Discuss the benefits of developing your intrapersonal skill for success in life and How to do so?

Building intrapersonal competencies is a core thing to be able to succeed in personal relationships and
professional goals. Intrapersonal skills are related to self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation.
These skills build meaningful relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations-all
vital to success. Some key benefits are:

Improved communication; intrapersonal skills help you clearly communicate, heather it is listening,
speaking, or non-verbal communication. Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and
promotes cooperation.

Self-awareness; interpersonal skills helps you recognize and regulate your feelings, reducing impulsive
reactions.

Make better decisions; knowing your value, needs, and strengths help you make choices in the right
direction to your goals.

Improved emotional intelligence, meaning the ability to understand and manage your emotions and
understand and influence the emotions of others, thus contributes to better decision-making and
building relationships. Better relationships: Building strong personal and professional relations requires
the development of proper interpersonal skills. A good interpersonal skill allows you to establish trust,
rapport, and empathy with others.

Conflict resolution-the ability to manage and resolve conflict supports the continuance of positive
relationships and productive collaboration.

Career Advancement: Interpersonal skills enable an individual to become a desirable candidate for other
higher management promotional jobs and provide better leadership, too.

Improved Teamwork: Good interpersonal relations will definitely enable one to work in a team and to
share ideas with others and vice-versa. It is highly important for the attainment of the collective goals.

Greater influence: with the aid of strong interpersonal skills, these individuals are seen as more
charismatic and persuasive. Thus, their chances of easily influencing others increase and bringing in a
change in that direction.

Active listening involves attention to everything the other person says, questions, summarizing, and
providing feedback.

Describe how negative peer pressure is impacting college students and what steps you are taking as a
student to inspire a positive impact on other students?
Negative peer pressure can affect college students significantly. Some are

Distraction from studies: negative peer pressure can lead students to give more importance to
socialising rather than their studies. This can leads to procrastination, missing the class, and lower
grades.

Cheating: As we have seen from the above these all leads to cheating.

Stress and anxiety: because of the constant pressure to confirm to peers' expectations can cause
significant stress and anxiety.

Low Self–Esteem: The negative comparisons with peers and feeling compelled erode student's self-
esteem.

Alcohol and Drugs: Peer pressure can lead students to experiment with or regularly use alcohol and
drugs some times to excess.

Risky Behaviour: This might comprise binge drinking and the use of illicit drugs, which may be dangerous
enough to cause accidents, injuries, and illegal problems. Unhealthy Friendship and Isolation: Negative
peer pressure may push students into toxic relationships that can be emotionally draining and
debilitating; students who resist peer pressure may find themselves isolated from social groups.

Disregard for well-being: Under negative peer influence, students can neglect their health by indulging
in poor eating habits, giving up exercises, or not getting enough sleep.

Loss of Identity: Through constant negative peer influence, students lose their identity or values and
adapt to those traits and attitudes which are not their own.

Actions to Promote Positive Influence as a Student steps we, as a student, may take to nurture positive
influence amongst peer pressure: Setting a good example: The continuous making of responsible and
ethical choices shows others that one does not have to compromise on values to be successful.
Encouraging Open Conversations: Sometimes, initiating conversations about peer pressure and mental
health normalizes the topic and encourages a supportive atmosphere.

Encourage healthy activities, such as clubs, sports, or volunteer groups. Offer alternatives to negative
behaviors and provide a setting where strong, positive relationships can be developed.

Be an ally: Support your peers when they resist negative group pressure; uplift them and help them to
feel valued for who they are.

Sharing resources: This is referring friends to professional counseling, joining support groups or mentors
that may help them respond to the challenges of peer pressure constructively.

Generally, it affects academic performance, mental and physical health, social relationships, and
personal values. We, as students, can take the following actionable steps to promote a positive
influence among fellow students by leading through example, encouragement, and support. We must
allow collaboration, listen actively, and promote well-being. Communication should be positive in
nature, and we must allow the growth of the mindset.

Discuss how interpersonal conflict resolution and understanding of cultural diversity promote peace.

Interpersonal conflict resolution and the understanding of cultural diversity are important elements in
peacemaking. These aspects present an environment that fosters the growth of effective
communication, understanding, and respect for each other, thereby reinforcing better relations
amongst individuals and within communities. This is how:

Interpersonal conflict resolution: The interpersonal conflict resolution is a way of managing and
resolving disputes or disagreements between different individuals in such a manner as to help in
understanding, cooperation, and harmony. It deals with the roots of the causes and not just the
symptoms of the conflict. Peace is facilitated through effective conflict resolution by way of reduction of
hostility and enhanced collaboration. The elements of conflict are:

Effective communication: Most conflicts are better handled when communication is openly expressed. It
brings about understanding and allows the airing of needs and concerns without aggressiveness.

Empathy: These active listening and empathizing can help an individual understand other people's
perspectives, which reduces misunderstanding and builds relationships.

Problem Solving: In resolving a conflict, it always encourages solving the problem together; hence, both
parties will be working for mutual benefit, leading to sustainable peace.

Reduce tension: In case of a conflict, early and constructive conflict resolution can avoid escalation,
reducing tension, thereby allowing coexistence in harmony.

Cultural Diversity Understanding: The essential factors that play an essential role in governing peaceful
and harmonious relations are as under:

Acceptance and respect: Appreciating cultural diversity involves knowing and respecting differences.

Breaking stereotypes: Learning about different culture helps break down stereotypes and prejudices,
leading to greater tolerance and understanding.

Collaboration: Diversity begets better collaboration and cooperation, as people with different
backgrounds bring their unique perspective and skills to the table. Peaceful Coexistence: Understanding
and valuing cultural differences promote peaceful coexistence.

Generally, conflict resolution and understanding of cultural diversity are interlinked strategies for
peacemaking: through open communication, empathy, and problem solving, one is able to resolve
interpersonal conflicts amicably and make better relationships. Appreciation of cultural diversity
encourages mutual respect, eliminates prejudices, and promotes inclusivist cultures. Both approaches
together build a foundation for durable peace through harmony, understanding, and unity at the
individual and social levels.

Discuss how a person with a mental health problem was treated in your environment. Then explain the
following psychological disorders, including their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and
treatment technique. The disorders include: Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Personality Disorder.

Mental health treatment is done by many in our community through integration into medical,
psychological, and traditional practices. All these help ensure comprehensive treatment for the victim.
Some key areas include;

Medical Treatment :

Medication: Prescription medication, like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety

medications, aids in symptom management.

Monitoring regularly: Health care professionals monitor them on a continuous basis to make any
adjustments necessary to treatment plans to ensure the medication is effective and safe.

Psychological support:

Therapist and counselor: Trained mental health professionals offer therapy and counseling services to
individuals to cope with their ailments.

Traditional Practices

Faith-based healing:

Spiritual cure: many people go to religious leaders and do spiritual activities for mental health.

Holy Water: holy water sites are visited for washing away sins and other rituals

Traditional healer:

Herbal remedies: traditional healer may provide herbal remedies for the problem at hand.

Cultural rituals: cultural practices and rituals are also considered therapeutic in nature.

Generally, in our environment people treat mental health problem these ways.

The following are psychological disorders including their types, causes, symptoms, diagnoses criteria and
treatment technique.

Mood disorder: it is a class of psychological disorder characterized by disturbance in a person's mood.

There are a different type of mood disorder, they are
Major depressive disorder: persistence and intense feelings of sadness and also lose of interest in
activities.

Bipolar disorder: A brain disorder that is associated with fluctuating moods, energy levels, and functional
ability. Mania and depression are the fluctuations that may present for days and even weeks.

Persistent depressive disorders or Dysthymia: It's a chronic kind of depression when the symptoms can
last for two years or even more.

Cyclothymic disorder: This is sort of bipolar in nature but shows less severe fluctuation in moods.

Seasonal affective disorders: is depression that occurs at specific time of year, usually in the winter
season.

There are different causes of mood disorder. Here are some causes:

Genetic Factors: a family history of mood disorders increase the risk of developing similar condition

Environmental Factors: stressful life events, traumas, and chronic stresses.

Biological Factors: imbalances in brain chemical such as neurotransmitters and hormonal changes.

Medical Conditions: certain medical condition or medications can contribute to mood disorders

Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, negative thinking and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Symptoms of mood disorder

Depressive symptoms:

Pervasive feeling of sadness or low mood

Loss of interest in activity once enjoyed

Changes in appetite or weight and sleep disturbances

Fatigue or lack of energy

Feeling of worthless or guilty

Difficulty concentrating or making decision and thought of suicide or death

Manic symptoms:

Elevated or irritable mood

Increased energy or activity levels

Decreased need for sleep

Grandiose thoughts or inflated self-esteem

Talkativeness or pressure speech

Racing thought and impulsive or reckless behavior

Diagnostics Criteria:

Major depressive disorder: symptoms must be present for at least to weeks and cause significant
impairment in daily functioning

Bipolar disorder: manic and depressive episode, as well as symptoms that cause significant impairments.

Persistent depressive disorder: Depressive symptoms persist for a minimum duration of two years.

Cyclothymic disorder: Hypomanic and depressive symptoms are present for at least two years without
fulfilling the full criteria for bipolar disorder

Treatment Modality:

Medication:

Anti-depressants: SSRI, SNRI, TCA and MAOI for depressive symptoms

Mood stabilizers: Lithium, valproate and lamotrigine for bipolar disorder

Antipsychotics: At times prescribed for severe depression or bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Interpersonal Therapy: It enables the client to address the interpersonal issues and relationship problem
leading to mood disorder.

Dialectical behavior therapy: Most useful for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder.

Life style

Exercise regularly : improve mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

Healthy diet : promotes over all mental and physical health

Good sleep hygiene : maintains adequate restful sleep

Alternative treatments :

Electro-convulsive therapy : is given for severe depression which is refractory to the other modes of
treatment.
Trans cranial magnetic stimulation: non-invasive procedure used to treatment depression

Support systems:

Provide platform for sharing experiences and receiving encouragement

Family involvement: Engaging family members in the treatment process to create a supportive
environment.

Mood disorders are complex and require a multifaceted approach for effective treatment. Early
diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Anxiety disorder is a mental disorder characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear strong enough to
interfere with the daily activities. There are different types of anxiety, and some of them are:

Generalized anxiety disorder: this is a persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Panic disorder: recurring panic attacks characterized by sudden and intense anxiety.

Specific phobia: intense fear of particular objects and situations.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: anxiety following the traumatic events

Social anxiety disorder: it is a fear of social situations and being judged by others.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: it is recurring irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Separation anxiety disorder: fear of being away from home or loved one

Causes of anxiety disorder

Genetics: family history can increase the risk

Brain chemistry: imbalances in neurotransmitters

Environmental stress: Is traumatic events such as accident or losses.

Medical condition: chronic illnesses like heat problem.

Substance abuse: alcohol or drugs use exacerbates symptoms.

Childhood experiences: early life adversity or abuse.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder

Physical symptoms: rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling.

Emotional symptoms: persistent worry, fear or feelings of doom.

Cognitive symptoms: difficulty concentrating and intrusive thoughts.

Behavioral symptom: avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations

Diagnosis criteria

Excessive anxiety: worrying more often than not for at least six months

Physical symptoms: feeling fidgety, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, irritability, sleep disturbances

Treatment techniques

Psychotherapy: cognitive behaviour therapy is very effective.

Medication: consists of anti-depressant, anti-anxiety like buspirone, sedatives for short-term relief

Life style changes: regular exercises, healthy diets, adequate sleep and yoga

Self-help strategies: learn to recognize triggers and practising mindfulness, positive thinking.

Personality disorder is a type of mental disorder where you have a stiff and unhealthy pattern of
thinking, functioning, and behaving. There are nine types of personality disorders. Paranoid: A pattern of
distress and suspensions. Histrionic: pattern of excessive emotional behavior and attention seeking.
Borderline: a pattern of instability in personal relationships. Narcissistic: pattern of exaggerated self-
worth and need for administration.

Antisocial: pattern of disregard for the right of others

Avoidance: pattern of feelings of social inadequacies, low self-esteems and hypersensitivity to criticism.

Schizoid: pattern of detachment from social norms and restriction of emotions.

Schizotypal: pattern of discomfort in closer relationship and eccentric thought and behaviors

Obsessive-compulsive: pattern of obsessive cleanliness, perfection and control

Causes of personality

Genetics family history

Environmental factors: trauma, abuse and neglect during childhood

Brain structure: disturbance in brain area related to mood regulation

Development of personality: poor development as a child regarding ways of dealing with life

Symptoms of personality disorder

Interpersonal conflicts: problems with relationships, generally leading to constant conflicts or total
alienation of people
Cognitive distortions: Are consistent distorted patterns of thinking about others and oneself.

Emotional Dysregulation: extreme, variable feelings with potential to spiral into reckless activity

Behavior problems: erratic and destructive behaviors associated with specific personality disorder.

Criteria for diagnosis

Significant impairment: these are stable and enduring patterns of behaviour causing significant distress
or impairment

Consistency: patterns are stable across time and consistent across various situations

Other causes: making sure symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition,
substance abuse or medical condition

Treatment techniques

Psychotherapy

Dialectical behavior therapy: effective for borderline personality disorder focus on regulating emotions
and developing healthy coping mechanism

Cognitive behavior therapy helps in changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors

Interpersonal therapy: it focuses on interpersonal relationships and aids in improving the same, and
communication

Medication

Though no medication is specifically approved for personality disorders would stop stabilizers,
antidepressant and antipsychotic medication can help manage symptoms

5. For each of the following listed theories of psychology describe causes of psychological disorder of
Psychodynamic perspective, Biomedical perspective, Behavioral perspective, Cognitive perspective

The psychodynamic perspective:- rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud and his followers, suggests
that unresolved conflicts and unconscious processes primarily cause psychological disorders from early
childhood experiences. Some overviews are:-

Unconscious Conflicts: According to this perspective, unresolved conflicts between different parts of the
mind (id, ego, and superego) can lead to psychological distress.

Defense Mechanisms: Ineffective or maladaptive mechanisms of defense, such as repression, denial, or

projection, may result in disorders.
Childhood Experiences: The early experiences, especially those concerned with the relations of the child
to the caregivers, are extremely formative in the personality and may be disruptive to psychological
well-being when these are problematic.

Drive and Instinct Theory: Interaction between the instincts of life - Eros, and death - Thanatos and how
the ego modulates such instincts can shape behavior and psychological health

Biological causes of disorders- according to the biomedical perspective, the causes of disorders are
biological and physiological in origin. Genetics: Biochemical imbalances or genetic problems passed
down in families can underlie some types of psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar
disorder.

Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitter imbalance, such as in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine

levels, may affect mood and behavior, leading to various disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Abnormalities in the structure or function of the brain, including issues with the size or activity of certain
brain areas. Biochemical Processes: Biochemical processes that involve hormonal imbalances or
metabolic problems also result in mental illnesses. For example, thyroid problems can affect mood and
energy level.

The behavioral approach, on the other hand, holds that disorders represent the product of learned
behaviors and interactions with the environment. Other key concepts involve: -

Classical Conditioning/Operant Conditioning: Disorders are said to be acquired either through classical
conditioning, where a neutral stimulus gets associated with a fearful response, or operant conditioning,
where certain behaviors get rewarded or punished over time.

Observational Learning: Individuals develop disorders by observing and imitating other people's
behaviors, especially models like parents or peers.

Environmental Factors: Stress, trauma, and life events that mold behaviors and possibly result in the
development of a disorder.

Maladaptive Behaviors: These are behaviors that disrupt a person's adjustment in particular situations
and are learned responses that may be harmful.

The cognitive perspective states that disorders arise from distortions or errors in thought. The main
concepts include:

Cognitive Distortions: These are irrational or exaggerated thought patterns, such as overgeneralization,
catastrophizing, or black-and-white thinking that lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors.
Negative Thinking: This constitutes persistent negative views about oneself, the world, and the future,
which could contribute to disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Core Beliefs and Schemas: Deeply held beliefs and mental frameworks about oneself and the world can
influence how experiences are interpreted and may contribute to psychological issues. Automatic
Thoughts: These are spontaneous, quick thoughts that arise from situations and may be biased or
irrational, influencing emotions and behavior.