Reference no: EM133914711

Homework: Psychology Capstone

Instructions

Pie of Life Homework

The Pie of Life chart is a tool psychologists use to help their clients conceptualize where they are investing their physical and mental energy. It aids in self-reflection and goal setting, prompting one to mindfully consider where they are allocating their time, energy, and resources. The "slices" of this pie represent important life domains including our close relationships, spirituality, mental health, physical health, self-development, hobbies, career, and finances.

One of the main objectives of this course is to provide you with space and time for self-reflection - to intentionally consider how your experience as a psychology major has impacted your life. The Pie of Life chart provides us with a great scaffolding for just this sort of exercise. We can use it to think about how fundamental psychological principles, concepts, teachings, and findings have influenced you in meaningful ways.

For example, how has your experience as a psychology major influenced your friendships? Maybe after taking your Theories of Personality course, you had an epiphany about a difficult relationship in your past, giving you a new lens through which to view that dynamic. Maybe that roommate wasn't a jerk after all - maybe they were just stuck in a maladaptive pattern of behavior that was, unfortunately, positively reinforced throughout their childhood?

Another example: How might your career goals have shifted over the course of your journey? Maybe a discussion forum conversation you had with a peer in your Intro to Clinical Psychology course about childhood mental health diagnoses really piqued your interest and you started to shift your career interest toward child and adolescent work as a result.

These are just two examples - the possibilities here are endless!

Instructions:

Write a 1,800 to 2,000 words reflective journal entry (going over some is fine!). You have the creative freedom to choose the format that best suits your reflection. It can be written as a traditional essay, or you can write less formally/more conversationally in the style of a diary or journal entry, whichever you are more comfortable with. References are not required unless you use them. If you do, then they must be cited in the text and referenced at the end of your work in APA format. What you will be referencing, for the most part, are your takeaways from your previous courses (psychology or other subjects!) - This may involve specific outside resources, but it may not. That will be up to you to discern.

Below you will see a proposed outline for this reflection, which will help you structure your thinking. The focus should be on your personal experiences as a student, insights and clarity you've gained along the way, and specific takeaways from any courses you have taken throughout your undergraduate program.

Introduction (150+ words):

For this homework, reflecting on all eight domains in the Pie of Life chart is not required. Instead, focus on the five that resonate most with your experience. Begin with a brief introduction to smoothly segue your reader into your piece. Reference the 5 Pie of Life domains that you have selected for reflection.

Body (1500+ words total):

Choose FIVE of the Pie of Life domains below. So, the body of your work will be at least 5 paragraphs or sections long. Aim for 300+ words per domain (going over 300 words some is fine!). In each paragraph/section refer to something specific you learned from one of your undergraduate courses (remember, it doesn't have to be a psychology course!) and how it applies directly to your life.

Subject headings will help your reader visually, so consider using them!

The bullet points are meant to guide your thinking and aren't necessarily prescriptive of what you "must" talk about.

I. Relationships (Family/Friends):

1. Reflect on how your understanding of psychological concepts has impacted your relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, or peers. Get the instant assignment help.

2. Share personal experiences, challenges, and growth in this area you've experienced throughout your academic journey.

3. Consider any specific courses or theories that influenced your interactions with others.

II. Spirituality

1. Discuss how any course takeaways have given rise to shifts in your spiritual perspective.

2. Reflect on any changes or discoveries related to your spirituality, beliefs, or self-awareness.

3. Share any spiritual insights resulting from class discussion activities.

III. Self-Development

1. Discuss how your psychology education has contributed to your personal growth and development.

2. Reflect on any shifts in your ability to be self-aware and mindful of your own tendencies, strengths, or habits.

3. Explain any connection between psychological theories you've learned about and your journey toward self-discovery.

IV. Leisure/Hobbies

1. Analyze how your understanding of human behavior has influenced your leisure activities and hobbies.

2. Describe any psychological theories or concepts that have shaped your leisure choices and preferences.

3. Share how psychology has enhanced your enjoyment of leisure time.

V. Physical Health

1. Explore the ways in which psychology has influenced your approach to your physical health.

2. Discuss any healthy lifestyle or attitude changes you've adopted because of your psychology education.

3. Mention specific courses or theories that have been particularly impactful in this area.

VI. Mental Health

1. Discuss how your experience in your psychology courses or as a psychology major have shifted your views on what mental health is.

2. Explore how learning about resilience, optimism, or positive psychology has altered how you approach challenges and adversity in your life.

3. Share how insights from your courses have led you to become more understanding of mental health challenges both in yourself and others.

VII. Career

1. Reflect on how psychology has guided your career aspirations, decisions, or strategies.

2. Share any instances where psychological knowledge has been instrumental in your professional development.

3. Consider how your undergraduate education has shaped your work-related attitudes and goals.

VIII. Finances:

1. Discuss the influence of psychology on your financial decisions, budgeting, and money management.

2. Reflect on any courses or theories that have provided insights into financial behavior and decision-making.

3. Share any improvements or changes in your financial habits resulting from your studies.

IX. Conclusion (150+ words):

1. To end your journal, draw conclusions regarding the personal impact of your psychology education. What excites you as you look forward? What new challenges are you prepared to take on?