Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Why it pays to be mean at work?
Nice guys finish last--in the office. The more caring you are, the less likely it is you'll be promoted.Whatever happened to working together as a team? People who care for their colleagues are unlikely to be promoted, according to a study of 308 white collar workers by Dr. Nikos Bozionelos, a professor in the management school at Great Britain's University of Sheffield, reports News-Medical.Net. Why? Those who have an agreeable personality and think about and care for others tend to neglect their own careers.The study: Just over 300 white collar, professional workers were interviewed about their accomplishments at work. Success in the workplace is either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic success is an objective measurement, typically defined by job grade or level. Intrinsic success is more subjective and is measured by job satisfaction, financial accomplishments, and the like. In this study, each participant's job grade was noted, and each was asked to evaluate his or her career using five intrinsic measurements.The results: Previous studies have strongly linked personality traits and disposition to career success, but unlike those studies this one examined the relationship between a person's disposition and his or her success within a specific company. Bozionelos and his colleagues found that three personality types were less likely to be successful in their careers: agreeable people, conscientious workers, and the neurotic.Agreeable personalitiesEmployees who had agreeable personalities and were also altruistic, friendly, and sensitive to the needs of others tended to assign lower priority to their careers and related activities, reports News-Medical.Net. In some cases, these people would even step aside at the expense of their own career success so a colleague could be promoted instead.Conscientious workersConscientious workers miss out on career success most likely because they are concentrating too hard on performing well and in the process overlook networking opportunities and other career prospects.Neurotic personalitiesThese people do less well because they often lower their aspirations and consciously restrict their career and professional choices.Why is this information useful?Managers should recognize that people with certain personality traits may need special career development advice. "It will be of substantial assistance to individuals to be aware of the advantages and limitations that their personality profiles offer and impose," Bozionelos explained. "For example, agreeable individuals can become aware of their natural tendency to downgrade themselves and neurotic individuals can learn to adjust their negative outlook of life and personal success."The findings have been published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Report Draft # 2
Is there a link between prayer and health? Recent studies conducted by scientists and other researchers have proven that there is a significant link between prayer and your health. They have determined that those who pray more often and attend weekly religious services are more likely to receive health benefits than those who do not. Put simply, the more you pray the healthier you might stay.
Some examples of these benefits include improved physical activity, stronger mental health, and a decrease in mortality. One such psychiatric study conducted in 2004 by D’ Souza and A. Rodrigo demonstrated that people who use prayer as a form of therapy resulted in them having significant reduced feelings of hopelessness, despair, stress, and other negative feelings. Praying also provides a form of social interaction as well which can be beneficial to your health. When people pray in groups rather than individually, there is a sense of belonging to that individual and he or she can have a more optimistic outlook to whatever problems or issues the individual may be experiencing. Another study which was intriguing, examined people who were experiencing a “religious struggle” within themselves. Examples of some of these religious struggles include feelings of being punished by God, blaming God for his or her problems, or just simply being angry at God. The study concluded that these people were at a much higher risk of poor medical outcomes and a higher mortality than other people. Perhaps this is a sign that they should not look to find outside forces to blame for their issues, but rather they should seek to help themselves.
Medical schools are also taking heed of these studies and there are now nearly thirty schools around the United States that have included courses on religion and spirituality for medical students. Statistics have show that people that pray often were less likely to smoke or drink than those who are not. In fact, if an individual for example went to church and read the bible daily, then he or she is 990% less likely to smoke. When you smoke or drink less, this can translate into lower rates of lung cancer, cardiac problems, or liver problems. In the latter example, we see that praying and attending religious services are involved indirectly in benefiting our health. People who frequently attend religious services also have shown to have a much stronger immune system than those who didn’t. A stronger immune system means that you are less likely to fall ill or succumb to diseases like influenza, viral infections, or phenomena.
One particular study showed the effects of religious therapy used on individuals who were suffering from depression. Some of the methods the therapists used were using religious arguments and religious imagery to counter some of the negative thoughts the patients was exhibiting. What’s surprising about this study was that the therapists themselves were non-religious. Mortality rates have also been proven to be affected by prayer. In one such study conducted by Oxman, Freeman, and Manheimer in 1995 showed that the mortality rates in the elderly that prayed often were lower than those who did not depend on prayer for strength. Even after all of the social factors were considered, the more religious individuals were about one third less likely to die than those who were not. Another report among thirty-three elderly people that were hospitalized for hip fracture showed individuals who depended on prayer were less likely to feel depressed and walked longer distances after they were released from the hospital than those who were not. Consequently, the ones who did not pray or attend religious services very often were more likely to experience more health problems and inevitably have an earlier death.
Of course with every person that supports a link between prayer and health there is always someone who disagrees. They might say that these findings were inconsistent and that other factors were not considered when making the studies. However, I for one am satisfied with the studies and my faith has grown stronger because of them. I also admire those who make time in their schedules to practice their faith, whatever it may be. After all, we could all use a little prayer every now and then.
Some examples of these benefits include improved physical activity, stronger mental health, and a decrease in mortality. One such psychiatric study conducted in 2004 by D’ Souza and A. Rodrigo demonstrated that people who use prayer as a form of therapy resulted in them having significant reduced feelings of hopelessness, despair, stress, and other negative feelings. Praying also provides a form of social interaction as well which can be beneficial to your health. When people pray in groups rather than individually, there is a sense of belonging to that individual and he or she can have a more optimistic outlook to whatever problems or issues the individual may be experiencing. Another study which was intriguing, examined people who were experiencing a “religious struggle” within themselves. Examples of some of these religious struggles include feelings of being punished by God, blaming God for his or her problems, or just simply being angry at God. The study concluded that these people were at a much higher risk of poor medical outcomes and a higher mortality than other people. Perhaps this is a sign that they should not look to find outside forces to blame for their issues, but rather they should seek to help themselves.
Medical schools are also taking heed of these studies and there are now nearly thirty schools around the United States that have included courses on religion and spirituality for medical students. Statistics have show that people that pray often were less likely to smoke or drink than those who are not. In fact, if an individual for example went to church and read the bible daily, then he or she is 990% less likely to smoke. When you smoke or drink less, this can translate into lower rates of lung cancer, cardiac problems, or liver problems. In the latter example, we see that praying and attending religious services are involved indirectly in benefiting our health. People who frequently attend religious services also have shown to have a much stronger immune system than those who didn’t. A stronger immune system means that you are less likely to fall ill or succumb to diseases like influenza, viral infections, or phenomena.
One particular study showed the effects of religious therapy used on individuals who were suffering from depression. Some of the methods the therapists used were using religious arguments and religious imagery to counter some of the negative thoughts the patients was exhibiting. What’s surprising about this study was that the therapists themselves were non-religious. Mortality rates have also been proven to be affected by prayer. In one such study conducted by Oxman, Freeman, and Manheimer in 1995 showed that the mortality rates in the elderly that prayed often were lower than those who did not depend on prayer for strength. Even after all of the social factors were considered, the more religious individuals were about one third less likely to die than those who were not. Another report among thirty-three elderly people that were hospitalized for hip fracture showed individuals who depended on prayer were less likely to feel depressed and walked longer distances after they were released from the hospital than those who were not. Consequently, the ones who did not pray or attend religious services very often were more likely to experience more health problems and inevitably have an earlier death.
Of course with every person that supports a link between prayer and health there is always someone who disagrees. They might say that these findings were inconsistent and that other factors were not considered when making the studies. However, I for one am satisfied with the studies and my faith has grown stronger because of them. I also admire those who make time in their schedules to practice their faith, whatever it may be. After all, we could all use a little prayer every now and then.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Link Between Religion and Health
Is there a link between religion and health? Recent studies conducted by scientists and other researchers have proven that there is a significant link between your faith and your health. They have determined that those who pray more often and attend weekly religious services are more likely to receive health benefits than those who do not. Put simply, the more you pray the healthier you might stay.
Some examples of these benefits include improved physical activity, stronger mental health, and a decrease in mortality. One such psychiatric study conducted in 2004 by D’ Souza and A. Rodrigo demonstrated that people who use prayer as a form of therapy resulted in them having significant reduced feelings of hopelessness, despair, stress, and other negative feelings. Religion also provides a form of social interaction as well which can be beneficial to your health. When people pray in groups rather than individually, there is a sense of belonging to that individual and he or she can have a more optimistic outlook to whatever problems or issues the individual may be experiencing. Another study which was intriguing, examined people who were experiencing a “religious struggle” within themselves. Examples of some of these religious struggles include feelings of being punished by God, blaming God for his or her problems, or just simply being angry at God. The study concluded that these people were at a much higher risk of poor medical outcomes and a higher mortality than other people. Perhaps this is a sign that they should not look to find outside forces to blame for their issues, but rather they should seek to help themselves.
Medical schools are also taking heed of these studies and there are now nearly thirty schools around the United States that have included courses on religion and spirituality for medical students. Statistics have show that people that are more religious were less likely to smoke or drink than those who are not. In fact, if an individual for example went to church and read the bible daily, then he or she is 990% less likely to smoke. When you smoke or drink less, this can translate into lower rates of lung cancer, cardiac problems, or liver problems. In the latter example, we see that religion is involved indirectly in benefiting our health. People who frequently attend religious services also have shown to have a much stronger immune system than those who didn’t. A stronger immune system means that you are less likely to fall ill or succumb to diseases like influenza, viral infections, or phenomena.
One particular study showed the effects of religious therapy used on individuals who were suffering from depression. Some of the methods the therapists used were using religious arguments and religious imagery to counter some of the negative thoughts the patients was exhibiting. What’s surprising about this study was that the therapists themselves were non-religious. Mortality rates have also been proven to be affected by religion. In one such study conducted by Oxman, Freeman, and Manheimer in 1995 showed that the mortality rates in the elderly that were heavily religious was lower than those who did not depend on religious faith for strength. Even after all of the social factors were considered, the more religious individuals were about one third less likely to die than those who were not. Another report among thirty-three elderly people that were hospitalized for hip fracture showed the more religious individuals were less likely to feel depressed and walked longer distances after they were released from the hospital than those who were not. Consequently, the ones who were less religious were more likely to experience more health problems and inevitably have an earlier death.
Of course with every person that supports a link between religion and health there is always someone who disagrees. They might say that these findings were inconsistent and that other factors were not considered when making the studies. However, I for one am satisfied with the studies and my faith has grown stronger because of them. I also admire those who make time in their schedules to practice their faith, whatever it may be. After all, we could all use a little prayer every now and then.
Some examples of these benefits include improved physical activity, stronger mental health, and a decrease in mortality. One such psychiatric study conducted in 2004 by D’ Souza and A. Rodrigo demonstrated that people who use prayer as a form of therapy resulted in them having significant reduced feelings of hopelessness, despair, stress, and other negative feelings. Religion also provides a form of social interaction as well which can be beneficial to your health. When people pray in groups rather than individually, there is a sense of belonging to that individual and he or she can have a more optimistic outlook to whatever problems or issues the individual may be experiencing. Another study which was intriguing, examined people who were experiencing a “religious struggle” within themselves. Examples of some of these religious struggles include feelings of being punished by God, blaming God for his or her problems, or just simply being angry at God. The study concluded that these people were at a much higher risk of poor medical outcomes and a higher mortality than other people. Perhaps this is a sign that they should not look to find outside forces to blame for their issues, but rather they should seek to help themselves.
Medical schools are also taking heed of these studies and there are now nearly thirty schools around the United States that have included courses on religion and spirituality for medical students. Statistics have show that people that are more religious were less likely to smoke or drink than those who are not. In fact, if an individual for example went to church and read the bible daily, then he or she is 990% less likely to smoke. When you smoke or drink less, this can translate into lower rates of lung cancer, cardiac problems, or liver problems. In the latter example, we see that religion is involved indirectly in benefiting our health. People who frequently attend religious services also have shown to have a much stronger immune system than those who didn’t. A stronger immune system means that you are less likely to fall ill or succumb to diseases like influenza, viral infections, or phenomena.
One particular study showed the effects of religious therapy used on individuals who were suffering from depression. Some of the methods the therapists used were using religious arguments and religious imagery to counter some of the negative thoughts the patients was exhibiting. What’s surprising about this study was that the therapists themselves were non-religious. Mortality rates have also been proven to be affected by religion. In one such study conducted by Oxman, Freeman, and Manheimer in 1995 showed that the mortality rates in the elderly that were heavily religious was lower than those who did not depend on religious faith for strength. Even after all of the social factors were considered, the more religious individuals were about one third less likely to die than those who were not. Another report among thirty-three elderly people that were hospitalized for hip fracture showed the more religious individuals were less likely to feel depressed and walked longer distances after they were released from the hospital than those who were not. Consequently, the ones who were less religious were more likely to experience more health problems and inevitably have an earlier death.
Of course with every person that supports a link between religion and health there is always someone who disagrees. They might say that these findings were inconsistent and that other factors were not considered when making the studies. However, I for one am satisfied with the studies and my faith has grown stronger because of them. I also admire those who make time in their schedules to practice their faith, whatever it may be. After all, we could all use a little prayer every now and then.
Scientific Studies that Show a Positive Effect of Religion on Health
Scientific studies over the last four decades have examined the role of both public and private religious expression on health and longevity. The studies have shown that the practice of religious activity improves health and increases longevity. The effect is seen even when other social/psychological differences are taken into account. For example, one 16-year study examined mortality rates in 11 religious vs. 11 secular kibbutzim in Israel. Although both communities were demographically-matched and provided similar levels of social support, three time more people died in the secular kibbutzim compared to the religious kibbutazim. The following is a short list of some recent studies that have shown the positive influence of religion on health and longevity.
Tully J, Viner RM, Coen PG, Stuart JM, Zambon M, Peckham C, Booth C, Klein N, Kaczmarski E, Booy R. 2006. Risk and Protective Factors for Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents: Matched Cohort Study. BMJ 332: 445-450.
A study of meningococcal disease in adolescents in the UK showed that religious observance was as effective as meningococcal vaccination for preventing meningococcal disease.
O'Connor P.J., N.P. Pronk, A. Tan, and R.P. Whitebird. 2005. Characteristics of adults who use prayer as an alternative therapy. Am. J. Health Promot. 19:369-375.
A study of prayer use by patients showed that 47% of study subjects prayed for their health, and 90% of these believed prayer improved their health. Those who prayed had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support, and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. The study concluded that those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care.
Krucoff, M. W., et al. 2005. Music, imagery, touch, and prayer as adjuncts to interventional cardiac care: the Monitoring and Actualisation of Noetic Trainings (MANTRA) II randomised study. Lancet 366:211-217.
This double blind study used prayer in combination with music, imagery, and touch in four randomly assigned groups of cardiac patients. Intercessory prayer groups included Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist religious traditions. Overall, the study found no significant effect of prayer. However, major adverse cardiac events were reduced in the prayer group (23% to 27%), as were death and readmission rates (33% to 35%). The inclusion of intercessors of multiple religious traditions may have reduced the effectiveness of prayer, especially since Buddhists (who do not believe in God) were included in the study.
D'Souza, R.F. and A. Rodrigo. 2004. Spiritually augmented cognitive behavioural therapy. Australas Psychiatry 12: 148-152.
This study used spiritually augmented cognitive behavior therapy in a mental health study. The study demonstrated that spiritually augmented cognitive behavior therapy helped reduce hopelessness and despair, improved treatment collaboration, reduced relapse, and enhanced functional recovery.
Palmer, R. F., D. Katerndahl, and J. Morgan-Kidd. 2004. A Randomized Trial of the Effects of Remote Intercessory Prayer: Interactions with Personal Beliefs on Problem-Specific Outcomes and Functional Status. J. Alt. Compl. Med. 10: 438-448.
A randomized clinical trial found a significant reduction in the amount of pain in the intercessory prayer group compared to controls. In addition, the amount of concern for baseline problems at follow-up was significantly lower in the prayer group when the subject initially believed that the problem could be resolved. Those who did not believe that their problem could be resolved did not differ from controls. Better physical functioning was observed in the prayer group for those with a higher belief in prayer. However, better mental health scores were observed in the control group with lower belief in prayer scores.
Krucoff, M. W., S. W. Crater, C. L. Green, A. C. Maas, J. E. Seskevich, J. D. Lane, K. A. Loeffler, K. Morris, T. M. Bashore, and H. G. Koenig. 2001. Integrative noetic therapies as adjuncts to percutaneous intervention during unstable coronary syndromes: Monitoring and Actualization of Noetic Training (MANTRA) feasibility pilot. Am. Heart J. 142: 760-767.
A pilot study8 (limited to150 patients) examining the efficacy of noetic (non-pharmacological) therapies (stress relaxation, imagery, touch therapy, and prayer) found that "Of all noetic therapies, off-site intercessory prayer had the lowest short- and long-term absolute complication rates." The results did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size, but a full study is planned.
Pargament, K. I., H. G. Koenig, N. Tarakeshwar, J. Hahn. 2001. Religious Struggle as a Predictor of Mortality Among Medically Ill Elderly Patients A 2-Year Longitudinal Study. Arch. Intern Med. 161: 1881-1883.
A study examined the effect of "religious struggle" (defined by such things as being angry at God or feeling punished by God) was predictive of poorer physical recovery and higher mortality. According to the authors, "Our findings suggest that patients who indicate religious struggle during a spiritual history may be at particularly high risk for poor medical outcomes. Referral of these patients to clergy to help them work through these issues may ultimately improve clinical outcomes; further research is needed to determine whether interventions that reduce religious struggles might also improve medical prognosis."
Hughes M. Helma, Judith C. Haysb, Elizabeth P. Flintb, Harold G. Koeniga and Dan G. Blazera. 2000. Does Private Religious Activity Prolong Survival? A Six-Year Follow-up Study of 3,851 Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 55: M400-M405.
A six year study of 3,851 elderly persons revealed that those who reported having rarely to never participating in private religious activity had an increased relative hazard of dying over those who participated more frequently in religious activity. Whereas most previous studies showed a positive effect for organized religious activities, this study showed that personal religious activity was also effective at reducing mortality.
Tully J, Viner RM, Coen PG, Stuart JM, Zambon M, Peckham C, Booth C, Klein N, Kaczmarski E, Booy R. 2006. Risk and Protective Factors for Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents: Matched Cohort Study. BMJ 332: 445-450.
A study of meningococcal disease in adolescents in the UK showed that religious observance was as effective as meningococcal vaccination for preventing meningococcal disease.
O'Connor P.J., N.P. Pronk, A. Tan, and R.P. Whitebird. 2005. Characteristics of adults who use prayer as an alternative therapy. Am. J. Health Promot. 19:369-375.
A study of prayer use by patients showed that 47% of study subjects prayed for their health, and 90% of these believed prayer improved their health. Those who prayed had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support, and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. The study concluded that those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care.
Krucoff, M. W., et al. 2005. Music, imagery, touch, and prayer as adjuncts to interventional cardiac care: the Monitoring and Actualisation of Noetic Trainings (MANTRA) II randomised study. Lancet 366:211-217.
This double blind study used prayer in combination with music, imagery, and touch in four randomly assigned groups of cardiac patients. Intercessory prayer groups included Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist religious traditions. Overall, the study found no significant effect of prayer. However, major adverse cardiac events were reduced in the prayer group (23% to 27%), as were death and readmission rates (33% to 35%). The inclusion of intercessors of multiple religious traditions may have reduced the effectiveness of prayer, especially since Buddhists (who do not believe in God) were included in the study.
D'Souza, R.F. and A. Rodrigo. 2004. Spiritually augmented cognitive behavioural therapy. Australas Psychiatry 12: 148-152.
This study used spiritually augmented cognitive behavior therapy in a mental health study. The study demonstrated that spiritually augmented cognitive behavior therapy helped reduce hopelessness and despair, improved treatment collaboration, reduced relapse, and enhanced functional recovery.
Palmer, R. F., D. Katerndahl, and J. Morgan-Kidd. 2004. A Randomized Trial of the Effects of Remote Intercessory Prayer: Interactions with Personal Beliefs on Problem-Specific Outcomes and Functional Status. J. Alt. Compl. Med. 10: 438-448.
A randomized clinical trial found a significant reduction in the amount of pain in the intercessory prayer group compared to controls. In addition, the amount of concern for baseline problems at follow-up was significantly lower in the prayer group when the subject initially believed that the problem could be resolved. Those who did not believe that their problem could be resolved did not differ from controls. Better physical functioning was observed in the prayer group for those with a higher belief in prayer. However, better mental health scores were observed in the control group with lower belief in prayer scores.
Krucoff, M. W., S. W. Crater, C. L. Green, A. C. Maas, J. E. Seskevich, J. D. Lane, K. A. Loeffler, K. Morris, T. M. Bashore, and H. G. Koenig. 2001. Integrative noetic therapies as adjuncts to percutaneous intervention during unstable coronary syndromes: Monitoring and Actualization of Noetic Training (MANTRA) feasibility pilot. Am. Heart J. 142: 760-767.
A pilot study8 (limited to150 patients) examining the efficacy of noetic (non-pharmacological) therapies (stress relaxation, imagery, touch therapy, and prayer) found that "Of all noetic therapies, off-site intercessory prayer had the lowest short- and long-term absolute complication rates." The results did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size, but a full study is planned.
Pargament, K. I., H. G. Koenig, N. Tarakeshwar, J. Hahn. 2001. Religious Struggle as a Predictor of Mortality Among Medically Ill Elderly Patients A 2-Year Longitudinal Study. Arch. Intern Med. 161: 1881-1883.
A study examined the effect of "religious struggle" (defined by such things as being angry at God or feeling punished by God) was predictive of poorer physical recovery and higher mortality. According to the authors, "Our findings suggest that patients who indicate religious struggle during a spiritual history may be at particularly high risk for poor medical outcomes. Referral of these patients to clergy to help them work through these issues may ultimately improve clinical outcomes; further research is needed to determine whether interventions that reduce religious struggles might also improve medical prognosis."
Hughes M. Helma, Judith C. Haysb, Elizabeth P. Flintb, Harold G. Koeniga and Dan G. Blazera. 2000. Does Private Religious Activity Prolong Survival? A Six-Year Follow-up Study of 3,851 Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 55: M400-M405.
A six year study of 3,851 elderly persons revealed that those who reported having rarely to never participating in private religious activity had an increased relative hazard of dying over those who participated more frequently in religious activity. Whereas most previous studies showed a positive effect for organized religious activities, this study showed that personal religious activity was also effective at reducing mortality.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Are people by nature good, or are they by nature evil?
By that I mean do people have the natural ability in themselves to successfully determine the morally right from the morally wrong and consistently choose to do the right things in their lives?Humanism is one broad spectrum of philosophy that says people are generally good in that they are quite capable of making right moral choices.The Fundamentalist preacher on the other hand will tell you that you are a sinner, Jesus wants to save you and you are doomed without his help.Now my point here is not to start a debate about the finer points of Humanism or Christian Fundamentalism. I’m not an expert on either and may very well be inaccurate in my characterization of one or the other. I ask that you cut me some slack in that department today.
My point is to look at the question at hand, and examine one of the core qualities of people in general.And I’m not going to pretend that I don’t have my own ideas on the issue. I look at the world around me and I see very little evidence that people are naturally good when left on their own. A quick scan through the news headlines reinforces that view. Or look at just about any toddler. Most of the time one of the first words we ever learn is “Mine!“But what I’m really interested to see is the evidence on the other side. I looked at it once and came to my own conclusion. But maybe I missed some things. Can anyone show me how I’m mistaken? Are people really good at the core?
My point is to look at the question at hand, and examine one of the core qualities of people in general.And I’m not going to pretend that I don’t have my own ideas on the issue. I look at the world around me and I see very little evidence that people are naturally good when left on their own. A quick scan through the news headlines reinforces that view. Or look at just about any toddler. Most of the time one of the first words we ever learn is “Mine!“But what I’m really interested to see is the evidence on the other side. I looked at it once and came to my own conclusion. But maybe I missed some things. Can anyone show me how I’m mistaken? Are people really good at the core?
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Do popular people live longer?
People who have achieved high social status not only attend better parties, but also may have better health and greater happiness than their lowly contemporaries, New Scientist reports of research from University College London in the United Kingdom.Call it the status syndrome. It's not about income, but rather the prestige and status one achieves in life. People who have climbed to the higher end of that ladder live happier and longer lives than their lowly contemporaries, insists epidemiologist Michael Marmot. However, there is one catch: One size does not fit all. The effects of this "social gradient" on health can vary widely depending on time and location.Marmot's 30 years of research about social status has largely been conducted in Western countries where absolute deprivation and poverty are rare and income is not as important a factor for happiness and health as it might be in a third world nation. "Where you stand in the social hierarchy--on the social ladder--is intimately related to your chances of getting ill and the length of your life," writes Marmot in his book "Status Syndrome: How Social Standing Affects Our Health and Longevity." An example of the status syndrome: People who have earned doctoral degrees tend to live longer than those who have master's degrees.Much of Marmot's conclusions are based on the Whitehall study, which followed the health of British civil servants and their job grades from the 1970s onwards, notes New Scientist. That study concluded that the people who were at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy, especially clerks and messengers, were more likely to suffer coronary heart disease than the big bosses at the top. Marmot realizes that it's not quite so simple as this and that social arrangements, education, and social cohesion are critical factors as well. "Hierarchies are inevitable, but how hierarchies are translated to differences in health is the crucial question. It varies across time and societies," he told New Scientist.Why do people of lower social status have poorer health? Lack of control and fewer opportunities for full social participation are likely answers. A CEO may have a very stressful job, but the stress may not be difficult to bear if it is predictable and somewhat within that person's control. In addition, such a position carries high social status and that brings more support, as well as more outlets for the stress.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
What I learned from VQ?
There were a few things I learned from reading the VQ book. One thing was that it is true that writing, research, and reading are social activities that allow us to gain insight into another person's perspective of the world and it's realities. So in this way, we tend to learn socially rather than individually. By reading what other people write, we tend to change our own perspective of certain things and situations in life. Sometimes, we may take only a portion of what someone else wrote and sort of blend it with our own ideas.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Nature's Art
I have collected an article from Life magazine that I found interesting. It shows many photographs of nature's art and the author explains how nature creates "order from chaos". In one photograph it shows a river in the south coast of Iceland that looks like a tree branch from the sky. In another photograph that was shot 1,800 feet above Arizona's Little Colorado riverbed, it shows what appears to be a serpent between the gap of the mountains. Finally, in my favorite photograph, it shows a lake in the middle of Germany's Black Forest that is crystal clear and from the sky looks exactly like an eye that is staring at you. You can also see a reflection of the sky from the water. This eye looks very similar to a painting I saw in the Museum of Modern Art in Manhatten. In that painting you can also see clouds in the eye. Too me, all these photographs symbolize something important like your looking into the spirit of nature and how it too can be artistic. From a religous point, I believe that God made these natural wonders for us too ponder and reflect on them as we continue to live our lives.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
The Chains We Wear
"We get used to the chains we wear, and we miss them when removed", is a very symbolic quoted from John Dewey in the novel The Child and The Curriculum. An example of this is that when I was in elementary school, I hated it and found it to be just a big jail to hold us. I always used too pretend that I was a secret agent and that I was being held captive in this big jail. I tried too find escape routes from boring classes which I did by asking to go the bathroom and not come back for 20 minutes.. However, I didn't realize that the time I spent there was limited and during this time I formed many friendships with alot of people. I also didn't realize that elementary school was going too be the most enjoyable time in my life. After I graduated, I realized that I was never going too see my friends again because they were all going there separate ways. Well after the "chains were removed", I did miss them and I still do.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
VQ Question
What does the vision quest metaphor mean to you?
The "vision quest" metaphor is something like a spiritual journey that I have to go through in order to discover who I really am. I believe that this journey is something every intelligent being goes through at one point in their lives in search of answers to their questions. All of us have questions like Who am I?, What should I do in my life?, etc. So in my view, this is what the vision quest metaphor means.
The "vision quest" metaphor is something like a spiritual journey that I have to go through in order to discover who I really am. I believe that this journey is something every intelligent being goes through at one point in their lives in search of answers to their questions. All of us have questions like Who am I?, What should I do in my life?, etc. So in my view, this is what the vision quest metaphor means.
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