There are several theories that have been developed over the years that relate to mental health. For example, Sigmund Freud is well recognized for his psychoanalytic theory that discusses the will to pleasure in explaining mental health. Additionally, Alfred Alder developed the Individual Psychology theory that focuses on the will to power in discussing cognitive issues. However, this paper analyzes the logotherapy theory as proposed by Viktor Frankl.
Frankl (2006) used personal experiences from his time at the Nazi concentration camps in Germany. The psychologist argued that positive thinking, in regards to the meaning of life, helped him overcome the difficulties he faced while in the camps. Frankl (2006) goes further to state that other people who could not find the meaning of their lives while in camps did not survive. This essay looks at how logotheraphy relates to mental illness and emotional distress. The techniques and methods proposed by the theory will also be analyzed in relation to their link to cognitive conditions.
Logotherapy and Mental Illness
Logotherapy theory associates mental health issues to an individual’s willingness to discover the significance of life. Frankl (2006) argued that prisoners in the Nazi camps would succumb to their conditions because they “gave up on life” (p. 19). Through the book Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl (2006) argues that there are three things that ensure mental health. The three elements, which also affect one’s search for meaning, are immense suffering, meeting someone significant/influential, and creating or designing a relevant piece of work in their careers, or doing a good deed. Frankl used the first element to find meaning as he agrees he only sought to this after he was arrested and detained in the Nazi camps.
Frankl’s day-to-day activities were interrupted when he was arrested and detained in the concentration camps. He not only had to adjust to the life of a prisoner but also to develop a positive attitude that he will one day be set free. All this relates to mental health.
One can argue that logotherapy theory assumes that life has meaning in all situations (Frankl, 2006). The three elements mentioned summarise every situation one can ever find himself or herself in at any given point in time. Everybody will meet an influential person at one point of their life or another. Additionally, everyone goes through some hard times and lastly, everyone also creates or becomes proud of something they have done at least once in their life. It is crucial to also state that the theory assumes that individuals have the liberty to find the meaning of life. The concepts enhanced by Frankl suggest that everyone has a choice to explore the significance of his or her life in spite of the circumstances and status he or she is in at the time.
Towards this end, the logotherapy theory assumes that mental health is “easy”. Frankl (2006) states that human beings have a body and a mind, which they can control. The soul, however, is the essence of man (Frankl, 2006).
The premise suggests that the mind is an element of man that is easily controllable. Thus, mental health can be viewed as easily comprehensible and manageable. The assumption that humans have a will to meaning also suggests that mental health is something innate and one just has to “unlock” it when the three events happen (suffering, meeting someone significant and creating, designing or doing a work one is proud of). Therefore, according to the premise suggested, the causes of mental illness are closely related to the individual’s failure or denial to search for the importance of his or her life (Frankl, 2006).
It is arguable that logotherapy theory does not fully consider therapeutic goals that involve groups. However, this does not purport that the premises proposed through the theory cannot be used for therapeutic goals during counseling. Counseling is an interpersonal activity that involves more than one person. One can argue that logotherapy is founded on the assumption that people are able to realize their own life’s meaning but they often need help from “others” to do this.
However, the impact of “others” in searching for meaning is clearly brought out by Frankl’s (2006) analysis of how the environment affects one’s search for meaning. This is clearly brought out in his example of the General who lost his wife. Therefore, one can state that a significant therapeutic goal that can be used, in relation to logotherapy theory, is connecting with other people in an attempt to realize one’s own life’s meaning.
Techniques and Methods of Logotherapy
As stated previously, Frankl (2006) identified three elements that can help an individual find meaning in his or her life. These three elements are also referred to like the methods of logotherapy theory. The first method is immense suffering. Monumental suffering can enhance feelings of depression and this can lead to more severe mental health issues. The example of the general who lost his wife as quoted by Frankl (2006) can be used to explain how the method helps people find meaning in their lives.
Frankl (2006) narrates the story of a Nazi general who was also in the camp. Frankl noticed that the general had become melancholic and depressed. Upon inquiring, Frankl realized that the general had just lost his wife (Frankl, 2006). To console him, and help him realize his goal in life, Frankl told the general that his wife dying first was beneficial as it had spared her the pain of losing him (the general) first. According to Frankl (2006), this realization helped the general also realize the meaning of his life as he became assured that it was to love and take care of his wife (Frankl, 2006).
The second method is the meeting of someone influential. From the book, Frankl refers to people who have lost the will to live as “Moslems” (Frankl, 2006, p. 19), a name he explains was also used by the Nazi soldiers. According to Frankl, Moslems who had met someone influential, whether it was a friend, lover or lost family member, in that situation ended up surviving their depression. The third method is a creation or design of a piece of work or project that one felt proud of or doing a good deed (Frankl, 2006). The example of the general can be used to explain this method further. In the case of the general, Frankl did a good deed by helping a grieving soldier despite the fact that he (Frankl) had been ill-treated and tortured by the same Nazi soldier.
Apart from the methods, there are three techniques that are linked to logotherapy theory as well. The first technique is the paradoxical intention (Frankl, 2006). The technique uses what an individual fears most to liberate him or her. For instance, a person who fears being laughed at can be encouraged to be comical so that people laugh at him or her. By doing so, it is expected that the person will realize that they can handle being laughed at as it is normal.
The second technique is de-reflection (Frankl, 2006). The said technique, as the name suggests, is the use of re-direction of focus from self to others. Frankl (2006) argues that focusing on helping other people eases the burden of focusing on one’s own situation.
For example, Frankl (2006) has suffered immensely after being arrested and taken to the Nazi camps. Not only had he lost his profession as a psychologist, but he had also lost all of his family members. In an attempt to ease the heartbreak, he sought to help other people in the camp realize their own meanings. Frankl (2006) explains that he had to force his mind to find positivity in the situation he was in at that time and helping others made this easier. The third and last technique of logotherapy theory is Socratic dialogue (Frankl, 2006). This technique guides a patient through a journey of self-discovery by encouraging him or her to use his or her own words. A therapist can then point out common patterns, words and expressions, and help a patient find meaning in them.
Three Things Learnt from Logotherapy
One thing I learnt from logotherapy theory is that one’s will can be significantly strong such that it changes one’s whole perspective on life. As mentioned previously, Frankl (2006) argues that he forced his mind to adapt to his new life. The scholar explains that his will was so strong that it gave him the courage and determination to make a better life for himself in the camps. By doing this, he not only became happier but also interacted well with other people, including the Nazi soldiers.
The fact that people can achive themselves to that extent is fascinating as it contradicts with many of the concepts discussed in psychology. For example, the premise suggests that the mind is so self-reliant and self-sufficient. Thereby, one can argue that the mind is an entity on its own and can do whatever it wants as long as the individual wills it.
The second thing learnt from conducting research on logotherapy theory is that the mind not only controls the body but also the soul. Frankl (2006) defines the soul as the essence of man. The body and the mind, on the other hand, are the aspects that make a man (Frankl, 2006).
It is interesting that Frankl does not in any way refer to the soul as a spiritual or religious entity. In fact, many of his arguments contradict with both spirituality and religion. One can argue that the fact that the mind is controllable, and the soul is the essence of man, then one can easily resist any outer influences as long as they understand who they really are as a person. When people understand the three aspects of themselves (body, mind and soul), then the environment and other outer influences cannot change their ideologies.
The third thing learnt after reading the book is that the mind can endure anything and in doing so ensures that the body too can survive anything. This lesson is picked from Frankl’s ordeal in the concentration camps. Frankl was both emotionally and physically hurt when he was put into the Nazi camps. He had lost his family and, in the beginning, did not know whether they were alive or dead. Additionally, he had been tortured, evicted from his home and had to abandon his career. He lived in despicable conditions in the camps and his religion had been challenged. Despite this, the author explains that he forced his mind to find the little pleasures of living in the concentration camps. According to the scholar, it is this will to find meaning in that situation that ensured his survival.
The perspective towards logotherapy theory changed after reading the book. One of the reasons for the change was the fact that Frankl offers personal examples of how each method and technique in the theory can be used in psychology and counseling. Initially, logotherapy theory appeared to propose an individual struggle that encouraged the affected patient to pretend to be healthy until the day they actually become healthy. This misunderstanding was corrected after reading the book and understanding of the concepts of the theory.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Logotherapy Theory
Logotherapy theory can be both useful and harmful to patients based on their cultural and demographic differences. Logotherapy can be beneficial for patients that are spiritual or religious. This is due to the fact that it employs the principles of the theology of hope. One can argue that for people to push their minds to such extents that logotherapy encourages, they have to be hopeful. This type of hope is brought on by a spiritual or religious understanding of outcomes. Despite the fact that Frankl does not tie the theory to religion, he was, in fact, a very religious man and it is his faith that helped him survive the Nazi concentration camps.
Towards this end, one can argue that the theory can be counterproductive in people who are not religious or inclined to be hopeful. On the same note, logotherapy can be harmful to clients who cannot seem to find the meaning of life as the psychologist will be inclined to give such patients goals, which will not necessarily solve their mental concerns. This is especially the case in younger patients who are yet to understand the meaning and complexities of life. The treatment process will be biased as it will be fully dictated by the goals set by the counselor.
Conclusion
Logotherapy is one of the many therapeutic theories used in psychology and counselling today. The theory was developed by Alfred Frankl after he was arrested, tortured and held at the Nazi concentration camps. The theory has three methods that have been used to help patients find the meaning of life. The three methods are creating or designing an impressive piece of work that one is proud of or doing a good deed, immense suffering, and meeting someone significant.
The theory also has three techniques that counselors use. The three techniques are the Socratic dialogue, paradoxical intention, and de-reflection. It is important to note that logotherapy gives an individual the power to survive anything. This is because the theory depicts the mind as a powerful element that can shape how a person views the world and the people around him or her. To Frankl, using the concepts associated with logotherapy helped him survive the concentration camps as he was willing to see the positive elements of the camps and the situation he was in at that time.
Reference
Frankl, A. (2006). Man’s search for meaning. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Evidence-Based Practice: Systematic Implementation
Introduction
Research is a complex and multi-phased process that can utilize various methods and approaches. Qualitative studies are known to apply an emergent design that can vary depending on researcher reflections on the collected knowledge and data. Polit and Beck (2015) specify that qualitative studies are based on a wide range of traditions such as historical and discourse analysis, grounded theory, and ethnography. Qualitative research critique should include the aspects of research tradition, research question, and study design. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critique of the qualitative article named “Systematic implementation of evidence‐based practice in a clinical nursing setting: A participatory action research project” which was written by the experts in evidence-based practice.
Article Analysis and Critique
A given article deals with the process and difficulties of evidence-based practice implementation in a nursing setting. The study is divided into sections according to research background, methods and design, findings, and result discussion. St. Pierre and Jackson (2014) claim that study analysis is inseparable from discussions related to data collection and involved participants which are a part of the research method. The design approach applied in this study involves participatory action research. Its main phases include observation, reflection, planning, and action.
Research Strengths
The research is based on the notions of trustworthiness and credibility. The participants of the study are the medical staff and patients of the lung unit. The data is collected by using interviews with the registered nurses and the patients, as well as focus-group discussions related to the research question. Some researchers state that the credibility of research is enhanced by the experience of the researcher in the study field (Cope, 2014). The researchers of the discussed study are the experts in evidence-based practice and struggle to find new approaches to its successful implementation.
To reach a satisfactory level of reliability, the triangulation method is used. It is noted that triangulation is defined as multiple resources and data used to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the problem in qualitative research (Carter, Bryant-Lukosius, DiCenso, Blythe, & Neville, 2014). This study includes such approaches to data collection as observations, interviews, discussions, and written reflections. Multiple sources used for data collection included nurses, patients, analytical notes, and written documents.
Research Weaknesses
Although several insights were developed to make an evidence-based practice more adaptive to implementation in the practical clinical setting, the main weakness of the conducted research is that it is limited to a specific lung unit. Some researchers emphasize that “reliability makes replication possible, although qualitative researchers themselves recognize induction is difficult (or even impossible) to maintain with replication” (Morse, 2015, p. 1216). The researchers also claim that they did not take into account the specific needs of the patients in a given clinical setting (Friesen‐Storms, Moser, Loo, Beurskens, & Bours, 2015). The discharge protocol was noted to make further obstacles in implementing evidence-based practice. Thus, many specific aspects related to EBP implementation remained uncovered.
Conclusion
The paper discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the article about difficulties in the implementation of evidence-based practice in the lung unit. The authors of the article seem to be competent specialists in a given field. Still, the research has some limitations as to the application of its results as the results of EBP implementation might vary depending on the clinical setting.
References
Carter, N., Bryant-Lukosius, D., DiCenso, A., Blythe, J., & Neville, A. J. (2014). The use of triangulation in qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(5), 545-547.
Cope, D. G. (2014). Methods and meanings: Credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(1), 89-91.
Friesen‐Storms, J. H., Moser, A., Loo, S., Beurskens, A. J., & Bours, G. J. (2015). Systematic implementation of evidence‐based practice in a clinical nursing setting: A participatory action research project. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(1-2), 57-68.
Morse, J. M. (2015). Critical analysis of strategies for determining rigor in qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Health Research, 25(9), 1212-1222.
Polit D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2016). Resource manual for nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
St. Pierre, E. A., & Jackson, A. Y. (2014). Qualitative data analysis after coding. Qualitative Inquiry, 20(6), 715-719.
Appendix 1. Research Critique Framework: Qualitative
| Aspect of the Report | Critiquing Questions | Answer
Yes/No |
Comment(s) |
| Title | Is the title a good one, suggesting the phenomena and the group or community under study? | Yes |
|
| Abstract | Did the abstract clearly and concisely summarize the main features of the report (problem, methods, results, conclusion)? | Yes |
|
| Introduction
Statement of the Problem |
Was the problem stated unambiguously, and was it easy to identify?
Is the problem significant for nursing? Did the problem statement build a persuasive argument for the new study? Was there a good match between the research problem and the methods used – that is, was a qualitative approach appropriate? |
Yes |
|
| Research Questions | Were research questions explicitly stated? If not, was their absence justified?
Were questions consistent with the study’s philosophical basis, underlying tradition, or ideological orientation? Were the questions/hypotheses consistent with existing knowledge? |
Yes |
|
| Literature Review | Did the report adequately summarize the existing body of knowledge related to the problem?
Did the literature review provide a strong basis for the new study? |
Yes |
|
| Conceptual/Theoretical Underpinnings | Were key concepts adequately defined conceptually?
Was the philosophical basis, underlying tradition, conceptual framework, r ideological orientation made explicit, and was it appropriate for the problem? |
Yes |
|
| Method
Protection of Human Rights |
Were appropriate procedures used to safeguard the rights of study participants?
Was the study externally reviewed by an IRB/ethics review board? Was the study designed to minimize risks and maximize benefits to participants? |
Yes |
|
| Research Design | Was the identified research tradition congruent with the methods used to collect and analyze data?
Was an adequate amount of time spent with study participants? Did the design unfold during the data collection, giving researchers opportunities to capitalize on early understandings? Was there an adequate number of contacts with study participants? minimized? |
Yes |
|
| Sample and Setting | Was the population adequately identified?
Was the sample described in sufficient detail? Was the approach used to recruit participants or gain access to the site productive and appropriate? Was the best possible method of sampling used to enhance information richness and address the needs of the study? |
Yes |
|
| Data Collection | Were the methods of data gathering appropriate?
Were data collected through two or more methods to achieve triangulation? Did the researcher ask the right questions or make the right observations, and were they recorded appropriately? Was a sufficient amount of data gathered? |
Yes |
|
| Procedures | Were data collection and recording procedures adequately described and do they appear appropriate?
Were data collected in a manner that minimized bias? Were the staff who collected data appropriately trained? |
Yes |
|
| Enhancement of trustworthiness | Did the researchers use effective strategies to enhance the trustworthiness and integrity of the study?
Were the methods for trustworthiness adequate? Did the researcher document research procedures and decision processes sufficiently that findings are auditable and confirmable? |
Yes |
|
| Results
Data Analysis |
Were the data management and data analysis methods adequately described?
Did the analysis yield an appropriate “product” (a theory, taxonomy, thematic pattern)? Did the analytic procedures suggest the possibility of bias? |
Yes |
|
| Findings | Were the findings effectively summarized, with good use of excerpts and supporting arguments?
Did the themes adequately capture the meaning of the data? Did the analysis yield an insightful, provocative, authentic, and meaningful picture of the phenomenon under investigation? |
Yes |
|
| Theoretical integration | Were the themes or patterns logically connected to form a convincing and integrated whole?
Were figures, maps, or models used effectively to summarize conceptualizations? If a conceptual framework or ideological orientation guided the study, were the themes or patterns linked to it in a cogent manner? |
Yes |
|
| Discussion
Interpretation of the findings |
Were the findings interpreted within an appropriate social or cultural context?
Were major findings interpreted and discussed within the context of prior studies? Were the interpretations consistent with the study’s limitations? |
No |
|
| Implications/recommendations | Did the researchers discuss the implications of the study for clinical practice or further research-and were those implications reasonable and complete? | Yes |
|
| General Issues
Presentation |
Was the report well-written, organized, and sufficiently detailed for critical analysis?
Were the description of the methods, findings, and interpretations sufficiently rich and vivid? |
Yes |
|
| Researcher credibility | Do the researchers’ clinical, substantive, or methodologic qualifications and experience enhance confidence in the findings and their interpretation? | Yes |
|
| Summary Assessment | Do the study findings appear to be trustworthy-do your confidence in the truth value of the results?
Does the study contribute any meaningful evidence that can be used in nursing practice or that is useful to the nursing discipline? |
Yes |
|
Missouri Gun Laws And Obama’s Reforms
Introduction
The gun law in the state of Missouri was signed into law to regulate the use and control the session of firearms and ammunition among the civilians. It has been declared a law that a convicted felon cannot possess a firearm (Garrett 2). It is not a crime to carry a firearm without a permit if an individual is licensed to own firearms. However, if caught without the permit one can be fined up to $ 35 (Garrett 2). The law gives firearms owners 90 days to surrender their weapons to the authorities or ship them out of the state (Garrett 2). The state of Missouri does not permit the purchase of rifles and shotguns and there is no license offered for the same (Garrett 4). Therefore, it is illegal to carry rifles and shotguns. Possession of guns is restricted to lawfully permitted individual. This means that selling, leasing, loaning out, giving away or delivering a firearm not an authorized person is a fully punishable by law (Garrett 4). The state has strict laws that control the possession of firearms. For instance to avoid accidents when one is under the influence of any drug, it is unlawful to possess either a loaded or unloaded firearm (Garrett 3).
Gun laws
In an attempt to reduce gun violence, the president signed into law a number of executive orders on January 16 this year. This order is designed to address the issue of gun violence that has prevailed in America. Top on the list is an order that requires a presidential memorandum ordering the federal agencies to avail data that will facilitate background check (Ungar 2). The list also contained the disbandment of all the legal procedures in the health insurance and accountability act that limit the disclosure of personal data (Ungar 2). This is to facilitate an efficient background-check on individuals owning firearms. The president also directed through signing of these orders that the state should share information with the background check system (Baker and Shear 2)
Now the law enforcement agencies will be at liberty to access full background check on individuals with cased firearms before they can give it back after he or she is cleared (Baker and Shear 2). The president also passed into law the national campaign to promote national safe and responsible acquisition of firearms (Ungar 6). In the state of Missouri, citizens have a right to own a gun for protection either to defend their homes, protect themselves and property or even to respond to lawful someone to help with the civil power (Baker and Shear 2). The state gives carry permits to qualified citizens who apply for a license. However, applicants must be residents of the state for at least six months (Ungar 5). The license is given within forty-five days after an applicant hands in their application.
People who are disqualified under the law to carry firearms are not given a concealed carry permit (Ungar 6). This includes people who are banned from gun possession by the federal law (Ungar 4). Law from owning or acquiring firearms prohibits from convicted felons for instance and the fugitives (Ungar 4). People with mental ailments as well as those who are known to have habitual drug intoxication are also prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, individuals who have been discharged from the military as well as individuals whom the authorities deem to be a danger to them or to other people are denied this right (Ungar 4).
What influenced guns laws
The incident in the Connecticut school massacre was a major influence on the toughening of the gun laws that the president signed into law. He vowed to champion a campaign to influence the congress to allow a ban on high performance military assault weapons. He also promised to expand background checks as well as create very tough gun trafficking rules (Bream 3). The numerous cases of gun violence in America have influenced the revision of the laws that govern the possession and use of guns. The president acknowledges that changing the gun industry will be met with great resistance from the industry players but he insists that in the American people can be mobilized to speak in one voice, they can make it happen.
Supporters and critics
Supporters of the toughest gun laws fear that the lawmakers will frustrate Obama’s efforts in controlling the gun industry. The president’s supporters include parent women and children. Supporters have been asking the president to overlook the congress and go ahead implementing his plan since the congress was unwilling to follow through with his plan (Bream 3). Chicago mayor supports Obama’s proposal and he has pleaded with the banks and other financial institution to use all the available and necessary means to make the gun’s traders to comply and accept the president’s proposal. The other hand, the majority of the guns law’s critics are players in the industry (Bream 2). The general counsel of the national shooting sport foundation is one of the very vocal critics of the gun laws (Bream 4). He views the mayor’s comments regarding Obama’s proposal as a way for the political class is trying to bully the industry and its players (Bream 4). He says that the mayor is trying to use the banks to bully them through making commercial restrictions, which will in turn frustrate their businesses.
The government is doing a very noble job in trying to regulate the use of guns and keeping under tight surveillance the individuals who own firearms. This will go along the way in reducing crimes and gun violence. The incidence that occurred in Cincinnati is a very unfortunate story, which should give the lawmakers the motivation to accept the president’s proposal. These laws were influenced and prompted by the rampant killings experienced in America where illegal firearms are in circulation. This paper has discussed a number of the president’s action direction with regard to the gun laws. In addition, the Missouri laws on guns have been discussed in detail looking at how they affect both the gun industry and the society.
Conclusion
The president’s remarks have been met with a lot of criticism especially within the government. The paper outlines the rationale of some of the critics as well as supporters of this law. Dealers of ammunition and guns are the most vocal critics of these laws because they anticipate poor sales. Nonetheless, the steps that the government is making in regulating the possession of firearms are very noble. The government is broadening the background check system to ensure that all gun handlers are mentally fit and without a criminal background hence posing a threat to oneself or others around you.
Works Cited
Baker, Peter and Michael Shear. Obama to ‘Put Everything I’ve gotten’ Into Gun Control. 2013. Web.
Bream, Shannon. Gun control supporters urge Obama to bypass Congress on new measures. 2013. Web.
Garrett, Ben. Missouri Gun Rights. An Overview of Gun Laws in Missouri. 2013. Web.
Ungar, Rick. Here Are the 23 Executive Orders on Gun Safety Signed Today By the President. 2013. Web.