Personality and Career Development

 

Strauser, D. R., Lustig, D. C., and Çiftçi, A., (2008) specifically examines the relationship between overall psychological well-being and to what degree one’s vocational life contributes to feelings of happiness and fulfillment. The analysis is done measuring an individuals’ psychological well-being as a state of constantly striving to become a better person. There are six key points that define one’s psychological well-being. If one’s well-being level is high, then one is more likely to feel more career satisfaction and positive feelings that are associated with development. Career satisfaction is a large focus and interest of individuals who are striving to find a job that better fits their strengths as well as their need for fulfillment; overall well-being is an important mode of measuring the success of the human experience.

The video above (Scott Dinsmore, 2012) discusses the power and strength of believing in oneself to get where you want to go. He discusses the energy acquired when setting your mind on something and going after a specific goal. Incremental, small steps towards a large goal is most positively correlated with expected results when surrounded by driven people and making action towards future goals similar to where one envisions oneself to be. It explains that surrounding oneself with passionate and dedicated people is a key strategy to achieving goals (Dinsmore, 2012). Additionally, those who seek out network opportunities in career fields that are overlapping with interests and future potentials tend to open up abilities for career success with a more direct purpose and reward (Bozionelos, N., 2003); this includes a stronger possibility to reach perceived and desired goals.

Which parts of your unique personality do you see contributing to your specific career field and how you are a positive attribute at work? Which qualities do you hold that may be better suited at a different career (and what would that be)?

Attachment Theory

The relationship between mother and infant has always been known to have a significant and lasting impact on baby’s relationship with mother; these interactions will more importantly create the emotional structure for many future relationships to come. Snyder, R., Shapiro, S., and Treleaven, D. (2012) deal with effective ways in which to enhance the mother’s ability to raise one’s child with the proper attachment levels to ensure a healthy adulthood follows. Meditation and mindfulness is a mode experimented with and proven to assist in levels of less stress and better coping for a mother amidst a significant change in social roles. This research will be helpful in contributing to the psychological necessities of new mothers while assessing the impact of meditation on attachment capabilities.   More research found in a study by Reinherz, H. Z., Paradis, A. D., Giaconia, R. M., Stashwick, C. K., and Fitzmaurice, G. (2003) displayed a connection between levels of depression assessed in earlier childhood stages and teenage years with a higher depression rating in the early adulthood transition years. Reinherz, H. Z. et al. (2003) also found that the experience of depression during the early adulthood transition was more likely to lead to depressed outlooks in adulthood; these individuals also struggle more with the journey to finding occupations that were valuable to them as well as meaningful romantic and other interpersonal relationships.

The video link above (Greenbaum, 2012) discusses how valuable the connection each individual has with their parent and how much that impacts the process of growing up. Depending on which attachment type is found between primary caregiver and child (ambivalent, avoidant, disorganized, or optimal) usually affects the type of romantic relationship that the “child” will go on and manifest as an adult. Parents hold a large responsibility in taking care of themselves and appropriately dealing with their own emotions so as to positively impact their kids- if not, the attachment type will only continue to be passed down the line and be exhibited in the child’s romantic encounters. For example, if a child grew up in an environment with avoidant attachment in which their caregiver did not exhibit physical touch or emotional response when needed, this type of child will grow up with anxiety and insecurities regarding future lovers. They may seek out someone who is abusive and neglecting, or become disengaged, removed, and apathetic to the relationship and reality (Snyder, et al., 2012).

Which attachment theory do you think is most likely to occur with parents of the millennial age?   What is the rationale behind this assumption and if it is a negative type of attachment, how can it best be improved upon?

The Importance of Nurture in Early Adulthood

 

Schulenberg, J. E., Sameroff, A. J., and Cicchetti, D. (2004) focuses on the challenge, and yet societal ignorance, related to the transition for adolescents entering into early adulthood. An unfortunate reality exists that although science proves this phase is extremely significant and greatly impacts developmental realities, society as a whole fails to provide the necessary support and standardized assistance when teenagers reach this stage of transitioning into adulthood. Special attention is turned to the reality of facing discontinuity as one approaches early adulthood; society has continued to witness the impact that this lack of fluidity in support may have on maturation. There has been an influx in noticeable impact that has assisted in bringing forward the current requirement for an age group in vital need of leadership (Schulenberg, J. E., et al., 2004).

Early adulthood is a meaningful phase of continuation of self-awareness; with this comes the opportunity for continued self-deprecation and analytical possibilities. Entering into the real world of adulthood, one faces many changes. Usually, mentors and family members attempt to prepare teenagers for what is to come. Many graduate from college looking for jobs to use their degree in; others are just deciding to begin college, while still others continue to wonder which path will call their name. The ability of and success or failure involved in getting hired for a job may all play a significant part in one’s self-esteem and overall perception of what the future looks like in the adulthood phase. The following video focuses intentionally on body image and how significant each individual’s viewpoint on their own body projects onto their unique personality, self-esteem, and daily choices (Jubilee Project, [Video file], November 2014).

In what ways does our society properly set up teenagers to be prepared for the expectations and responsibilities of early adulthood? Where do we lack in transitioning and how can we efficiently bridge this gap?

The Reality of Stress

The majority of Americans would concede to the fact that stress is a disturbing and disliked part of our everyday lives. Stress ranges from a variety of levels throughout our daily lives. These circumstances may include one to most of the following, depending on one’s stage in life: waking up on time to make an important meeting, recalling the details of an event to explain at a work meeting, picking up the kids from sporting events and band practices, checking in on aging parents and worrying about their health throughout the day, living a healthy lifestyle, and managing romantic and social relationships. There has also been research performed that demonstrates the impact of financial and workplace stress on the demands of a relationship (Sanbonmatsu, D. M., Hill, J. B., Moore, S. M., Behrends, A. A., & Uchino, B. N., 2014); several areas of our lives play into how we interpret and experience stress, with the ability of each category to effect another. There continues to be an increase in individual responsibilities as well as the amount of expectations put on people that leads to a significant increase in stress (Ziegler, 2014). Stress can exhibit itself in physical as well as emotional ways, having severe effects on the body as well as the mind.

Above, Kelly McGonigal (2012) dissects the incredibly disturbing impacts of our outlook on stress. Her main point of research focuses not so much on experiencing stress but rather on paying attention to how we respond to stress. She explains that, on average, humans who interpreted their stress with a continuous, negative outlook actually had an earlier death rate. In comparison, individuals lived longer who may have experienced the same amount or type of stress as those mentioned before but who instead viewed their own stressful, physical reactions as a more productive and preparation to perform (or react) rather than as such a negative experience to be avoided or even fearful of. In addition, social interactions and a general feeling of connectedness have been shown to increase happiness levels as well as positive well-being and an increased experience of everyday life and experiences (Cacioppo, J. T. and Hawkley, L. C., 2003).

How would the lives of Americans improve if they had a better grasp on dealing with stress? What type of coping mechanisms could potentially change the way people deal with everyday stressors?

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Psychosocial Effects

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects women more prevalently than men; it consists of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms can begin suddenly, sometimes even in childhood or middle adulthood, but most often in later adulthood. Oftentimes, symptoms progress and go through phases of remission over a long period of time. While the effects of the disease are primarily noticeable in physical limitations and decline, RA also has strong implications on psychosocial (emotional and mental) aspects, thus influencing one’s social involvement and close relationships.

Please view the video below to examine specific physical changes in an RA diagnosis. Through understanding the physical changes that occur throughout a diagnosis, the emotional occurrences become more apparent (الدال على الخير كفاعله., 2012).

There are varying cases of rheumatoid arthritis; the intensity of the disease’s symptoms is a case-by-case basis. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis can become debilitated by the physical aspects of the disease, the psychological effects and social factors involved with the diagnosis are often overlooked; these are significant implications regarding the relationship between the mind and body. Depression is not uncommon as one struggles to accept their new reality (Palkonyai, Kolarz, Kopp, Bogye, Temesvari, Palkonyay, Meszaros, 2007); one must intentionally transition into accepting their newfound limitations while facing worries regarding their diagnosis. Gåfvels, Hägerström, Nordmark, and Wändell (2012) found that a lack of employment due to lower physical functioning also leads to loneliness and unworthy feelings as one may experience a lack of purpose and community. Emotional adjustment and an accepting view of the disease showed positive correlation to acceptance of the intensity of the disease (and a decrease in intensity) and lessened the severity of its negative impact. On the other hand, heightened stress showed an increase in pain. Gafvels et al. (2012) also displayed the positive correlation between social support at the early onset of the disease and higher levels of disease acceptance; this was shown to more than likely lessen anxiety, stress, and depression, each of which tend to worsen the disease process when present.

Imagine you have a family member experiencing the early day to day symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. How can you be an advocate to her emotional state? What type of conversation would you want to be sure to have to increase her acceptance of her diagnosis and assist her in overcoming an emotionally debilitating state?

Impact of Emotional Intelligence

The knowledge and usage of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is something that is truly beginning to impact our society. EQ has emerged as a relatively new wave of emotionally thinking and has been noticed to positively transform many relationships and workplace environments. According to Tischle, Biberman, and McKeage (2002), emotional intelligence can be defined as: “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships” and “an array of non-cognitive skills, capabilities, and competencies that influence a person’s abilities to cope with environmental demands and pressures.” Because of the power that lies within understanding the emotions behind interactions, the use of research and practicalities behind emotional intelligence has been shown to significantly impact the happiness and morale exhibited in the workplace (Tischle et al., 2002). When one is more connected to their emotional reality and tendencies, they are more capable of handling their reactions. This may be due to the ability to understand the reason behind why they feel certain ways in specifics scenarios or in the presence of certain individuals.

The effect of EQ in the workplace has been of high importance as well; managers who have a higher EQ tend to understand and trust themselves more, thus influencing their followers in a more effective and productive way. Emotional intelligence assumes the focus on individual personalities and takes into account each person for who they are and how they operate (Colfax, R. S., Rivera, J. J., & Perez, K. T., 2010). For example, if a manager was not aware of their own emotional tendencies while interacting with employees, they may deliver a message inefficiently or without realization of how the message was interpreted. This may have negative effects such as ineffective relay of expectations or misguided employees. On the other hand, when the level of emotional intelligence is higher in a manager, effectiveness is much more probable. Higher levels of EQ allow for a stronger emotional connection between management and employees. Sensitivities and strengths are more likely to be recognized, appreciated, and used to their fullest potential. If a manger is aware of their employees’ strengths and emotional inclinations, a specific management style can be adjusted to ensure that communication regarding given tasks are clear according to the employees’ needs; in these scenarios, both parties reap the benefits of the positive emotional implications due to this mutual understanding.

Above, Daniel Goleman (2007), the author of Emotional Intelligence, speaks about the link between human compassion and emotional intelligence. His arguments and fascination for the increase in acts of compassion lie within the framework of emotional intelligence. He explains the significance between the differentiation among IQ and EQ. For example, he discusses the mindset of a serial killer who is extremely intelligent according to his IQ but lacks the emotional capacity and awareness to care about other humans. This leads to realizations regarding the stereotypes involved in judging a person based off an IQ score. This relevant example proves the dominance of emotional intelligence in comparison to being book smart; from relationships to career options, emotional intelligence is a factor that will prove to continue being important for growth and success.

Which areas of our lives do we tend to see emotional intelligence being the most impactful and useful: friendships, relationships, careers, self-development? If one does not feel socially intelligent or connected as much as desired, how can one go about increasing these skills and adapting better to such a desired state of interactions?

Bibliography

Bozionelos, N. (2003). INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK RESOURCES: RELATION TO CAREER SUCCESS AND PERSONALITY.International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 11(1), 41-66. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/198609168?accountid=39364

Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2003). Social isolation and health, with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 46(3), S39-52. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230594265?accountid=39364

Colfax, R. S., Rivera, J. J., & Perez, K. T. (2010). APPLYING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ-I) IN THE WORKPLACE: VITAL TO GLOBAL BUSINESS SUCCESS. Journal of International Business Research, 9, 89-98. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/875107728?accountid=39364

Gåfvels, C., Hägerström, M., Nordmark, B., & Wändell, ,P.E. (2012). Psychosocial problems among newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients. Clinical Rheumatology, 31(3), 521-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1894-z

Goleman, D. (2007, December 18). Why Aren’t We More Compassionate? [Video file], Retrieved from

            https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_goleman_on_compassion/transcript?language=en

Jubilee Project, [Video file], November 2014).

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2820169/What-change-body-Moving-video-shows-children-add-super-power-adults-just-want-fix-flaws.html#v-3874119293001

McGonigal, K. (2013, June). Kelly McGonigal: How to Make Stress Your Friend [Video file], Retrieved from

https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend#t-401615

Palkonyai, E., Kolarz, G., Kopp, M., Bogye, G., Temesvari, P., Palkonyay, L., . . . Meszaros, E. (2007). Depressive symptoms in early rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative longitudinal study. Clinical Rheumatology, 26(5), 753-8. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-007-0551-z

Reinherz, H. Z., Paradis, A. D., Giaconia, R. M., Stashwick, C. K., & Fitzmaurice, G. (2003). Childhood and adolescent predictors of major depression in the transition to adulthood. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(12), 2141-7. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220464459?accountid=39364

Sanbonmatsu, D. M., Hill, J. B., Moore, S. M., Behrends, A. A., & Uchino, B. N. (2014). Selective testing of possible causes of personal stress: Effects on coping intentions. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 33(9), 789-804. doi:http://dx.doi.org/101521jscp2014339789

Schulenberg, J. E., Sameroff, A. J., & Cicchetti, D. (2004). The transition to adulthood as a critical juncture in the course of psychopathology and mental health. Development and Psychopathology, 16(4), 799-806. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/201696398?accountid=39364.

Snyder, R., Shapiro, S., & Treleaven, D. (2012). Attachment theory and mindfulness. Journal of Child and Family Studies,21(5), 709-717. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9522-8

Strauser, D. R., Lustig, D. C., & Çiftçi, A. (2008). Psychological well-being: Its relation to work personality, vocational identity, and career thoughts. The Journal of Psychology, 142(1), 21-35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213831645?accountid=39364

Tischler, L., Biberman, J., & McKeage, R. (2002). Linking emotional intelligence, spirituality and workplace performance: Definitions, models and ideas for research. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17(3), 203-218. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215866614?accountid=39364

Wilkinson, G. [Greenbaum Wilkinson]. (2012, March 31). The role of attachment in infancy on later mental and physical health outcomes [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bul1meciGE.

الدال على الخير كفاعله. (2012, October 13). [Video file], Rheumatoid arthritis – hybrid medical animations. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imR4hCwrGmQ.

Ziegler, M. (2014). Adult development and aging. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint. ISBN-13: 9781621781417 | ISBN-10: 1621781410

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