Part 1: Discuss your Research Paper topic. If the topic has personal significance to you, or if you have an opinion about the topic, write about that in the post. If you did not include a biblical perspective in your paper, incorporate a biblical perspective regarding your topic into the post.
Part 2: Briefly (50–100 words) discuss your perspective on 1 or more of the theories (psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive) discussed in Modules 6-8: Weeks 6–8.
The total post must be 200–300 words, with most of the post devoted to Part 1.
* Each thread, students must support their assertions with at least one scholarly citation and reference in current APA format. To encourage an atmosphere of a conversational discussion, citations and references are not required for the reply posts. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years unless the student is citing classic or historical theoretical information or research. Acceptable sources include course materials, textbooks, and/or scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, in current APA format. The Bible may be used as a source in addition to one of the other types.
* 2 peer replies of at least 100 words
Part 1:
For my research paper, I chose to explore the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. This topic holds personal significance to me as I have witnessed firsthand the profound effects that excessive social media use can have on the well-being of young people. From heightened anxiety and depression to decreased self-esteem and poor sleep quality, the ramifications are concerning.
Examining this topic through a psychological lens, I delved into various theories such as cognitive-behavioral theory, which suggests that maladaptive thoughts and behaviors can contribute to mental health issues. Moreover, humanistic theory emphasizes the importance of self-actualization and personal growth, but excessive social media use may hinder these processes by promoting comparison and validation-seeking behaviors.
While my paper did not explicitly incorporate a biblical perspective, I believe it’s pertinent to consider biblical teachings on self-worth and community in the context of social media use. The Bible encourages individuals to find their identity in God rather than in worldly standards (Romans 12:2) and emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships (Proverbs 27:17), which may be compromised by superficial interactions on social media platforms.
Part 2:
One perspective I found particularly intriguing is the humanistic theory, which emphasizes the inherent goodness and potential for growth within individuals. Humanistic psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers focused on the importance of self-actualization and self-awareness in achieving psychological well-being. I resonate with this perspective as it aligns with my belief in the importance of personal growth and fulfillment. Additionally, humanistic theory emphasizes the significance of subjective experiences and personal values in understanding human behavior, which I find enriching in its holistic approach to psychology.