A Thematic Analysis of the Novel Open Secrets from Psychoanalysis Perspective

Alice Munro,the first short story writer in Canada to receive the Nobel Prize laureate in 2013,applies the unconscious to the portrayal of characters and the construction of engrossing stories.Based on the unconscious theory of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis,this article focuses on one of Alice Munro’s short stories,Open Secrets,by analyzing the unconscious of representative characters,to explore their power conversion through the conflicts triggered by their unconscious mind.Via uncovering their unique personalities and values,as well as displaying their power against each other through conflict,this article reveals that the relationship between characters is sophisticated and changeable,and their power against each other has been a state of change in continuous conflicts.Behind the unconscious displays a thoroughly different comparison of forces:the strong who behaves violently and arrogantly actually shows weakness;in turn,the obedience and endurance of the weak strongly manifest a tenacious resistance.

Major Problems in American Education: From a Socio-Cultural Perspective

American intellectuals of different generations and in various eras,with a strong sense of social responsibility and a critical mind,have dedicated themselves in revealing some major problems existing in American education,namely educational inequality,declining academic performance,inadequate funding,and school violence.By describing and probing into these problems from a socio-cultural perspective,they offer a solution of eliminating the socio-economic inequality in America,which is fundamental and essential.

A Psychoanalysis of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is written by James Thurber, who is known for his writing and humor. Many critics consider him as the best American humorist since Mark Twain. This paper aims to analyze this short story from the approach of psychoanalysis.

Using Mixed Methods to Investigate the Relationship Between Student Motivation and Academic Achievement From Socio-Cultural Perspective

Language learning is a complex process for many reasons. First, it is closely related to linguistics. Second, language is social as it occurs within certain social contexts. And finally, it is individual. Personal characteristics such as experience, gender and age, attitude and aptitude, motivation, beliefs, self-confidence, and anxiety greatly influence language learning. Among these variables, motivation is considered to be one of the most important factors affecting the success of second or foreign language learning. However, the relationship between motivation and educational achievement is not quite clear. In the current literature, motivation is regarded as socially constructed, therefore as dynamic rather than static. Little research has been conducted on the motivation of Vietnamese students studying English as a compulsory curriculum component rather than as a major from a socio-cultural perspective. Understanding the relationship between student motivation and academic achievement as well as the socio-cultural factors that affect students＇ motivation will be an important contribution to motivation theory. Therefore, the situation requires longitudinal and in-depth research into student motivation, the factors affecting it during the learning process, and the relationship between student motivation and academic achievement. A mixed method approach has been chosen to meet the needs of the study. It is believed that insights in these areas will help address the issue of motivation at the Police University.

Heart of Darkness——the analysis of Edger Allen Poe’s work “Black Cat” from the perspective of psychoanalysis

From the perspective of Freudian theories of psychoanalysis,Black Cat is a story about how an imbalanced personality led to the selfdestruction.The struggle between the protagonist’s id and superego eventually caused the release of the id and evil behaviors.The protagonist’s abnormal behavior is also a performance of the unconscious theory and the death drive theory.It is further pointed out that the black cat and protagonist’s wife images,functioning as external containment,present the complexity of humanity.Edgar Allan Poe’s novels,which created a lot of psychopaths characters touching the unconscious field,have an important influence on the development of psychology.

Socio-cultural Embeddedness of Spatial Agglomeration of Creative Industries in Shanghai

Rapidly emerged creative industries receive increasing attention from a variety of disciplines. However, the space features of creative industries and its association with local socio-cultural contexts have not been fully understood, especially at a micro-city level. This study attempts to understand the agglomeration of creative industries in Shanghai from the sociology perspective. For this study, this paper utilizes primarily a questionnaire survey to explain the space features of creative industries in Shanghai. The results indicate an extensive socio-cultural embeddedness of the agglomeration of creative industries in Shanghai. First, strong emphasis on face-to-face contacts by creative professionals makes geographical agglomeration necessary for creative industries. Second, the reason why inner city of Shanghai is popular among creative professionals and enterprises lies in the diversity of cultures and special environment of the former colonial zones of Shanghai. Additionally, highly concentrated dining and entertainment facilities in the central city of Shanghai offer creative workers social networking places and nightlife venues. Third, as the educational attainment of local citizens and the protection of intellectual property are highly stressed by creative professionals, research and design specialized creative industries are more likely located near universities and research institutes.

On Causes of Teddy's Tragedy in Shutter Island by Psychoanalysis

Shutter Island is a movie directed by Martin Scorsese.It tells a story about a psychotic,Teddy,who committed a serious crime and lived in fantasy from then on.A group of psychologists tried to help him by exposing the reality and forcing him to face it.At last,Teddy's memory was recovered.Yet he chose to receive lobotomy to end his pain.From Freud's psychoanalytic point of view,Teddy's tragedy is caused by the conflict between his id,ego and superego,and his fantasy world is a result of self-defense mechanism.

Psychotherapy in Hospitals in Brazil and Some Contributions from Psychoanalysis: A Historical Study

Psychotherapeutic practice in hospitals in Brazil started in the 1950s even before the profession of psychologist in the country was formalized, and has been building a fairly rich history because it is differentiated according to the development of the practice over the decades as a function of the various clinical methods associated with it, as a consequence of the policies and/or different theoretical orientations that have underpinned it. Twenty years after this practice began, during the 1970s, the field of mental health was configured as a major center of absorption of psychologists in an attempt to change the prevailing medical model. It is at that time that we can first see the formation of multidisciplinary teams linked to psychotherapy treatments. When we examine the relationship between the advancement of the practice and its theoretical foundations, in a field where political orientations toward the practice carried no less weight, we realize that this entire movement has led to important developments in the history of psychology in general. In order to specify what clinical practice in hospitals has contributed to psychology in general, it is necessary to follow its guidelines over the decades, where we can confirm that a certain prevalence of psychoanalysis has been and is being established. To the extent that it is characterized as a discourse directed at the subject, it is fundamental that it allows for situating the work in the hospital in an exchange with the medical field in such a way that each field may sustain its own particularities, respect their differences, and contribute, each in their own way, toward the advancement of clinical work. From the 1950s through today, clinical practice highlights a concern with asserting subjectivity in hospitals where the contributions of some psychoanalytical developments to different forms of psychotherapy have not been lacking.

Socio-Cultural and Economic Role and Importance of Biodiversity and Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo:Case of the Upper-Katanga Province

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in the life of the Congolese population in general and in that of the population of Upper-Katanga province in particular.The current study deals with the socio-cultural and economic role and importance of biological diversity and forest in the life of the population of Upper-Katanga province.The utilized methodology was based on observation,field investigation and bibliographic research.Investigations were concerned more particularly with wood and animal species which are significantly utilized in the province.The results reflect the use of wood and animals which are part of the province biological diversity.They are compiled under two segments,namely the socio-cultural importance of biodiversity with some species forbidden to the queen,those that are utilized to split couples,to give strength to children,to provide the king with authority power,etc.The second segment deals with the results which emphasize the socio-economic importance of biodiversity concerned with hunting,fishing,cutting of some wood species for sale,building houses,cooking food,producing heat during cold weather,making furniture and other finished products,and for personal use.

An Analysis of Sofia＇ Psyche Personality in the Film The Color Purple --from the Perspective of Freud＇s Psychoanalysis

The film The Color Purple mainly talks about the bitter situation of oppression and discrimination of American black wom-en through the life of protagonist Celie, and Celie’s spiritual journey of becoming awaken gradually and independent, and at last gain her own new life. Another black woman Sofia in the film has confidence, independence and fighting spirit. This paper will analyzes Sofia’s three personalities from the perspective of Freudian psychoanalysis, especially his theory of personality which divides the psyche into the id, the self, and the superego so as to better understand black wom-en’inner world in the oppression and discrimination society.

Personal, Situational and Socio-Cultural Factors as Correlates of Intimate Partner Abuse in Nigeria

This study established the relationships between personal, situational and socio-cultural factors and intimate partner abuse among couples in Nigeria. A multiple regression statistical procedure was employed in analyzing the data collected from 200 participants randomly selected from five ministries in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Results obtained indicated that the three variables when combined effectively predicted intimate partner abuse (F-ratio of 5.756 significant at 0.05 alpha level). Taken separately, situational and socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the prediction (t = 2.146, p t = 2.284, p (t = 1.705, p > 0.05). On the basis of these findings it was suggested that counselling psychologists should design intervention strategies to promote life-skills training in schools and out-of-schools settings. These include age-appropriate content on sexuality, conflict resolution, building healthy relationships and personal safety. Also, it was suggested that couples should be informed on the long-term health and social consequences of physical and sexual abuse.

Socio-Cultural Identities, Perceptions of Sexuality/Sexual Behavior and Cultural Contexts as Determinants of HIV and AIDS Prevalence in Southern Africa

This paper attempts to examine the connection between one’s socio cultural setting and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Often, local communities form the contexts within which people negotiate their social and sexual lives and identities. These communities also play a key role in enabling or restraining people from taking control over their health. The paper will try to demonstrate through specific examples that in African societies, sexual behavior is a product of one’s socio-cultural environment and structural contexts and not the cognitive properties of the individual. The article draws from the qualitative study (Focus group sessions, individual interviews) conducted in three high schools in the Boland area of the Western Cape with about 18 learners, 3 Life skills teachers, 3 Performer-Educators on the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS intervention by The Centre for HIV/AIDS Management theatre group based at the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of the study was to ascertain the cultural content of their campaign model as well as their knowledge of the determinants of sex and sexuality of their target areas. Based on the findings of this study, I argue that theatre will achieve greater success in its campaign against HIV/AIDS in South Africa if the designers of the campaign models adopt a more participatory approach, make indigenous culture central to the design of their intervention model and pay closer attention to what Campbell refers to as “community level of analysis” which simply put implies a greater understanding of the target audiences local communities and its determinants of sex and sexuality.

Embodied Cognition From the Perspective of Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural Theory

Embodied cognition is an approach to cognition that departs from traditional Descartes’ mind-body dualism for its emphasis on bodily interactions with the environment. The paper firstly describes three distinctive features of embodied cognition. Furthermore, from the perspective of philosophical methodology, the paper outlines Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and his contributions to the development of cognitive science. Three basic themes of Vygotsky’s writings are specifically described： genetic forces as a foundation of the study of mind, social origin of higher mental functioning, and mediation of sign systems in inter-mental and intra-mental functioning. Against the background of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, we further discuss the interface between embodied cognition and Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory. It is claimed that bodily states and body-environment interactions are closely connected to sense-making. Embodied cognition should emphasize on the unity of body, mind, and cultural environment. Finally, the paper concludes with the influence of sociocultural theory on the study of embodied cognition.

Socio-Cultural Barriers Influencing Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Information and Services among Adolescents and Youth 10 - 24 Years in Pastoral Communities in Kenya

Background: As in other developing countries, sexual and reproductive ill-health continues to mostly affect adolescents and youths. Samburu and Turkana counties in Kenya have some of the highest levels of total fertility rates (TFR) at 6.3 and 6.9 respectively placing them well above the national TFR of 3.9. Establishing factors that influence utilization of SRH services among adolescent and youth aged 10 - 24 years is critical in developing an effective program. Method: We used primary data from qualitative and purposeful study design. Data collection used Focus group discussions (FGD), In-depth interviews (IDIs) and Key informant interviews (IDIs). The target groups were adolescents and youth aged 10 - 24 years, health care providers, community health volunteers (CHVs), chemist assistants, parents of adolescents and youth, teachers, spiritual leaders and traditional activists. Findings and Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors were found to influence utilization of SRH services and information. Early marriage, being youth, male only decisions on sexuality matters and fear of family contribute to unprotected sex while myths and misconceptions on contraceptives affected utilization. The findings revealed that youth needs to know sources, how contraceptives work and how to use them. The findings suggest capacity building of health care providers, CHVs, teachers, parents and community leaders on adolescence, sexuality needs of adolescents and disadvantages of female genital mutilation (FGM) including early marriage.

Socio-Cultural, Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Gene Banking in Oman

Establishment of genetic databases has socio-cultural, ethical and legal implications particularly in developing countries. However, there are no available data in Oman about the community knowledge and understanding of genetic database and gene banking. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating Omani public awareness on socio-cultural, ethical and legal aspects of gene studies （with consideration to regional variations） and to assess the public acceptance of initiating gene banking. This study was conducted using self-completed questionnaires by a sample of adult Omani population invited to participate in the study, from 14 health centers, a school and a university. For illiterate subjects, structured interviews were conducted. There were a total of 1,702 participants with nearly equal numbers of males and females. The mean age of respondents was 31 （＋ 12） years for males and 28 （＋ 10） years for females. In general, 9% of the studied population were illiterate and a total of 29% were preparatory school level and below, classified as the uneducated. While, 60% of the respondents were unemployed. The awareness on the genetic disposition of some common diseases was generally higher than 80% with the highest on sickle cell anemia. Only 17% of the participants had knowledge of genetic databases, 95% of whom were from the educated group. Public opinion on acceptance of gene banking, participation in genetic research and setting protection laws in those aware and non-aware, achieved good scores, indicating public acceptance of the above.

Affect regulation in psychoanalytic treatments of patients with a borderline personality disorder–psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy–a comparison

BACKGROUND A recent meta-analysis has confirmed that the effects of psychotherapy on patients with borderline personality disorders(BPD)are still insufficiently understood.Evidence of differences between different types of therapies has been questioned.AIM To study repetitive interaction patterns in patients with BPD undergoing either psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy.METHODS Psychoanalysis(PSA)or psychodynamic psychotherapy(PDT)was administered to 10 patients each,the two groups were matched.Therapy regimens were applied according to care as usual/manualized including quality control and supervision as usual.Randomization to one of the groups was done after baseline assessment.During classical PSA(n=10)and PDT(n=10),semiannually,recordings(audio or video)of five consecutive therapy sessions were taken over three years for an ex-post analysis.The patients'characteristics,such as affect parameters[Affect regulation and experience Q-sort(AREQ)],quality of object relations(quality of object relations scale)and personality traits[Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure(SWAP-200)]were analyzed retrospectively by independent raters.Therapeutic action(psychotherapy process Q-sort)and affective(re)actions of the patients(AREQ)were then analyzed in relation to changes found in the patients'characteristics.RESULTS During the first year of therapy(PSA:n=10;PDT:n=9),the therapeutic method PSA was associated with significant improvements in the variable"SWAP Borderline",while in PDT change was not significantly different to baseline(PSA:P=0.04;PDT:P=0.33).Long-term results and follow up was available for seven participants in PSA and for five in PDT after three years;change in SWAP borderline for the whole sample was not significant at this time point when confronting to baseline(P=0.545).However,differences between PSA and PDT were significant when analyzing the“mean change”in the SWAP Borderline variable after one year of therapy(P=0.024):PSA led to slightly increased BPD symptoms,while PDT to a decrease;for the long run,variance of observed change was higher in PSA than in PDT(SDPSA±9.29 vs SDPDT±7.94).Our assumption that transference interpretations,closely followed by affective changes in the patient,could be useful modes of interaction was reproducible in our findings,especially when looking at the descriptive findings in the long-term data.The analysis of repetitive interaction structures demonstrated a very specific"time-lag"between therapeutic intervention and a corresponding increase in positive affect in successful therapy cases.CONCLUSION Exploring the change processes in the patients'characteristics and linking these changes to specific treatment strategies is of clinical importance when starting treatment and for its long-term progress.

Traumatic Insistence:Reflections on the Concept of Negative in Psychoanalysis

The so-called non-neurotic pathologies have been widely studied,as they require clinical intervention different from the analytic process for cases of neurosis.This proposal focuses on the neurotic and psychotic structures with the concept of negative as an operator for metapsychological and clinical debate.The negative may be associated with the neurotic structure with respect to the establishment of repression,the action of defenses in distinguishing psychic systems,and the overbearing presence of word-presentations.In this structural dimension,free association and analytic interpretation operate by means of the cut,the negative and the excess libido found in symptomatic and traumatic insistence.Regarding the psychotic structure,the foreclosure of the paternal function does not inscribe a negative,causing the subject to be adrift in language,their unconscious out in the open air.In this sense,analytic intervention acts on the traumatic insistence of language,playing the role of secretary to the psychotic(Lacan,1955-56),helping them to weave ties and produce negatives before the invasive Other.Much research has focused on investigating the reverberation of trauma on psychic life as well as the unconscious content bordering on the drive-more specifically,the death drive and the idea of an excess.This communication proposal seeks in the concept of negative theoretical and technical elements to problematize these issues.For such,it analyzes the contributions of Freud,Lacan,and Green to the proposition that this concept can be considered an operator of metapsychological and technical reflection in traumatic insistence.

Socio-Cultural Challenges of Small and Medium-Scale Batik and Tie-Dye Industry in Ghana

This paper investigates the socio-cultural challenges of the small-scale batik and tie-dye production and retailing industry in Ghana. The research is based on a qualitative research approach that employs interviews and observation for data collection. In all, sixteen (16) participants were sampled through purposive techniques. Data collected were transcribed, classified and analysed through thematic and descriptive analysis. The study found that family roles contradict the business role, pressure from family members, poor support from society members, some religious teachings, age, ethnicity and lifestyle of certain people among others. The study concludes that socio-cultural challenges have led to the collapse of most batik and tie-dye production and retailing sectors leaving thousands of Ghanaians jobless. It recommends among others that producers and retailers of batik and tie-dye must separate family roles from work responsibilities to enable them to perform effectively. Again, family members, parents and peers must desist from putting pressure on the entrepreneurs for freebies and the government must resource NBSSI, GEPA and GSB to have regular in-service training to batik and tie-dye producers and retailers to address poor financial management and technical challenges and also on product quality on the international market.

Interpretation on Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights In Light of Psychoanalysis

This thesis aims to analyze the main character of the novel Wuthering Heights from a psychoanalytical perspective.By using techniques adapted from psychoanalysis,this thesis finds that the complex character Heathcliff at first reading is easier to understand,and indeed fits into some of the basic victim-persecutor patterns identified in traditional psychoanalytical work.From Heathcliff we can see the importance of one's psychology and the power of psychoanalysis.