Ass 6: psy5014_ interviews - Essay Example

Problem-Solving: Interview Results By You Your Here Here Problem-Solving: Interview Results Introduction In order to achieve a series of unique interview results, two specific individuals were questioned in relation to efforts undertaken to solve complex life problems. The first individual was a 20 year old man with the second participant being a woman in her mid-50’s. This small sample was recruited in the hopes of establishing different perspectives of problem-solving from a unique gender viewpoint and various age differences.

The results of the interview are described and highlighted in this paper.The 20 Year Old Man The main problem identified by this participant was an inability to recruit and retain quality friendships, pointing out that he was somewhat disturbed by how he perceived today’s youth generation in relation to selfishness and irresponsibility. The participant further suggested that many youths in his age range were spoiled and pampered young adults with no focus on future goal-setting and the importance of education for future career planning.

This participant is a strong proponent for education, suggesting that he felt today’s youths were more focused on self-indulgence and did not make quality friends as part of a long-term social plan. To combat these issues, this interviewee tried a series of psychological theories in order to relate to his peer groups, such as reverse psychology and theories of motivation specifically outlined by Abraham Maslow on his Hierarchy of Needs. It is important to identify that this participant was pursuing a degree in psychology, which made him a competent candidate for this interview session.

The 20 year old believed that many youths in his age category validated their identities by seeking acceptance from other peers, something which he pointed out should have been achieved by the end of their teenage years. In many instances, this participant attempted to build perceptions of self-worth by excessive praise of his friends’ abilities, hoping to motivate them to achieve more than the routine party and alcohol consumption. This participant pointed out that all attempts to boost motivation through self-esteem development had failed, with many friends stuck in the stage of belonging as they tried repeatedly to mold their destructive behaviors around their fellow peers.

This isolated him from participating in a quality social network. This participant is currently seeking friends, within the college he currently attends, who share his convictions on sacrificing self-indulgent activities in the pursuit of education and career growth.The Mid-50’s Participant Unique from the other participant, this adult female pinpointed problems which were specifically involving her marital relationship. Problems stemming from male chauvinism to household economic and budgeting crises were identified.

This participant believed that her husband was unsupportive, afraid to show public affection due to high focus on his perceived role as a masculine dominator in the household. Research indicates that many men are strongly opposed to exhibiting a-typical feminine behaviors, such as the embrace or emotional discussion, which makes this a common problem for many housewives today (Morris & Maisto, 2005). To combat this problem, this participant sought a relationship counselor to help her husband identify with his feelings and work toward expressing them positively to his wife.

She identified that this attempt met with utter failure. Seeking alternative solutions, she looked toward her female peer network and even read literature on self-initiated divorce proceedings, however through this effort she realized her love for her husband, despite his emotional failings, was quite strong. After reading a series of self-help books, she discovered that she could build her own identity and validate her self-worth without looking toward her husband, and today she experiences a stronger connection with her importance in the marriage and enjoys a more fulfilling social life with friends who share her beliefs on emotional expression.

Research indicates that many women seek validation from their husbands in relation to justifying their role in the marriage (Weiten & Lloyd, 2005). By seeking alternative solutions, this participant found self-value and the motivation to build a life outside of the marriage institution.ReferencesMorris, C. & Maisto, A. (2005). Psychology: An Introduction. 12th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall: 198-201.Weiten, W. & Lloyd, M. (2005). Psychology Applied to Modern Life. Thomson Wadsworth: 104-105.