University Degree: Psychology

Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

1. Do they use key words from the title or question?
2. Do they answer the question directly?
3. Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

• Compare and contrast the two sleep disorders REM sleep behavioural disorder and sleep walking.

  "Conclusion Sleep is a state of rest which is necessary for survival. During sleep there is a cyclic change in brain activity between relaxed (non-REM) and highly active (REM) states. These cyclic changes are regulated by structures in the brain stem, thalamus and hypothalamus using different neurotransmitter systems. Abnormalities in these brain structures and neurotransmitter imbalances can lead to sleep disturbances known as parasomnias. Sleepwalking and RBD are two examples which may seem similar regarding their symptoms but differ substantially in their pathologies. The main distinction between them is that episodes are happening in different phases of sleep (in non-REM for sleepwalking and REM for RBD). For both, a heritable component is suggested but causes remain largely unknown. In addition to reports from patients and their partners about sleeping habits, polysomography is the most efficient tool for distinguishing between the two parasomnias. This distinction is not only important with regards to subsequent treatment. It also has significant implications for patients' future prognoses since RBD is a key indicator for neurodegenerative disorders, which can develop as much as 13 years after diagnosis of RBD."

• To what extent are affective mood disorders biologically determined?

  "After looking at all the evidence and both sets of view, I am unable to draw to a conclusive answer as to whether mood disorders are biologically determined. However, I believe that the organic explanations, in my view, are far more convincing than the psychogenic explanations. It seems that the levels of norepinephrine and/or serotonin affect the mood of the person and antidepressant medications relieve depression. This suggests that depression and mania are biologically determined. With regard to gender differences, I believe that women tend to be diagnosed more than men due to cultural differences i.e. women tend more often to seek help and therefore are diagnosed more. In conclusion, no current theories have been proved as of yet and I have an open mind as to any other explanations that may cause depression or mania."

• In order to compare and contrast both Focusing-Oriented and Experiential therapies to Classical Person-Centred theory it is important to look at each in turn to understand what they are

  "The final feature of Rennie's experiential approach is metacommunication where 'the counsellor makes visible the belief that there is a fundamental equality between counsellor and client' (Baker, 2008:54). This idea again is a deeply person-centred view of the relationship but I find slightly contradictory to the 'experts' stance of process direction. In summary, both F-OC and Rennie's Experiential approach to therapy demonstrate their person-centred roots. That said they also clearly show their differences and the move away from 'classical' theory. It is obvious that both view the 'classical' six necessary and sufficient conditions as necessary but not sufficient with the introduction of 'techniques' beyond that of Rogers original tenets. They also both work in ways that cannot be considered non-directive with therapists of both approaches taking a lead and directing the sessions from time to time. Gendlin's F-OC has a belief in the actualising tendency and this is also hinted at with Rennie's approach with the client agency."