Analysis of Essential Elements for Effectiveness by Abascal Juan - Book Report/Review Example

?Essential Elements for Effectiveness In regards to essential elements of effectiveness the second chapter covers a wide variety of issues related togeneral psychology and the various course aspects. Some of the primary elements covered in this chapter are general definitions relating to psychological effectiveness. One such structural dimension that the first chapter frames these definitions within is through free will and determinism. Some of the general definitions include ‘delusional thinking’ and ‘concordance rate,’ both disorders that are shown to have genetic components. Other definitions consider the nature of human motivation in broader terms. In these regards, psychoanalytic theory and behaviorism are considered. In terms of Psychoanalytic theory, the text demonstrates that this theory contends human personality and motivation are determined by early experiences in childhood. Conversely, Behaviorism argues that human actions are conditioned and structured by elements in their immediate environment. While being in-large part unconscious, they are still elements that are actively conditioned. These theories of human behavior are contrasted with humanistic theories, such as existentialism. In these regards, it’s argued that human behavior is determined by our own independent decision making and not an outside element of unconscious conditioning. Another theory discussed is the cognitive-behaviorist theory that considers behavior as a hybrid as conscious and unconscious elements. Considering the issues of human behavior from another perspective, the text considers it in terms of locus of control. Essentially, this refers to whether human freedom and decision making is an element of internal or external elements. It’s argued that individuals with an internal locus of control are more prone to happiness. This is because they have granted themselves more power in their lives through an increased perception on decision making. The text also considers the nature of success. From a general perspective, it argues that “effective people do the things that ineffective people don’t feel like doing” (Abascal, pg. 31). Another perspective considered in the text is that of self-efficacy. In these regards, humans are able to create symbolic models of their desired existence or experience. They can then compare their current progress with that of the symbolic model and change actions accordingly. Another element within this mode of perspective is cognitive restructuring. In large part cognitive restructuring functions as the active element in cognitive therapy. This mode functions by considering an individual’s irrational beliefs and then working towards restructuring them in ways that are more effective for their existence. The text presents a number of potential models wherein psychologists or individuals can outline their thought-process and attempt to derive more functional thinking patterns. In terms of theoretical perspectives, one of the insights provided is that correlation does not man causation. While this is a broad concept, generally it seems to refer to the notion that while oftentimes events might seem to relate with each other, it is a mistake of human cognition to always assume that they are positively correlated. The text then considers the importance of adopting a generally positive outlook on life. In these regards, it’s argued that the power of positive thinking is such that it actually influences an individual’s happiness and success. The next chapter is chapter five and it is titled Understanding Stress. One of the key introductory remarks in this chapter is that, “Mastering stress is an essential element in maintaining a healthy lifestyle which is fundamental to wellness” (Abascal, pg. 113). In large part the chapter deals with ways that the individual can better manage their stress levels. One such distinction made is between stress mastery and stress management. In these regards, it’s indicated that stress management is a temporary element that is more akin to surviving stress. Conversely, stress mastery constitutes a more broad experience that is closer to wisdom. In these regards, stress mastery is more of a life-approach to stress rather than a temporary remedy to a stressful situation. Some of the interesting points in terms of stress arousal are that many tasks are best performed with a moderate level of stress arousal, as this motivates human actions. Still, extreme levels of stress have been demonstrated to lead to general cognitive disabilities. As a means of identifying stress levels the text offers a number of charts and surveys designed to aid the individual gain general insight into their current stress. In addition to impairing the individual in a variety of ways, high stress levels are demonstrated to contribute to actual physical impairment. For instance, the text cites scientific research that demonstrates that high stress levels actually contribute to sickness, as well as anxieties, obsessions, and other general disorders. The text then goes on to consider the relation between stress and flight or fight response patters. In these regards, it’s argued that when an individual is presented with a highly stressful or fearful situation, their immediate reaction is that a physiological fight or flight response is triggered. While most people are familiar with this physiological response, the text indicates that there are further stages within this reaction mechanism. For instance, a General Adaption System is proposed wherein the individual’s fight or flight response mechanisms are related to a three stage process of emotional reaction. Another notable element within the text considers women’s response to immediate stressful reactions. While men exhibit fight or flight actions, the text argues conversely that women will sometimes demonstrate tend and befriend actions. The text then returns to notions of positive psychology. It discusses an individual who was given a 1 in 500 chance of living, but the individual designed a well-being program that heavily involved humor. The text argues that through incorporating humor and a positive outlook greatly contributes to one’s ability to recover from stressful situations. In these regards, positivity represents a sort of kryptonite to the crippling power of stress. In terms of scientific reasoning the text presents a number of theories. One of the most prominent is that of the placebo effect, wherein the individual’s actual demeanor actually improves through an irrational belief in an aspect of life that gives them improved compunction. References Abascal, Juan. (2006) Essential Elements for Effectiveness. New York: Pearson. Read More