One of the major problems which faces societies in our days is child abuse and neglect. This problem has always existed, but it is now that scientists are beginning to discover the disastrous results that it leads to. Neglect and abuse are the same, expect in one major difference. While the damage is not intended in the cases of neglect, it is intended in the cases of abuse (Griffin, 1992). By definition, neglect is the absence of adequate social, emotional and physical care.
Abuse on the other hand is defined as the nonaccidental physical attack on or injury to children by individuals caring for them. The majority of the cases of abuse are those of emotional abuse (Griffin, 1992). However, cases of physical abuse are also serious with 20,000 cases recorded annually in the US as cases of physical abuse. Physical abuse involves hitting the child in such a way as to hurt him. At the same time, more than 113,000 cases are reported annually in the US as sexual abuse cases (Zanden, 1993).
Sexual abuse is defined as the forced, tricked, or coerced sexual behavior between a child and an older person. Sexual abuse is considered to be the worst kind of child abuse, and is usually the least reported, mainly because it takes place inside the family. Child abuse in Lebanon is not a new problem. In fact, the patriarchial structure of the Lebanese family gives the father more chances to abuse his children and even his wife. Besides, our society tolerates beating children in order to make them grow up straight.
Our heritage contains proverbs such as “use the stick for those who disobey,” and “hit your child and he will be straight. ” It is tough for many people to understand why anyone would abuse a child, but it happens more than people think. Intergenerational transmission of violence is a major cause of child abuse. Children who were abused when they were young are more likely to be abusive when they grow up and have children. (Compton’s 1) Some studies have shown that thirty percent of abused children grow up to be abusive parents.
Children who were not abused and grow up to have children are much less likely to be abusive parents, only two to three percent of people will be abusive. (Child Abuse and Neglect 1) People would tend to question why a child who knows how hard it was when they were young would grow up and do this to their child. Children grow up thinking that everything their parents do is right. The problem is when these children are abused they don’t often learn that it is the wrong thing to do, and will be more likely to abuse their children.
Stress can be a cause of child abuse as well. Parents who don’t know how to handle stress will often lash out, and become abusive to their children. Stress can be brought on from a variety of places. Common stress factors are unemployment, illness, drug abuse, poor housing, larger than average family size, death, or the presence of a new baby. What exactly does it mean to serve children through this case management relationship? What does the relationship offer besides referral to specific, functional services like those already discussed?
More generally, the family-oriented case managers in the site programs serve children by:
- Keeping an eye on children themselves and helping families gauge how their children are doing;
- Providing parents with support and friendship, assistance in improving important family relationships and in dealing differently with their children, and information about parenting or children;
- Providing friendship, support, and role models for a child directly; and encouraging other service deliverers to respond more effectively to a child’s needs.
In several programs, case managers struggle to bring together their role in relation to a single client, such as a teen mother or a school age child, with their role in relation to the family as a whole. In these successful examples, case managers reported integrating those roles to see the child in a family context rather than advocating for one family member against another, but not all experiences were as successful.
In addition, case managers operated with quite different levels of training in child development and family functioning; again, the examples illustrated in this paper show what is possible with training and, in several cases, expert backup support. The following discusses the societal changes that should be made to protect children in the twenty-first century. Children who are growing up in poverty or other kinds of need are likely to come into contact with other large public agencies besides the welfare system: the public schools, community health clinics or city hospitals, and, perhaps, sadly, the state’s child protective services agency.
What are the implications of the findings presented here for the other large public agencies that see poor children and families? To put the question slightly differently, what principles would we apply to each system if we wanted to create a coherent network of services to children? While this study was not designed to investigate other service systems in any detail, the research sites do suggest several intriguing speculations (Crosson, 2010). First, other agencies besides the welfare department can and should consider what it means to be two-generational.
As the research sites and the evidence of other researchers suggest, family needs are often intertwined, whereas the services offered by many of the large systems are limited to a single family member (Jones, 2004). In summary, whenever we do not take care of our children, it is easily for child abuse to happen. Although each man has own problems, but it is not fair if we throw all troubles to a child. In my opinions, child abuse is a complicated and sensible issue because it has just occurred when we have lost control of ourselves. Whatever the causes of child abuse, the most important thing is adults’ behavior.
So, education is the best method for preventing child abuse. Through the training programs, adult might get a healthier life and children can have some skills of self protection. And I hope that in future children all over the world might keep away from child abuse.
References
- Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (2008). Child Maltreatment 2007, (DHHS Publication). Retrieved from http://www. acf. hhs. gov
- Ai, A. L. , Corley, C. S. , Peterson, C. , Bu, H. , Tice, T. N. (2009). Cardiac patients: Pathways of cognitive coping and social support. Social Work n Health Care, 48(4), 471-494.
- Bush, G. W. (2007). National Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. Retrieved May 25, 2007, from www. whitehouse. gov.
- Capps, D. (1992). Religion and child abuse: Perfect together. Journal for Scientific Study of Religion, 31(1), 1-14.
- Carothers, S. Borkowski, J. G. , Burke Lefever, J. , & Whitman, T. L. (2005). Religiosity and the socioemotional adjustment of adolescent mothers and their children. Journal of Family Psychology, 19, 263-275.
- Couture, P. D. (2003). The fight for children: Practical theology and children’s rights. Contact, 142, 28-40.
- DeVries, D. (2001). Toward a theology of childhood. Interpretation, 55(2), 161-173.
- Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect 405 Garland, D. R. & Chamiec-Case, R. (2005). Before—and after—the political rhetoric: Faith-based child and family welfare services. Social Work and Christianity, 32(1), 22-43.
- Holt, C. L. , Caplan, L. , Schulz, E. , Blake, V. , Southward, P, Buckner, A. , Lawrence, H. (2009). The role of religion in cancer coping among African Americans: A qualitative examination. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 27(2), 248-273.
- Homiak, K. B. & Singletary, J. E. (2007). Family violence in congregations: An exploratory study of clergy’s needs. Social Work and Christianity, 34(1), 18-46.
- Kline, P. M. , McMackin, R. , Lezotte, E. & Kline, P. M. (2008). The impact of the clergy abuse scandal on parish communities. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 17, 290-300.
- Linder, E. W. (2006). Thus far on the way: Toward a theology of child advocacy. Journal of Family Ministry, 20(2), 27-37.
- Melton, G. B. & Anderson, D. (2008). From safe sanctuaries to strong communities: The role of communities of faith in child protection. Family Community Health, 31, 173-185.
Psychological Disorders Analyzed In Watchmen Analysis
Name Date Course Professor/Instructor Psychological Disorders analyzed in Watchmen Through out the graphic novel Watchmen written by Alan Moore, Moore tells the story of a particular superhero group referred to as Watchmen whom for the most part possess relatively human characteristics. In a reversed manner, Moore uses these characters to symbolize the different kinds of human beings in the world rather than the typical super beings so often created in traditional comic books (Disinformation).
Like humans, characters in Watchmen all fall short of their own problems, failures, and weaknesses and struggle like every day-to-day people in society. One of the many afflictions that the heroes face, in particular Rorschach, Ozymandias, and Doctor Manhattan, is their flaw that defines them the most, and that is their personality disorder. In explanation behind these claims of certain disorders, professional research conducted of disorders can be matched by analyzing the characters past, emotions and dialogue from the story.
To begin, the most disturbing character to bring discussion about mental illness is Rorschach. Rorschach, also known as Walter Kovacs, is without a doubt a character that suffers from not one, but many personality and psychological disorders through out Watchmen. These disorders are pointed out from Walter’s early childhood to well into his adult life. Analyzing Walter’s past from his abusive childhood to his adult life of being a slight sociopath and constantly in fear, ties have been made between Rorschach and the mental disorder Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) (Perry 2).
In order to understand how Perry analyzed Walter’s character and diagnosed him as a sufferer of paranoia, similarities between what the typical traits of a person with Paranoia Personality Disorder are classified under and how many of those traits matched Walter’s personality must be examined. PPD is often referred to as being a complex phenomenon. Multiple approaches and theories have been made towards paranoia and what brings it about. According to Nathan Carlin’s The Paranoia of Everyday Life, paranoia is often related to personal or self esteem issues, distressing of thoughts, and traumatic experiences (Carlin 681).
These thoughts and experiences can develop as early as childhood. Other traits of Paranoia Personality Disorder have been led to people having difficulty accepting responsibility for themselves, their lives, and even consequences of their behavior. They are also quick to blame others for their misfortune or unhappiness (Meissner 1). These facts are very accurate in proving Walter’s disorder in Watchmen. Physical and verbal abuse demonstrated in Chapter VI of Watchmen by Walter’s own mother and bullies draws a conclusion to the reader that his life very much consisted of painful traumatic experiences.
Painful memories result in sexually explicit nightmares Walter had of his mother and her clients also is a key to uncovering Walter’s disorder as this falls into the distressing of thoughts and more traumatic happenings partly due to his innocence being taken so young (Moore 6:32). Confrontations in his adult life with the murdering of so-called “criminals” in his eyes were a way of Walter paying back at society for their evil doings. An explicit description of this would be the murder and burning of a man he convicts of killing a little girl.
Other examples of PPD can be seen in his fears of society thinking that the world is a very terrible place inspiring him to seek revenge on this “morally blank world” (Moore 6:26). This comes from the consecutive abuse and lack of affection, concern, and protective instinct a mother is suppose to have for her child. Walter however never knew what that sense of protection was and thus views society as an evil and dangerous place. Of these catastrophes, Rorschach’s sympathetic character can be a bit more understood and supports Moore’s idea of the heroes possessing more “human traits” than destructive powers.
Subsequently, the next character that can be associated with an obvious personality disorder is Jon Osterman, also known as Doctor Manhattan. Beginning to understand Jon, it is always important to look into the character’s past. Unlike Rorschach’s abusive tale, Jon came from a clean-cut, educated background before his transformation into Doctor Manhattan. After the transformation however is when Jon can be associated with a specific disorder called Schizoid Personality Disorder that sums up Doctor Manhattan perfectly.
Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is a disorder than is characterized by “lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and apathy” (Perry 6). Other providing information about this disorder states that SPD can characterize people as “comfortably dull and at the same time sensitive. ” Many are described to have “shut-in personalities” and incapable of common discussion of events (Akhtar 500). Some psychologists struggle to determine if SPD is considered an illness or an actual personality disorder (Panagiotis 46).
Others argue that in fact individuals presented with difficulties may tend to keep relationships at a distance, choosing to be more self-reliant while they feel discomfort with intimacy and interdependence (Panagiotis 47). The statements listed above in describing SPD exists very much within Doctor Manhattan. After his transformation, his personality became contradictory of what his “human” personality use to be. In explanation of this claim, one can infer and analyze Doctor Manhattan’s certain “gifts” or powers that he acquired after the reconstruction of his body.
Size alteration, enhanced strength, teleportation, matter manipulation, telekinesis and so on are many of the abnormal powers Doctor Manhattan has control over through his humanoid body (Wyldsong). In connection with his superpowers and his ability to manipulate matter on a quantum level, this is what ultimately leaves Doctor Manhattan unable to connect anymore within human beings and alienates himself from the world. An accurate example of this can be seen in Chapter Nine when Laurie is teleported to Mars. Upon her arrival, she is unable to breathe due to the lack of oxygen on the planet.
Unlike Laurie, Doctor Manhattan is able to survive without the simplest of human needs like oxygen. He forgets this about Laurie but quickly realizes the problem and fixes it quoting “Sometimes these things slip my mind” (Moore 9:2-3). Because he is considered to be some sort of God complex, he finds himself a slave of predetermination, in which he understands the sequence of events that will occur as well as his own involvement in them but unable to alter the events in the past or future that he will be a part of (Wyldsong).
An example of this can be interpreted again from segments in Chapter Nine in Watchmen. Doctor Manhattan asks Laurie why his perception of time distresses her. She answers, “Why ask? You already know my answer. ” Doctor Manhattan responds “Everything is preordained, even my responses. ” He then proceeds to ask Laurie about sleeping with Dan Drieldberg, also known as Nite Owl. This shocks Laurie and in response she replies, “You know about me and Dan? ” Again, Doctor Manhattan’s reply “No, but in a few moments you’re going to tell me” (Moore 9:5-6).
His ability to read and know thoughts before they are said gives Doctor Manhattan the advantage and the curse of knowing the events and outcomes of people in time before they know themselves. This chronic deliema plays in SPD and causes Doctor Manhattan to be depersonalized and have feelings of non-humanness (Akhtar 507). To interpret the other claims of his Schizoid Personality Disorder, a good example to look at would be in Chapter Nine of Watchmen: The Darkness of Mere Being. Doctor Manhattan has teleported himself to Mars, a place where he finds comfort in solitude.
Not a single organism lives on Mars except himself. It is not until he teleports Laurie to Mars and explains the meaning behind his solitude, which mostly deals with knowledge of time. In Chapter Nine, he refers to Laurie as his “link, my only concern with the world. When you left me, I left Earth. Now you have replaced me, and that link is shattered. ” (Watchmen 9:8). His loss of willingness to connect and have close relationships not only affected Laurie once he transformed, but with the whole world as well, which is why his home is secluded on Mars.
His last ties to humanity are then broken once the orb has been smashed (Moore 9:24). To summarize, it is all too easy to see that Schizoid Personality Disorder can be seen in Doctor Manhattan in a strange analytical way. Doctor Manhattan more or less differentiates from Rorschach, who’s tragic experiences led to his personality disorder, Doctor Manhattan’s is conceived because of his curse to be in control of everything at all times. The final character that can be analyzed and associated with a specific personality disorder is Ozymandias.
Ozymandias, also known as Adrian Veidt, is considered to be one of the smartest men alive in Watchmen. Although Adrian does not possess any inherent superpowers, his esquisite physic, dashing looks, and incredible intelligence makes him put himself beyond humanity which causes him to lack any empathy towards anyone but himself. These characteristics diagnose Adrian with a disorder known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is often compared as a borderline personality disorder.
Patients with a severe narcissistic personality may present symptoms strikingly similar to those of borderline patients: general impulsivity, severe chaos in relations with significant others, sever breakdown in their capacity for work and emotional intimacy, and Para suicidal and self-mutilating behavior. Patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder show rather extreme fluctuations between severe feelings of inferiority and failure, and corresponding depressive reactions, and are usually isolated socially even if they are part of an intense social network (Kerberg & Yeomans14-15).
In more extreme cases, Malignant Narcissism is the severe form of ego-syntonic aggression, paranoia, and antisocial traits and personality (Kerbeg & Yeomans 15). In some of these claims, Adrian Veidt certainly fits the category of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. He demonstrates a very arrogant and haughty behavior or attitudes. This can be inferred by his picture and interview at the end of Chapter Twelve; After the Masquerade (Moore 12:29-32). He has a very high opinion of himself in which he lacks the regular empathy and emotions that is expected from a hero.
His stance on how he believes the world is going to end by a nuclear war in the next couple years is far more concerning than his fellow coworkers trying to fight off local crime. An example of his narcissistic ways would be his idea of bringing about world peace by killing a couple million people of New York. This act alone in the killing of innocent lives has no impact on Adrian Veidt. His purpose is to annihilate as many humans as possible in order to bring light about preventing a war.
Other examples of his narcissistic behavior include the narration on page eight of Chapter Eleven. One example in particular is his confession to which he idolizes the most, Alexander of Macedonia. Adrian talks how Alexander ruled “with barbarism. He instituted the ancient world’s greatest seat of learning. ” (Moore 11:8). “I wanted to match his accomplishment, bringing an age of illumination to a benighted world. I wanted to have something to say to him, should we meet in the hall of legends. ” (Moore 11:8).
Almost to a point, these phrases spoken by Ozymandias provide the most accurate detail in identifying the narcissistic traits within his personality. He also speaks of how his “intellect sets me apart. Faced with difficult choices, I knew nobody whose advice might prove useful. Nobody living. ” (Moore 11:8). His character relies on no one. Only he himself can save the world and save it properly even if millions of lives are claimed. His extreme self-obsession in his accomplishments and desires to be the most powerful man in the world drive him to want to complete these tasks.
In conclusion to these claims of psychological and personality disorders associated in Watchmen, the real meaning behind these descriptive personalities was for Alan Moore to show how many different types of real people there are in the world and create a world of flawed men and women with struggles, hopes, and dreams, and not just as beautiful people in a cape. The disorders are all too real and can impact anyone and everyone. As it goes, analyzing these disorders shows that even the most perfect hero has their inner demons they fight and will continue to fight.
Works Cited Akhtar, Salman. “Schizoid Personality Disorder” A Synthesis of Developmental, Dynamic, and Descriptive Features. ” American Journal of Psychotherapy. 41. 4 (1987): 499. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 1 May 2013. Carlin, Nathan. “The Paranoia of Everyday Life: Some Personal, Psychological, And Pastoral Thoughts. ” Pastoral Psychology 59. 6 (2010): 679-695. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 8 Apr. 2013. Kernberg, Otto F. Yeomans, Frank E. “Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder,
Depression, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, And Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Practical Differential Diagnosis. ” Bulletin Of The Menninger Clinic. 77. 1 (2013): 1-22. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. Margerrison, Nick. “Alan Moore Discusses WATCHMEN: The Mindscape Of Alan Moore. ” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 22, Feb. 2009. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. Meissner, W. W. “Paranoid Personality Disorder. ” Armenian Medical Network 07, Apr. 2006. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. Moore, Alan, and Dave Gibbons. Watchmen.
New York: DC Comics, 1987. Print. Parpottas, Panagiotis. “A Critique On The Use Of Standard Psychopathological Classifications In Understanding Human Distress: The Example Of ‘Schizoid Personality Disorder’. ” Counselling Psychology Review 27. 1 (2012): 44-52. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. Perry, David. “Coding In My Sleep. ” BIPS—Free Merchant Solutions and eWallet Service 22, Sep. 2012. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. Wyldsong. “Dr. Manhattan (Character). ” Comic Vine—Comic reviews videos, forums and wiki, 3, Apr. 2012. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
Capital Justification
According to the hospital’s five-year plan, investing in capital equipment will enhance service quality. While there are various choices for capital investments, this report recommends prioritizing investment in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment. Despite its significant initial expense, this equipment has the potential to generate profits. The hospital has carefully considered the cost, required facilities, and return on investment associated with this equipment.
When considering the purchase of large capital equipment for a hospital, it is important to take into account both installation and operational costs. In this case, we recommend the GE Signa Echospeed Plus 1.5T MRI machine, which is classified as a medium-capacity device. This machine provides high-quality scans that are detailed and attractive to customers. The initial cost of acquiring this equipment is approximately $1.2 million, with an additional $400,000 needed for constructing an MRI room. Thus, the total initial cost amounts to around $2.3 million.
This report also considers the ongoing expenses associated with operating and maintaining the equipment. While GE offers three months of complimentary maintenance services, subsequent maintenance costs will be borne by the hospital. Additionally, there is a requirement to hire an MRI radiologist who would receive an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $65,000 per year. As a result, the estimated annual operating cost for using this machine comes to about $400,000.
The MRI equipment’s return on investment is crucial for the hospital. With a significant upfront cost, it is crucial for the MRI to generate profit and pay for itself. Fortunately, the hospital can easily recover its costs since the rates for MRI scans range from $2000 to $4000. Additionally, the hospital charges a fee of around $400 for an MRI radiologist to analyze the scan. This fee is another source of revenue and contributes to the equipment’s ROI.
GE, the equipment manufacturer, states that the equipment has a lifespan of up to 15 years, but the warranty only covers the first 6 years of use (Price, 2011). These statistics demonstrate that the MRI equipment can bring a satisfactory return on investment to the hospital. The longevity of the machine, along with the increasing demand for MRI scans, supports the decision to purchase the equipment. Additionally, other factors that contribute to higher returns from the equipment include its versatility in clinical applications.
MRI equipment is highly advantageous as it has the ability to diagnose medical conditions in various parts of the body, including the heart, breast, bones, spine, and brain. This unique feature makes it an essential tool in healthcare. It effectively detects stroke, blockages in the circulatory system, cardiovascular conditions, tumors, and injuries. In addition to its versatility and wide range of uses, MRI equipment also provides higher quality imaging when compared to other imaging equipment (Keefer, 2011).
Utilizing advanced technology, the MRI equipment is capable of generating high-resolution 3D images that provide exceptional clarity. This plays a vital role in identifying and diagnosing conditions such as blood vessel obstructions and tumors. Consequently, the hospital anticipates an increase in referrals for imaging services and profitability from utilizing the MRI machine (Price, 2011). Additionally, with the rising number of cancer cases, there is a growing demand for imaging services. Therefore, acquiring this machine is a logical decision given the escalating need for imaging services.
The MRI machine has improved scanning speed with its new technology. It is capable of providing immediate results during and after the scan, unlike other technologies like x-rays that require processing time. The machine features a real-time locator for quick data reconstruction and display of results. The faster scanning speeds also allow for maximum utilization of the machine, serving more patients (Tofts, 2005).
The initial investment for purchasing and installing the MRI machine is around $2.3 million, which is a substantial cost. Additionally, there are ongoing operational expenses linked to the machine. However, despite these considerable costs, the report emphasizes various factors that justify obtaining this equipment. The hospital can recuperate its investment in the equipment through the high charges for MRI imaging.
The profitability of investing in this machine is also influenced by increased scan speed, improved imaging quality, and a variety of clinical applications. In addition, the demand for imaging services is on the rise. References:
Keefer A. (2011). How Much Do MRI Machines Cost? November 16, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_4731161_much-do-mri-machines-cost.html
Price, J. (2011). Handbook of Breast MRI. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Tofts, P. (2005). Quantitative MRI of the Brain: Measuring Changes Caused by Disease. New York: Wiley & Sons.