Reflecting on the journey towards mastery of the course outcomes and personal goals
Reflect on what you learned, how you learned, and who/what you interacted with on the road to mastery of the course outcomes, and your personal goals.
The following are things to think about:
Did you achieve your goals for the module?
What information from this week did you find helpful?
How will you use the information?
Share what interactions, resources, and activities helped you to meet the goals, and how they helped. Include links and images to these experiences.
Also, what challenged you? What are you grappling with? Did you have an 'Aha' moment?
Reflecting on the journey towards mastery of the course outcomes and personal goals, I can say that I have made significant progress and achieved many of the goals set for the module. Throughout this process, I have engaged with various resources, interacted with different individuals, and participated in activities that have contributed to my learning and growth.
One of my main goals for this module was to gain a deep understanding of Freud's defense mechanisms and their relevance in modern psychology. I am pleased to say that I have achieved this goal. Through extensive research and reading of scholarly articles, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of each defense mechanism and their theoretical implications. Furthermore, I have successfully incorporated empirical evidence to support the relevance of defense mechanisms in modern psychological theories.
The information from this week's study that I found particularly helpful was the exploration of how defense mechanisms extend beyond financial loss in gambling addiction. It broadened my perspective on the negative consequences associated with gambling and deepened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of addiction. The articles I consulted provided valuable insights into the impacts on mental health, relationships, cognitive functioning, physical health, and crime rates. This information will be useful in future discussions and analyses related to addictive behaviors and their broader implications.
I will use the information gained in this module to further explore and contribute to the field of psychology. The knowledge I have acquired about defense mechanisms and their significance in modern theories will serve as a foundation for future research and writing. Additionally, understanding the detrimental effects of gambling beyond financial loss will inform my perspective when discussing addiction and advocating for preventive measures and support systems.
Interactions, resources, and activities played a crucial role in helping me meet my goals. Engaging with scholarly articles from reputable journals provided a wealth of empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives. These resources allowed me to delve deeper into the topic and strengthen my arguments with credible sources. The interactions with fellow students in online discussions provided diverse perspectives and encouraged critical thinking.
One particular resource that greatly aided my understanding was the article by Vaillant (2000) on adaptive mental mechanisms. It provided a comprehensive overview of defense mechanisms within a positive psychology framework, highlighting their role in psychological well-being. This article deepened my understanding of defense mechanisms' broader implications beyond Freudian psychoanalysis.
The main challenge I encountered during this module was the need to synthesize information from multiple sources while maintaining a cohesive argument. Integrating empirical evidence from different studies into a coherent narrative required careful analysis and organization. However, this challenge allowed me to develop my skills in critically evaluating research and effectively synthesizing complex information.
Throughout this module, I had several 'Aha' moments where connections between different concepts became clear. One such moment was when I realized how defense mechanisms relate to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Seeing the parallels between rationalization and cognitive restructuring techniques highlighted the interconnectedness of different psychological theories.
In conclusion, I am satisfied with the progress made towards achieving my goals for this module. Through interactions, resources, and activities such as engaging with scholarly articles, participating in online discussions, and reflecting on different perspectives, I have deepened my understanding of defense mechanisms and their relevance in modern psychology. This knowledge will guide future research endeavors and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and well-being.