagnosed pain disorders was collected. Any patient indicating a traumatic event

during childhood will complete The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. If necessary, further

details will be obtained through 1:1 interviews to gather details regarding physician-

diagnosed pain disorders. The patient’s description of pain will be measured according to

the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the data will be recorded.

Critical Thinking

Results

Chronic pain during adulthood among women and men that experience a traumatic event during

childhood is prevalent. Whether through the means of neglect, maltreatment or abuse, most

occurrences lead to painful syndromes. Trauma will be measured according to the

Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and compared to the pain scores from the Wong-Baker

FACES Pain Rating Scale; higher scores of trauma will result in higher measurements of

pain, as well as lower scores in trauma will indicate lower measurements of pain. Less than

15% of the participants will report trauma in all categories of child abuse (emotional,

physical, and sexual). Comorbidity will be a worthy component worth documenting (including

psychological disorders, but its pain level will not be measured (only primary syndromes will

be measured).

Critical Thinking

References

Baker, C. K., Norris, F. H., Jones, E. C., & Murphy, A.D. (2009). Childhood trauma and adulthood physical

health in mexico. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32, 255-269. doi:10.1007/s10865-009-9199-2

Coro, P.S., Edwards, V.J., Fang, X., & Mercy, J.A. (2008). Health-related quality of life among adults who

experienced maltreatment during childhood. American Journal of Public Health,98(6), 1094-1100

Goodwin, R. D., Hoven, C. W., Murison, R., & Hotopf, M. (1993). Association between childhood physical abuse

and gastrointestinal disorders and migraine in adulthood. American Journal of Public Health, 93(7), 1065-

1067.

Han, C., Masand, P. S., Krulewicz, S., Peindl, K., Mannelli, P., Varia, I. M., Pae, C., & Patkar, A. (2009).

Childhood abuse and treatment response in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a post-hoc analysis of a

12 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of paroxetine controlled release. Journal of

Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 34, 79-88. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2008.00975.x

Hays, K. F. & Stanley, S. F. (1996). The impact of childhood sexual abuse on women’s dental experiences.

Journal of Child and Sexual Abuse, 5(4), 65-74.

Hulme, P.A. (2004). Theoretical perspectives on the health problems of adults who experienced childhood

sexual abuse. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 25, 339-361, doi:10.1080/01612840490432899

Kopec, J. A. & Sayre, E. C. (2004). Traumatic experiences in childhood and the risk of arthritis. Canadian

Journal of Public Health, 95(5), 361-365.

Lampe, A., Solder, E., Ennemoser, A., Schubert, C., Rumpold, G., & Sollner, W. (2000). Chronic pelvic pain and

previous sexual abuse. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 96(6), 929-933.

Norman, S. B., Means-Christensen, A. J., Craske, M. G., Shebourne, C. D., Roy-Byrne, P. P., & Stein, M. B.

(2006). Associations between psychological trauma and physical illness in primary care. Journal of

Traumatic Stress, 19(4), 461-470. doi: 10.1002/jts.20129

Ray, S. L. (1996). Adult male survivors of incest: an exploratory study. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 5(3), 103-

114

Romans, S., Belaise, C., Martin, J., Morris, E., & Raffi, A. (2002). Childhood abuse and later medical disorders

in women: an epidemiological study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 71(3), 141-150.

Critical Thinking

Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B. & Zechmeister, J. S. (2009). Research methods in psychology. (8th Ed.).

Boston: McGraw Hill

Surtees, P., Wainwright, N., Day, N., Brayne, C., Luben, R., & Khaw, K. (2003). Adverse experience in

childhood as a developmental risk factor for altered immune status in adulthood. International Journal of

Behavioral Medicine, 10(3), 251-268.

Tietjen, G. E., Brandes, J. L., Peterlin, B. L., Eloff, A., Dafer, R. M., Stein, M. R., Drexler, E., Hutchinson, S.,

Aurora, S. K., Recober, A., Herial, N. A., Utley, C., White, L., & Khunder, S. A. (2009). Childhood

maltreatment and migraine (Part III). Association with

comorbid pain condition. Headache: The Journal of Head & Face Pain. 50(1). 42-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-

4610.2009.01558.x

Ullman, S. E., & Brecklin, L. R. (2003). Sexual assault history and health-related outcomes in a national ample

of women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 27, 46-57.

Van der Kolk, B. A., McFarlane, A. C. & Weisaeth, L. (1996). Traumatic stress: The effects of

overwhelming experience on mind, body, and society. New York: Guilford Press.

Wilson, D.R. (2010). Health consequences of childhood sexual abuse. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 46(1).

56-64.

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills: Reference

Request

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Chandra Corker

10000 S. Evans Ave.

Chicago, IL 60628

(773) 332-xxxx Primary

(773) 332-xxxx Mobile

chcorker1@stu.argosy.edu

February 25, 2012

Dear Vicky Tanunalond,

I am writing you to request a letter of recommendation for me. Although I have only worked for Advocate Medical Group - Burbank for

over 11 months, I do believe that my skills and ethics have been found notable in your eyes.

Recently, I was offered a position with Centers for New Horizons as a Program Assistant. This role requires me to interact with high-

need clients; providing case management skills to assist them in obtaining housing, satisfying high school diploma requirements

and finding entry level job placement. As my Operations Manager, it is my hope that you will be able to mention how you find me

qualified to function in such a role.

Please let me know if I can assist you in completing this task; any questions or comments are welcomed. The letter is due March 1,

2011, and must include your name, address, telephone number, relationship to me and signature. I am asking that you place the

letter in a sealed envelope before giving it to me. Also, as an additional reference, I have attached a copy of my resume. Your

time and effort is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Chandra N. Corker

Critical Thinking

Ethics and Diversity Awareness:

Milgram’s Study

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Milgram’s study was a social psychology experiment that sought to determine the extent of the

participants’ willingness to obey an authoritative figure. Although extreme, its results were

alarming.

When comparing the Milgram study to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) checklist there are a

few things that needed to be changed so that the study would pass the IRBs standards. The

study was originally justifiable; its purpose was identifying obedience to authority. It is the

approach or the method of conducting the research project that was inhumane. The effects

(short or long term) of the experiment on the participants that were delivering the

electroshock treatment was not valued or considered. It is the duty of the IRB to ensure that

the rights and welfare of the citizens are protected according to federal regulations; assuring

that the research is conducted in a scientifically sound and ethical manner (Argosy

University Online, 2011).

Redesigning the study, for ethic’s sake, I would have:

• provided surveys with scenarios that detailed a study and provided the participants with

several options as their course of action

• or asked open ended questions that would allow the participant to freely explain their

response or course of action

Argosy University Online. (2011) Module 2. In Ethics. Retrieved from http://myeclassonline.com

Parsons, R. D. (2001). The ethics of professional behavior. Needham Heights, MA: Pearson

Education Company

Critical Thinking

Foundations of Psychology: Abnormal

Behavior

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Abnormal behavior is behavior that deviates from the norms of the society in which the person lives (Butcher,

Hooley, & Mineka, 2010).Determining abnormal behavior can be difficult because the definition is relative to

the client and their cultural practices. This statement confirms that culture determines norms and values

that yield appropriate behavior for a particular group of people. For example, within Britain’s Traveller

Gypsy culture, it is normal for groups to divide per sex; even at the teenage level, girls with girls and boys

with boys. If a boy has interest in a girl, he can approach her, carry her off and forcefully restrain her until

she submits to a kiss; this is called Grabbing. Grabbing can be very physical. The boy can carry her away

screaming and yelling and no one will ever come to the girls’ assistance; this is their way of establishing

courtship. It is an honorable process; a girl must be chosen, even if she has no interest in the suitor.

Across the waters in Western society this type of behavior would be shunned and possibly punishable by

law; the use of physical force and restraint on an unwilling subject can be considered sex assault.

All around the world, cultures have various ways of identifying psychological abnormalities. An abnormality is not

just one area of dysfunction; it is a complex grouping of behavior, attitude and emotion. According to

Butcher, the identification of an abnormality must include these areas:

• Suffering, the process of experiencing pain, distress or grief. A counselor must be certain to know

acceptable boundaries of suffering brought on by life responsibilities.

• Maladaptiveness, the inability to adjust to the environment or situation.

• Deviancy, to turn away from what is standard; the act of considering or placing societal value and/or

worth of a characteristic.

• Violation of the Standards of Society, imparted standards that we are taught to follow (Butcher et al.,

2010). Includes determining a person’s capability of being harmful to oneself or others.

• Social discomfort, usual uneasiness in social settings and during social interactions.

• Irrationality & Unpredictability, behavior that is entirely out of character; unreasonable and unexpected

behavior.

Critical Thinking

The purpose of identifying and classifying a disorder is to learn more about the causes of an illness and to

develop a treatment regimen. Several techniques can be used to gather patient history of symptoms: case

studies, research, observational approach and self- reported data. Research allows clinicians to study the

characteristics of disorders (Butcher et al., 2010); teaching symptoms, cause, occurrences, frequency and

duration. Case studies is the presentation of collected information of one person; at times, providing

experience into unusual or rare conditions. Interviews and questionnaires provide self-reported data that is

recorded and analyzed. The observational approach is self-stated; the clinician observes the participant or

group in their natural environment and documents the experience.

Identifying the proper method to use when classifying mental illness is relative to the clinician that is treating the

patient; it varies according to preference and training or skill set. Agreed upon are certain behaviors that

result to abnormality; deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger (Argosy University, 2011). An added

condition that further complicates classification of mental disorders is culture; it is diverse and calls for

qualified care givers willing to be open, insightful and skilled in the workings of psychology.

Argosy University Online. (2011). Module 1: Overview. In Abnormal psychology. Retrieved from

http://myeclassonline.com

Butcher, J. N., Hooley, J. M., & Mineka, S. (2010). Abnormal Psychology. (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson

Educational, Inc.

TLC Videos (2011). Grab a kiss, find a wife? [My big fat gypsy wedding]. Chicago: Discovery Communications,

LLC. Retrieved from http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/my-big-fat-gypsy-wedding-grab-a-kiss-find-a-wife.html

Critical Thinking

Applied Psychology: Social Media

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

The culture of social media is prominent; it is a lifestyle of its own developing its own language, defining behavior and apparently

impacting the field of psychology. As presented on “Good Morning America”, an application of psychology with social

media in treating Agoraphobia is the latest news.

Arlynn Presser is a 51 year old romance novelist that has suffered from Agoraphobia for over 30 years. Presser states that she

felt the need to avoid the weight of the world; fearing social interaction and public places. Life events that exacerbated

Presser’s symptoms were empty nest syndrome (her sons moved out when she was 50), divorce and the convenience of

working at home; giving her no reason to leave the house.

At the tradition of setting a New Year resolution, Presser resolved to leave her home and meet all of her Facebook friends from

all over the world; her 23 year old son accompanied her and documented the experience. Presser’s journey included

traveling to 11 countries to the tune of $30,000. She found herself engaged in activities that placed her outside of her

comfort zone but worth every encounter as she learned to sing opera, shuffle her feet while boxing, kicked into karate and

baiting and reeling while fishing.

One year later, Presser has meet 292 of her Facebook friends and vows to continue until all are met. The advantage, according

to Presser, she is no longer afraid to interact socially. She admits that her means of coping with Agoraphobia is not

conventional, but it worked for her.

When dealing with any disease or disorder, one’s ability to function in life is dependent upon developing coping mechanisms.

Agreed that Arlynn Presser’s means of dealing with Agoraphobia is unconventional but it led her to leave her home and

learn that the world isn’t so scary.

Advantages: Since desensitization is the recommended mode of treatment for anxieties disorders, those with mild to moderate

cases may benefit from this experience. Adequate support and journaling to reflect upon symptoms and experiences could

help one to become more aware of triggers.

Disadvantages: Being that Presser is a writer and not a psychologist, she is practicing beyond her boundaries of competence.

According to the American Psychological Association Standard 2 - Competence, a psychology professional is bound to be

ethical and knowledgeable in their area of treatment; this comes through acquired theory, training and supervision in the

field of psychology. When in doubt, referrals are appropriate. Since part of the symptom criteria for Agoraphobia is fear of

being in places where help may not be available, worldwide travel was overtly risky. This is not a controlled experiment

and Presser could have placed herself and others into to a questionable, if not dangerous, predicament.

ABC News. (2012, January 10). Good morning america. New York, NY. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/woman-beats-

agoraphobia-facebook-visits-hundreds-friends-us-15328881

Barak, A. (1999). Psychological applications on the internet: A discipline on the threshold of a new millennium. Applied and

Preventive Psychology, 8, 231-246.

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

Understanding Culture

Chandra N. Corker

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Culture is an important consideration in the interview, assessment and diagnostic process because it determines

how a client will interpret, accept and participate in becoming healthy when dealing with a mental illness.

Culture impacts how we think, how we behave, how we view mental illness, how we define it and how we

adhere to the prescribed treatment (Ruiz, 1999). When conducing an interview or assessment a clinician

must be aware of language barriers that could affect interpretation of questions and render the wrong

diagnosis; if an assessment is given, language will affect test results.

As a clinician it is important to regard a patient’s culture, country of origin, environment, religion, gender and

race; all of these factors impact diagnosis and treatment of mental illness (Ruiz, 1999). Studies conducted

at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center revealed that doctors must treat patients within

the context of their culture and race. Results indicate that Asian-Americans do not require as much

medication for schizophrenia as do non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans. Results of another study

suggest that African-Americans need lower doses of tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, and selective

serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants, or SSRIs; risking noncompliance in taking medication (Ruiz,

1999).

Culture and genetics also effects how the body will react when affected by depression and anxiety; the aches

and pain of a mental illness, at times, can be misinterpreted as a physical aliment or, even worse,

overlooked completely. Such an event can be a life ending experience to one who is severely depressed.

Diversity is not a term of the past and those of us interacting with the public must take a proactive approach

in becoming knowledgeable on treating all people from all walks of life.

Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2010). Abnormal Psychology. (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson

Education, Inc.

Ruiz, M. (1999). Mental illness / race, culture affect diagnosis, treatment / doctors cite risk of misdiagnosis,

noncompliance with medication. Houston Chronicle. 6(2). Retrieved from Proquest

http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/395685243?accountid=34899

My Future in Learning

Learning is a lifelong process, as a lifelong learner I

commit to:

• Embracing change

• Respecting others

• Valuing differences

• Communicating effectively

• Listening

• Pursuing excellence

• Research with integrity

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my

ePortfolio.

For further information, please

contact me at the e-mail address

below.

chcorker1@stu.argosy.edu