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The Origin of Emotion: Determining Conscious Processing of the Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Get PDFThe facial feedback hypothesis states that sensory feedback from the contractions of facial muscles can influence mood. Researchers have demonstrated this effect, but have not been able to determine whether it occurs consciously or unconsciously (Dimberg & Söderkvist, 2011; Mori & Mori, 2010; Strack, Martin, & Stepper, 1988). The proposed study will determine if the facial feedback effect can occur through unconscious processing alone, allowing psychologists to better understand how the mind-body connection affects human emotion. The facial feedback effect will be viewed as changes in mood, which will be measured on scales using results from self-report questionnaires and emotional ratings of neutral photographs (Crawford & Henry, 2004; Libkuman, Otani, Kern, Viger, & Novak, 2007). Unconscious processing will be evaluated by using topical anesthetic to prevent a group of participants from feeling which of their facial muscles are being stimulated. Previous research has found little difference between individuals enacting the facial feedback effect using entirely conscious and semi-conscious techniques (Strack, Martin, & Stepper, 1988; Mori & Mori, 2009). Therefore, this study predicts that facial feedback effects are determined by unconscious processing and that strong facial feedback effects should be evident even when participants are not aware of the facial stimulation
The Black Girl’s Burden: Sexualized Stereotypes and the Reproductive Health of Black Women
No full textWomen of colour fare worse than white women on almost every health outcome. This disparity is particularly pronounced with respect to reproductive health outcomes (Augustine, 2004). Current research identifies cultural competency as a crucial concept for creating effective sexual health programs for racialized and queer youth. Studies show that culturally competent sexual educational programming reduces risky behaviours that lead to poor reproductive health outcomes. My research focuses on three questions: Why do African Americans have lower reproductive health outcomes compared to their Caucasian counterparts? How is current programming on sexual and reproductive health inadequate for the needs of young women of colour?Can reproductive justice and culturally competent education programs help bridge the divide? Using a photo essay and a comprehensive review of the literature, I analyze historical and contemporary sexual representations of black women and examine the impact that shouldering the “burden” of these stereotypes has on the reproductive health of African-American women. The project analyzes selected sexual health curriculums and programming available to young women of colour through critical and reproductive justice frameworks. I use the Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) as a case study and model for how sexual education and sex positivity programming, rooted in a reproductive justice framework, can help young people of colour challenge colonial sexual legacies and express their sexuality in empowering ways.This research demonstrates the importance of culturally competent reproductive justice education as a means of empowering and improving reproductive health outcomes for African-American women
Nunavut Youth Suicide Prevention
No full text“If the populations of ‘mainland’ Canada, Denmark and the United States had suicide rates comparable to those of their Inuit populations, national emergencies would be declared” (Upaluk Poppel, 2005). Nunavut has the highest rate of youth suicide in Canada, and yet there are very few resources allocated to solving this problem. From 1993 to 1997, the suicide rate in Nunavut was 88 people per 100,000, compared with 13 for the rest of Canada. The suicide rates for Inuit men in Nunavut are ten times higher than the national rate in Canada. Inuit youth end their lives for various reasons, some of which are preventable. This research investigates the potential causes of suicide in Nunavut and analyzes various factors such as colonization, residential schooling, poor parenting, violence, and alcohol abuse. Initiatives by both government and non-governmental organizations have been aimed at lowering suicide rates by, for example, limiting the means of suicide. Suicide rates in the UK were drastically reduced when the government replaced the use of toxic coal with non-toxic natural gas for domestic use, so people could no longer poison themselves by putting their heads in the gas ovens. I argue that, although this may be a way to reduce suicide rates, it is a temporary solution which does not address the root causes of the problem. I make policy recommendations for some of the problems that the Nunavut population currently faces
Section Seven and the Right to Die: A Critical Analysis of the Issue of Doctor-Assisted Suicide in Canada
No full textThis research project attempts to answer the question of whether or not those who are terminally ill, of sound mind, and have a physical disability preventing them from taking their own life should have the moral and legal right to assisted dying in Canada, if they so choose. The study reviews how the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms (1982) and the Criminal Code of Canada affect the right to die and provides a summary and analysis of two of the most prominent legal cases in Canada related to assisted dying: Rodriguez v. Canada (Attorney General) & British Columbia (Attorney General) [1993], in which ALS sufferer Sue Rodriguez was denied the right to assisted dying, and Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) [2012], in which plaintiff Gloria Taylor, also an ALS sufferer, was the only person in Canada to be granted a constitutional exemption to seek out assistance in dying—a case later referred to the Supreme Court of Canada. The research project also offers a moral analysis of assisted death from a variety of perspectives and scholarly backgrounds. It concludes by appealing to the Dutch example, in which assisted death is legalized and heavily regulated, and calls for a change to recognize the right to die
Toronto’s Financial District: A Fieldwork Assignment
No full textThis project explores the use of signage and place names in Toronto’s Financial District, focussing first on how signs are used in the district (with specific examples and a discussion of implications), and second, on how people refer to the district (that is, the words used to describe the area and the meanings and implications of those words). The research methodology includes direct observation and interviews of four subjects. This study reveals that several types of signs—both formal and informal—are prevalent in Toronto’s Financial District. Formal signs are those created by the government or businesses, and target both tourists and locals who work in the district. These signs suggest that the Financial District is an area for affluent workers and is supposedly a welcoming space for the international community (although English is the dominant language). Formal signs hint that those who work in the district are “successful,” and may encourage others to work diligently and aim for a career in the district. Informal signs are less frequently found in the area, indicating the high degree of control businesses have over the district. An analysis of word use reveals that the Financial District is commonly referred to as “Bay Street” by passersby, but is more likely to be called the “Financial District” by people who work there. This is examined in light of macro-level concepts such as globalization and group identity
Obesity Prevention for the Technological Generation: How to Fuel a Fitter World
No full textThe world today faces an obesity epidemic with serious health implications. Research shows that a variety of biological, sociological, and psychological factors underlie the obesity crisis. Much research suggests that lack of exercise and lack of energy expenditure are the key issues leading to obesity and weight gain. A radical solution addressing youth and encouraging them to be active must be implemented. This project proposes that exercise be promoted by combining it with current technological trends commonly used by today’s youth. For example, electronic devices could be re-charged through physical exercise, such as machines or other external means. Further research is required into the implications of such a project, and should be developed together with other public education measures, such as nutritional advice and psychological support
A Description and Exploration of the Potential Causes of Intra-Tropical Migration in the Neotropical Bird “Purple Martin” (Progne Subis)
No full textThis study explores the potential causes of intra-tropical migration by neotropical songbirds, some of whom undertake extensive migrations greater than 100 km within their wintering rage in the Amazon. Using geolocator-retrieved data on Purple Martin (Progne subis) migration, the spatial and temporal aspects of the movements are described. After arrival at their initial winter roost in Northern Brazil, sixty percent migrated to a second site in the eastern Amazon, travelling a mean distance of 813 km. It was predicted that weather or insecticide-induced reductions in food availability drives this movement, mediated by individual factors such as sex, age, fall migration timing, and distance. Statistical analyses reveal a general movement toward agricultural landscapes, but no significant differences in temperature or rainfall patterns between initial and subsequent roost sites. Older, experienced birds and those arriving at their first roost sites later are more likely to be intra-tropical migrants than younger birds or early arrivals
Violence against Women: Breast Implantation in Neoliberal-Capitalist Patriarchal Society
No full textThis paper examines the decision to undergo breast implantation in North America, placing it within the broader neoliberal-capitalist patriarchal context in which it is taken. The relationship between hegemonic gendered expectations of femininity in neoliberal-capitalist patriarchal society and women’s decision to undergo breast implantation is explored and analyzed through an overview and contrasting of feminist theories of empowerment, feminist theories of contextualized agency, and a gendered application of a Foucaultian analysis of social control. It is argued that these expectations and pressures constitute a symbolic violence that entices women to undergo breast implantation. The dialectical relationship between the symbolic and the “hard” violence is revealed through a literature review of women’s physical and emotional experiences of breast implantation, further exacerbated through the medico-legal complex. It is argued that the symbolic and “hard” violence enacted against women through breast implantation in neoliberal-capitalist patriarchal society can only be mitigated once it is named as such. The expansion of and contextualization of understandings of violence is imperative
Are Shopping Malls Private or Public Space?: The Effects of Hanging Out at the Mall
No full textPublic space is a topic of great interest these days as it is extremely limited. The concept of space that is open to all and allows for the proliferation of social interaction is an ideal. Shopping malls have tried very hard to be the new town marketplace or public square and have often promoted themselves as such. However, their private nature does not allow for the full spectrum of social interaction that true public space offers. This understanding is important as it has serious effects for those who hang out at the mall for extended periods of time, particularly young people. By defining “public space,” it can be shown that shopping malls, while they may present themselves as public spaces, are not true public spaces. An examination of how malls as private spaces limit access to certain individuals emphasizes how shopping malls are not the new town square as all are not welcome. As well, how shopping malls control the usage of their space shows that these spaces are only available for use for what the private owners deem appropriate social behaviour and ideas. Any activities that are contrary to their list of appropriate uses is not allowed. By limiting who uses the space and what uses are made of the space, shopping malls effect individuals by stunting their social interactions and activities within these spaces