Unit 8:

Core Assessment

The Core Assessment for this class requires you to write a detailed proposal for research you could conduct. You will not actually do this research (though it might form the basis for a senior research project or some research relevant to your job), but your proposal should be a “blueprint” detailed enough that you could hand to others and guide them through its successful completion. The research proposal will consist of four sections:

Core Assessment

1. Problem Statement:

 

(max. 1500 words) an overview of the topic your research will investigate. It introduces and justifies your research question, key variables, their hypothesized relations, and your guiding theoretical perspective. It explains how your planned research is unambiguous in its goals and methods, concerned with a significant issue that will add to the store of human knowledge, theoretically justifiable and testable, practical and feasible to implement, ethical and respectful of human rights, and builds on existing knowledge in the field. 

2. Literature Review: (max. 1500 words) a critical summary of existing research your project will build upon. Your review will evaluate at least five other relevant research projects from original sources in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. The lit review discusses previous research, as it influences the proposed project. It evaluates the methodological, theoretical, or substantive strengths or weaknesses of those studies and explains how they shape your research plans.

3. Design & Procedures: (max. 2000 words) describes and justifies your plans for measurement, sampling, design, analysis, and interpretation of results. It explains which data you would collect, when you would collect it, and what you would do with it to make sense of your topic and shed new light on your research question — and how and why. This section is a set of “how to” instructions for actually turning your “good idea” into a real plan for scientifically answering your original question. 
Your research proposal is a carefully constructed argument for why your question should be answered and how a valid and reliable answer might be obtained. It should be a meticulous set of instructions for generating an answer according to the rules of scientific method, and it should make the case to interested parties for how such an answer can be achieved.

4. Ethics & Conduct of Research: (max. 1500 words) summarizes potential ethical dilemmas, political consequences, and practical challenges associated with designing, conducting, implementing, and disseminating your research. It explains where your research process might go wrong and the safeguards you will put into place to minimize those risks.

DUE:  Submit by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, CT.

Grading Rubric:

 

Problem Statement

25 points

Literature Review

25 points

Design and Procedures

20 points

Ethics and Conduct of Research

20 points

Format (APA)

10 points

Total

100 points

Running head: GUIDED IMAGERY AND PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION

2

12

Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Group Psychotherapy

Hannah K. Greenbaum

Department of Psychology, The George Washington University

PSYC 3170: Clinical Psychology

Dr. Tia M. Benedetto

October 1, 2019

Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Group Psychotherapy

A majority of Americans experience stress in their daily lives (American Psychological Association, 2017). Thus, an important goal of psychological research is to evaluate techniques that promote stress reduction and relaxation. Two techniques that have been associated with reduced stress and increased relaxation in psychotherapy contexts are guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation (McGuigan & Lehrer, 2007). Guided imagery aids individuals in connecting their internal and external experiences, allowing them, for example, to feel calmer externally because they practice thinking about calming imagery. Progressive muscle relaxation involves diaphragmatic breathing and the tensing and releasing of 16 major muscle groups; together these behaviors lead individuals to a more relaxed state (Jacobson, 1938; Trakhtenberg, 2008). Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are both cognitive behavioral techniques (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005) in which individuals focus on the relationship among thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (White, 2000).

Group psychotherapy effectively promotes positive treatment outcomes in patients in a cost-effective way. Its efficacy is in part attributable to variables unique to the group experience of therapy as compared with individual psychotherapy (Bottomley, 1996; Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). That is, the group format helps participants feel accepted and better understand their common struggles; at the same time, interactions with group members provide social support and models of positive behavior (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). Thus, it is useful to examine how stress reduction and relaxation can be enhanced in a group context.

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the research base on guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation in group psychotherapy contexts. I provide overviews of both guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, including theoretical foundations and historical context. Then I examine guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation as used on their own as well as in combination as part of group psychotherapy (see Baider et al., 1994, for more). Throughout the review, I highlight themes in the research. Finally, I end by pointing out limitations in the existing literature and exploring potential directions for future research.

Guided Imagery

Features of Guided Imagery

Guided imagery involves a person visualizing a mental image and engaging each sense (e.g., sight, smell, touch) in the process. Guided imagery was first examined in a psychological context in the 1960s, when the behavior theorist Joseph Wolpe helped pioneer the use of relaxation techniques such as aversive imagery, exposure, and imaginal flooding in behavior therapy (Achterberg, 1985; Utay & Miller, 2006). Patients learn to relax their bodies in the presence of stimuli that previously distressed them, to the point where further exposure to the stimuli no longer provokes a negative response (Achterberg, 1985).

Contemporary research supports the efficacy of guided imagery interventions for treating medical, psychiatric, and psychological disorders (Utay & Miller, 2006). Guided imagery is typically used to pursue treatment goals such as improved relaxation, sports achievement, and pain reduction. Guided imagery techniques are often paired with breathing techniques and other forms of relaxation, such as mindfulness (see Freebird Meditations, 2012). The evidence is sufficient to call guided imagery an effective, evidence-based treatment for a variety of stress-related psychological concerns (Utay & Miller, 2006).

Guided Imagery in Group Psychotherapy

Guided imagery exercises improve treatment outcomes and prognosis in group psychotherapy contexts (Skovholt & Thoen, 1987). Lange (1982) underscored two such benefits by showing (a) the role of the group psychotherapy leader in facilitating reflection on the guided imagery experience, including difficulties and stuck points, and (b) the benefits achieved by social comparison of guided imagery experiences between group members. Teaching techniques and reflecting on the group process are unique components of guided imagery received in a group context (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005).

Empirical research focused on guided imagery interventions supports the efficacy of the technique with a variety of populations within hospital settings, with positive outcomes for individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders (Utay & Miller, 2006). Guided imagery and relaxation techniques have even been found to “reduce distress and allow the immune system to function more effectively” (Trakhtenberg, 2008, p. 850). For example, Holden-Lund (1988) examined effects of a guided imagery intervention on surgical stress and wound healing in a group of 24 patients. Patients listened to guided imagery recordings and reported reduced state anxiety, lower cortisol levels following surgery, and less irritation in wound healing compared with a control group. Holden-Lund concluded that the guided imagery recordings contributed to improved surgical recovery. It would be interesting to see how the results might differ if guided imagery was practiced continually in a group context.

Guided imagery has also been shown to reduce stress, length of hospital stay, and symptoms related to medical and psychological conditions (Scherwitz et al., 2005). For example, Ball et al. (2003) conducted guided imagery in a group psychotherapy format with 11 children (ages 5–18) experiencing recurrent abdominal pain. Children in the treatment group (n = 5) participated in four weekly group psychotherapy sessions where guided imagery techniques were implemented. Data collected via pain diaries and parent and child psychological surveys showed that patients reported a 67% decrease in pain. Despite a small sample size, which contributed to low statistical power, the researchers concluded that guided imagery in a group psychotherapy format was effective in reducing pediatric recurrent abdominal pain.

However, in the majority of guided imagery studies, researchers have not evaluated the technique in the context of traditional group psychotherapy. Rather, in these studies participants usually met once in a group to learn guided imagery and then practiced guided imagery individually on their own (see Menzies et al., 2014, for more). Thus, it is unknown whether guided imagery would have different effects if implemented on an ongoing basis in group psychotherapy.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Features of Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation involves diaphragmatic or deep breathing and the tensing and releasing of muscles in the body (Jacobson, 1938). Edmund Jacobson developed progressive muscle relaxation in 1929 (as cited in Peterson et al., 2011) and directed participants to practice progressive muscle relaxation several times a week for a year. After examining progressive muscle relaxation as an intervention for stress or anxiety, Joseph Wolpe (1960; as cited in Peterson et al., 2011) theorized that relaxation was a promising treatment. In 1973, Bernstein and Borkovec created a manual for helping professionals to teach their clients progressive muscle relaxation, thereby bringing progressive muscle relaxation into the fold of interventions used in cognitive behavior therapy. In its current state, progressive muscle relaxation is often paired with relaxation training and described within a relaxation framework (see Freebird Meditations, 2012, for more).

Research on the use of progressive muscle relaxation for stress reduction has demonstrated the efficacy of the method (McGuigan & Lehrer, 2007). As clients learn how to tense and release different muscle groups, the physical relaxation achieved then influences psychological processes (McCallie et al., 2006). For example, progressive muscle relaxation can help alleviate tension headaches, insomnia, pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. This research demonstrates that relaxing the body can also help relax the mind and lead to physical benefits.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Group Psychotherapy

Limited, but compelling, research has examined progressive muscle relaxation within group psychotherapy. Progressive muscle relaxation has been used in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings to reduce stress and physical symptoms (Peterson et al., 2011). For example, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs integrates progressive muscle relaxation into therapy skills groups (Hardy, 2017). The goal is for group members to practice progressive muscle relaxation throughout their inpatient stay and then continue the practice at home to promote ongoing relief of symptoms (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005).

Yu (2004) examined the effects of multimodal progressive muscle relaxation on psychological distress in 121 elderly patients with heart failure. Participants were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received biweekly group sessions on progressive muscle relaxation, as well as tape-directed self-practice and a revision workshop. The control group received follow-up phone calls as a placebo. Results indicated that the experimental group exhibited significant improvement in reports of psychological distress compared with the control group. Although this study incorporated a multimodal form of progressive muscle relaxation, the experimental group met biweekly in a group format; thus, the results may be applicable to group psychotherapy.

Progressive muscle relaxation has also been examined as a stress-reduction intervention with large groups, albeit not therapy groups. Rausch et al. (2006) exposed a group of 387 college students to 20 min of either meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or waiting as a control condition. Students exposed to meditation and progressive muscle relaxation recovered more quickly from subsequent stressors than did students in the control condition. Rausch et al. (2006) concluded the following:

A mere 20 min of these group interventions was effective in reducing anxiety to normal levels

. . . merely 10 min of the interventions allowed [the high-anxiety group] to recover from the stressor. Thus, brief interventions of meditation and progressive muscle relaxation may be effective for those with clinical levels of anxiety and for stress recovery when exposed to brief, transitory stressors. (p. 287)

Thus, even small amounts of progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial for people experiencing anxiety.

Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Group Psychotherapy

Combinations of relaxation training techniques, including guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, have been shown to improve psychiatric and medical symptoms when delivered in a group psychotherapy context (Bottomley, 1996; Cunningham & Tocco, 1989). The research supports the existence of immediate and long-term positive effects of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation delivered in group psychotherapy (Baider et al., 1994). For example, Cohen and Fried (2007) examined the effect of group psychotherapy on 114 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The researchers randomly assigned participants to three groups: (a) a control group, (b) a relaxation psychotherapy group that received guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation interventions, or (c) a cognitive behavioral therapy group. Participants reported less psychological distress in both intervention groups compared with the control group, and participants in the relaxation psychotherapy group reported reduced symptoms related to sleep and fatigue. The researchers concluded that relaxation training using guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation in group psychotherapy is effective for relieving distress in women diagnosed with breast cancer. These results further support the utility of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation within the group psychotherapy modality.

Conclusion

Limitations of Existing Research

Research on the use of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation to achieve stress reduction and relaxation is compelling but has significant limitations. Psychotherapy groups that implement guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are typically homogeneous, time limited, and brief (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). Relaxation training in group psychotherapy typically includes only one or two group meetings focused on these techniques (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005); thereafter, participants are usually expected to practice the techniques by themselves (see Menzies et al., 2014). Future research should address how these relaxation techniques can assist people in diverse groups and how the impact of relaxation techniques may be amplified if treatments are delivered in the group setting over time.

Future research should also examine differences in inpatient versus outpatient psychotherapy groups as well as structured versus unstructured groups. The majority of research on the use of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation with psychotherapy groups has used unstructured inpatient groups (e.g., groups in a hospital setting). However, inpatient and outpatient groups are distinct, as are structured versus unstructured groups, and each format offers potential advantages and limitations (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). For example, an advantage of an unstructured group is that the group leader can reflect the group process and focus on the “here and now,” which may improve the efficacy of the relaxation techniques (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). However, research also has supported the efficacy of structured psychotherapy groups for patients with a variety of medical, psychiatric, and psychological disorders (Hashim & Zainol, 2015; see also Baider et al., 1994; Cohen & Fried, 2007). Empirical research assessing these interventions is limited, and further research is recommended.

Directions for Future Research

There are additional considerations when interpreting the results of previous studies and planning for future studies of these techniques. For example, a lack of control groups and small sample sizes have contributed to low statistical power and limited the generalizability of findings. Although the current data support the efficacy of psychotherapy groups that integrate guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, further research with control groups and larger samples would bolster confidence in the efficacy of these interventions. In order to recruit larger samples and to study participants over time, researchers will need to overcome challenges of participant selection and attrition. These factors are especially relevant within hospital settings because high patient turnover rates and changes in medical status may contribute to changes in treatment plans that affect group participation (L. Plum, personal communication, March 17, 2019). Despite these challenges, continued research examining guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation interventions within group psychotherapy is warranted (Scherwitz et al., 2005). The results thus far are promising, and further investigation has the potential to make relaxation techniques that can improve people’s lives more effective and widely available.

References

Achterberg, J. (1985). Imagery in healing. Shambhala Publications.

American Psychological Association. (2017). Stress in America: The state of our nation.

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state-nation

Baider, L., Uziely, B., & Kaplan De-Nour, A. (1994). Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in cancer patients. General Hospital Psychiatry, 16(5), 340–347.

https://doi.org/10.1016/0163-8343(94)90021-3

Ball, T. M., Shapiro, D. E., Monheim, C. J., & Weydert, J. A. (2003). A pilot study of the use of guided imagery for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Clinical Pediatrics, 42(6), 527–532.

https://doi.org/10.1177/000992280304200607

Bernstein, D. A., & Borkovec, T. D. (1973). Progressive relaxation training: A manual for the helping professions. Research Press.

Bottomley, A. (1996). Group cognitive behavioural therapy interventions with cancer patients: A review of the literature. European Journal of Cancer Cure, 5(3), 143–146.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2354.1996.tb00225.x

Cohen, M., & Fried, G. (2007). Comparing relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with breast cancer. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(3), 313–323.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731506293741

Cunningham, A. J., & Tocco, E. K. (1989). A randomized trial of group psychoeducational therapy for cancer patients. Patient Education and Counseling, 14(2), 101–114.

https://doi.org/10.1016/0738-3991(89)90046-3

Freebird Meditations. (2012, June 17). Progressive muscle relaxation guided meditation [Video]. YouTube.

Hardy, K. (2017, October 8). Mindfulness is plentiful in “The post-traumatic insomnia workbook.” Veterans Training Support Center.

http://bit.ly/2D6ux8U

Hashim, H. A., & Zainol, N. A. (2015). Changes in emotional distress, short term memory, and sustained attention following 6 and 12 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in 10–11 years old primary school children. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 20(5), 623–628.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2014.1002851

Holden-Lund, C. (1988). Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Research in Nursing & Health, 11(4), 235–244.

http://doi.org/dztcdf

Jacobson, E. (1938). Progressive relaxation (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.

Lange, S. (1982, August 23–27). A realistic look at guided fantasy [Paper presentation]. American Psychological Association 90th Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

McCallie, M. S., Blum, C. M., & Hood, C. J. (2006). Progressive muscle relaxation. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 13(3), 51–66.

http://doi.org/b54qm3

McGuigan, F. J., & Lehrer, P. M. (2007). Progressive relaxation: Origins, principles, and clinical applications. In P. M. Lehrer, R. L. Woolfolk, & W. E. Sime (Eds.), Principles and practice of stress management (3rd ed., pp. 57–87). Guilford Press.

Menzies, V., Lyon, D. E., Elswick, R. K., Jr., McCain, N. L., & Gray, D. P. (2014). Effects of guided imagery on biobehavioral factors in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(1), 70–80.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9464-7

Peterson, A. L., Hatch, J. P., Hryshko-Mullen, A. S., & Cigrang, J. A. (2011). Relaxation training with and without muscle contraction in subjects with psychophysiological disorders. Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 16(3–4), 138–147.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9861.2011.00070.x

Rausch, S. M., Gramling, S. E., & Auerbach, S. M. (2006). Effects of a single session of large-group meditation and progressive muscle relaxation training on stress reduction, reactivity, and recovery. International Journal of Stress Management, 13(3), 273–290.

https://doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.3.273

Scherwitz, L. W., McHenry, P., & Herrero, R. (2005). Interactive guided imagery therapy with medical patients: Predictors of health outcomes. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(1), 69–83.

https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2005.11.69

Skovholt, T. M., & Thoen, G. A. (1987). Mental imagery and parenthood decision making. Journal of Counseling & Development, 65(6), 315–316.

http://doi.org/fzmtjd

Trakhtenberg, E. C. (2008). The effects of guided imagery on the immune system: A critical review. International Journal of Neuroscience, 118(6), 839–855.

http://doi.org/fxfsbq

Utay, J., & Miller, M. (2006). Guided imagery as an effective therapeutic technique: A brief review of its history and efficacy research. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 33(1), 40–43.

White, J. R. (2000). Introduction. In J. R. White & A. S. Freeman (Eds.), Cognitive-behavioral group therapy: For specific problems and populations (pp. 3–25). American Psychological Association.

https://doi.org/10.1037/10352-001

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). Basic Books.

Yu, S. F. (2004). Effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on psychological and health-related quality of life outcomes in elderly patients with heart failure (Publication No. 3182156) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Running head: CONTENT ANALYSIS RESEARCH METHOD 1

CONTENT ANALYSIS RESEARCH METHOD 5

Content Analysis Research Method

Name

Institution

1. Describe your research question or hypothesis and the non-reactive measure you chose.

The research question is, has the suicidal incidences caused by people with depression decreased in Michigan in the past five years? To correctly find the answer to this question, the content analysis method will be used.

2. Justify why the non-reactive measure you chose is appropriate for answering this question.

Content analysis is the appropriate data collection method because of its numerous advantages. Firstly, content analysis is appropriate because it can facilitate the analysis of a large volume of text(Riff, Lacy, Fico & Watson, 2019). This analysis of a large volume of text is important because it will provide my study with the right content that I desire to answer my research question.

  Another reason why content analysis is the appropriate method is because of its ability to provide large scale survey data at a low cost (Riff et al. 2019). Through content analysis, I can easily study and analyze what different sources are saying about depression in Michigan at a low or even no cost. One such low-cost study manner is going to the library, read and analyze what different secondary materials say about depression and suicide rates caused by depression.

Additionally, content analysis is an appropriate research method for the analysis of depression in Michigan because this method can reveal the hidden content in communication (Neuendorf, 2016). Content analysis can facilitate my deeper understanding of depression in Michigan, the causes and its impact on the population. And to be able to gain that deeper understanding of depression, I understand that I need to do a thorough reading and analysis of numerous sources.

3.     Describe how you are going to conduct this research including

My content analysis research on depression in Michigan will follow eight procedures. As Neuendorf, (2016) puts it, the first step is to formulate a research question that I have already done. Secondly, I will search and identify the texts I will need to analyze. I will then choose the units in which my texts will be analyzed. The fourth step is drawing a sample, after which I will create a coding system to use. I will then construct and refine the different categories for analysis. I will then code the data onto different recording sheets ready for analysis. Data analysis is the last step in my content analysis study.

 How you would ensure the data’s validity

I will ensure the validity of data through standardization. Through these techniques, I will firstly look for a common base or a commonly known truth. After getting the common base, I will use it for comparison with other statements and data.

Describe the limitations of your chosen method

Much as I have decided to use content analysis as my research method, this method has its limitations. One of these limitations is that content analysis is that it cannot reveal the intention of the creators of the texts. Since content analysis is the study of secondary sources, there are possibilities of misinterpretation of the intention of authors of the texts (Neuendorf, 2016). Through this method, it is hard to tell whether the author intended to educate or to mislead his or her readers.

Another challenge of content analysis is that it is hard to determine the truthfulness of what the text creator has asserted (Riff et al. 2019). For instance, an author can claim that depression level in Michigan is rising at an alarming rate. Such a claim is hard to tell whether it is true or not, especially because I did not accompany the researcher to get such information. Additionally, continent analysis cannot reveal the artistic and other visual properties of data. Therefore, there are possibilities of missing out on vital information using this technique.

References

Neuendorf, K. A. (2016). The content analysis guidebook. sage.

Riff, D., Lacy, S., Fico, F., & Watson, B. (2019). Analyzing media messages: Using quantitative content analysis in research. Routledge.

Running head:

RESEARCH SURVEY

2

RESEARCH SURVEY 2

.

Research Survey

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Research Survey

In Michigan, depression has emerged as a public health issue in which researches have been conducted on the same. A report by Ball State University indicates that mental health in Michigan is a national crisis. Dysthymia depression and depressive disorder are the main leading causes of premature deaths through suicides among people of Detroit, Wayne County. According to Young et al., (2008), people of Michigan experience at least 3.7 mentally sick days within a month. This 3.7 experience depicts a high depression rate among the people in which suicidal incidences for the past five years have increased.

The research hypothesis is that the suicidal incidences among depresses people in Detroit, Wayne County, have decreased within the past five years. The research involves the assessment of various variables, both independent and dependent. In establishing whether suicidal incidences among depressed people have decreased for the past five years or not, an independent variable is the past five years, while dependent variables are suicidal incidences and depressed people (Brulé, 2017). Under this research, a researcher looks at how suicides resulting from A depression change within a given period whereby there is an assessment of how behaviors of depressed people contribute to suicide. It means that the research will involve further evaluation of how behavioral changes within five years impact the increase or decrease of suicide

A survey approach helps in description or explanation of the characteristics of a group of depressed individuals in Detroit, Wayne County. Through this approach, a researcher identifies a specific location from which data regarding depression prevalent this collected. Also, the survey approach aids the setting of predetermined questions to an entire group of individuals. A researcher can quickly gain general information regarding a target population of interest to assist in preparing for focused, in-depth study through the use of time-intensive methods such as in-depth interviews. Further, a researcher will get more candid and valid answers since the survey approach is anonymous. Through this anonymity, respondents tend to be open and honest with their answers.

Methods

Research Question

1. Does depression contribute to suicidal thoughts?

2. Have the suicidal incidences decreased for the past five years?

3. What do you think about the depression prevalent in Detroit?

4. What happens during the first five years of depression?

5. What are efforts underway to prevent suicidal incidences in Wayne County?

Operationalization is critical because it determines how a researcher measures emotions or concepts. A problem is defined, sample size taken, measurable variables identified, and building of study is done to study the crucial trend n suicidal incidences within the past five years. The concept and conceptualization of the concept clearly defined and illustrated by the theoretical foundation are the first step to start with.

Measure

Survey questions and interview questions are two key measures in the research to which participants respond. Respondents will get interviewed on the above five questions to get detailed knowledge of whether the suicidal incidences have decreased for the past five years or not. Interview questions are framed under the context of measuring the attitudes and opinions of the respondents toward the study topic. The Liker scale allows a respondent to provide detailed information on disagreeing or agreeing with specific information.

The levels of measurement are encompassing the description of the relationship between depression and suicidal incidences. The higher is not assumed to indicate “more” of something and lower numbers to reveal “less.” Ordinal level of measurement would how respondents feel or think about depression and suicidal incidences in Detroit (Brulé, 2017). The ordinal measurement may involve whether they feel very unhappy or okay with increased suicidal cases. As a result, non-numeric concepts like satisfaction, discomfort, and happiness are typically measured.

Design

The survey questions provide unbiased data collection avenues and the development of sensible decisions founded on evaluated results. The questions allow participants to state their view or perception regarding suicidal incidences and how they thing depression contributes. The wording is prescribed, and the order of questions ensures that all respondents receive the same stimuli and understand the questions to give honest answers (Nardi, 2018). These research questions are in line with research objectives and provide complete information for sound analysis and interpretation.

Control for Order Effects

The best strategy to adopt in controlling order of effects is to give the same survey questions every time. Through counterbalancing, a researcher counterbalances the order of effects for the respondents by alternating the order in which respondents perform in different effects.

Control for Social Desirability

The control for social desirability bias is through the use of a social desirability scale in which several questions are asked to identify where a participant falls along the scale (Larson, 2019). Based on the participants’ scores, a researcher can establish how many participants with specific scores to include or exclude from the survey.

Control for Leading Questions

A researcher can avoid bias resulting from asking the leading questions through keeping the survey questions clear and simple whereby a researcher should not lead a participant to a particular answer, give all options to a question (Larson, 2019). The researcher’s survey needs to be reviewed by a person with more distance from the study topic to help in removing bias.

References

Brulé, G., & Veenhoven, R. (2017). The ‘10 excess’ phenomenon in responses to survey questions on happiness. Social Indicators Research, 131(2), 853-870.

Larson, R. B. (2019). Controlling social desirability bias. International Journal of Market Research, 61(5), 534-547.

Nardi, P. M. (2018). Doing survey research: A guide to quantitative methods. Routledge.

Young, A. S., Klap, R., Shoai, R., & Wells, K. B. (2008). Persistent Depression and Anxiety in the United States: Prevalence and Quality of Care. Psychiatric Services, 59(12), 1391–1398.

https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.2008.59.12.1391

Running head:

SAMPLING 2

SAMPLING 2

Sampling

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Sampling

Depression in Michigan is a mental health issue that has attracted the interests of many researchers. The previous researches on depression have identified two major types of depression which are depressive disorder and dysthymia depression. However, this research topic focuses on general depression in the State of Michigan and evident impacts resulting from it. In 2007, an estimation revealed that residents experience an approximately 3.7 mentally sick days within the past 30 days than to 3.4 mentally sick days for the whole United States population (Young et al., 2008). This increased rate indicated a high number of suicidal incidences among the people of Michigan. As a result, a research question is, has the suicidal incidences caused by people with depression decreased in Michigan in the past five years? This question provides a good background for research to compare and analyze any changes for suicidal incidences for recent years.

A random sample for the study is the best because as a researcher, I have an accurate knowledge of the probability for each proposed element in the sampling frame. An individual with depression has nonzero chances of being selected as a sample’s part (Betancourt et al., 2018). With random sampling, it is easy to obtain unbiased findings of the depressed population from studying the sample. Once the decision on the random sample is in place, the next step is opting for the survey method in which few people are required to conduct a survey. This kind of random sample requires a researcher to number each member of the survey depressed population.

The proposed research project has individuals with depression in Michigan as the target population. Individuals with depression in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan form the research project’s sampling frame. Detroit is the leading municipality in the State of Michigan with high incidences of suicidal incidences due to depression. Also, Detroit’s population is made up of different races, such as white, black Americans, and Hispanic. Sources for this depression information and data is from healthcare agencies such as Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency and the Department of Health and Human Service reports (Alhasanat-Khalil et al., 2019). Also, peer-reviewed journal articles are essential sources for references. A target sample size of 700 from all individuals with depression in Detroit is obtained. This 700 is a significant sample and will give essential data relationships since statistical studies need a larger sample size like the one selected. The larger target sample size ensures a representative population distribution.

References

Alhasanat-Khalil, D., Giurgescu, C., Benkert, R., Fry-McComish, J., Misra, D. P., & Yarandi, H. (2019). Acculturation and Postpartum Depression Among Immigrant Women of Arabic Descent. Journal of immigrant and minority health, 21(6), 1208-1216.

Betancourt, F., Bürger, R., Chalons, C., Diehl, S., & Farås, S. (2018). A random sampling method for a family of Temple-class systems of conservation laws. Numerische Mathematik, 138(1), 37-73.

Young, A. S., Klap, R., Shoai, R., & Wells, K. B. (2008). Persistent Depression and Anxiety in the United States: Prevalence and Quality of Care. Psychiatric Services, 59(12), 1391–1398. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.2008.59.12.1391

Running head: DEPRESSION IN MICHIGAN STATE 1

DEPRESSION IN MICHIGAN STATE 2

Depression in Michigan State

Student’s Name

University

Depression in Michigan State

The incidence of depression in the general public is a concept of a survey research study. Depression is by far the most prevalent mental health disorder in the general public, marked by sadness, a lack of interest or enjoyment, feelings of guilt, or low self-esteem-worth. Depression can result in suicide as well as an enhanced mortality risk in its most dangerous form. Depression is often persistent and severely impairs the job as well as the quality of life of other people. Depression is expected to fall second in worldwide disease burden as well as one of the key conditions under the WHO’s Mental Health Laps Action Plan by 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The incidence of depression in the last two decades may be influenced by changes in mental health practices as well as access to information online. The study is about the suicide rates caused in the last five years by depressed individuals in Michigan. The goal of this research was to assess historical aggregated depression prevalence in the state of Michigan.

The research question is, has the suicidal incidences caused by people with depression decreased in Michigan in the past five years? This issue directs the researcher to the specific data needed for collection, for example, asking the researcher to collect data from depressed persons on suicide cases in the State of Michigan.

If a person wants to collect qualitative data, he or she should gradually continue since the research requires enough time, and after data collection, he or she should emphasize the research question. In addition, quantitative research prices vary widely from $15,000 to over $100,000, with most studies covering the spectrum of $30 and $55,000. The method of quantitative study meets the demands of fundamental research, so no necessary skills, skills, and knowledge are required. Also, access to resources, samples, locations as well as approvals is available in the case of this study. Access to resources, samples, locations as well as approvals is available in the case of this study.

In this study about the depression in Michigan state general public, two major forms of depression have been identified through studies. The first type is a severe, persistent depression that takes at least one psychotic episode for at least two weeks, with a total of five or more signs. The second category is dysthymia, a chronic mild depression that often fails treatment because the functionality of the brain is not significantly impaired. Dysthymia is affected by eating disorders (a poor appetite or excessive), sleep (insomnia or heavy sleep), or low energy or signs of exhaustion.

The method used in the study is a quantitative method, Quantitative study to measure the incidence of depression by providing data in Michigan. These data are translated into useful facts to analyze the problem. Attitudes, habits, and beliefs are quantified for the target population as well as outcomes from a general population are collected. These survey data are used in the analysis to detect facts as well as patterns. This quantitative research uses techniques like interviews, surveys, as well as questionnaires. Consequently, this work meets the requirements of fundamental research. This aims to improve awareness of depressive incidences. This aims to lay the foundation for applicable inquiry.

Among Michigan residents aged 15 to 34, suicide is the second major cause of death. In 2007, the average number of psychologically ill-healthy days in Michigan residents was measured at 3.7 in the previous month, when the rate was 3.4 for the U.S. population. During the course of the 2007 Michigan Adult Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, stress, depression, and emotional problems were reported to be poor mental health, at least 14 days in a month. Michigan’s mental health incidence is similar to that of the United States population (Young et al., 2008). Invulnerable communities such as those living in poverty and people with one or more physical health conditions, depressions are more prevalent. For women, as well as individuals with family income below $20,000, the probability that their mental health was poor was greater. The study shows among those individuals with other chronic diseases, the incidence of the disorder is higher. For example, Michigan citizens with other serious illnesses, such as an impairment, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, or obesity, were more likely than people without any chronic illness to have serious depression. Depressed mothers’ children are more likely to experience behavioral, cognitive, social, emotional, as well as academic issues than other children. Estimates show one out of five children as well as adolescents suffering from mental illness. Adults over 65 years of age may also have problems with depression. The most severe psychiatric disorder in the United States is untreated depression, as well as the leading cause of suicide. Adults over 65 years of age may also have problems with depression. The most severe psychiatric disorder in the United States is untreated depression, as well as the leading cause of suicide (Young et al., 2008).

When the sample size is too small, important data relationships are difficult to distinguish because statistical studies usually require a larger sampling size to ensure a representative population distribution as well as to be treated as representative of groups of individuals to whom the findings are generalized or transmitted.

Studying is a skill you can enhance, just like any other. I’m going to improve this study by taking notes, holding a curriculum, and looking for development. Limit my distractions, stop multiple tasks, and take breaks if I am studying. Experiment with various test preparation techniques, such as using mnemonics, as well as join a group before good results are obtained.

Over a period of two weeks, 8.1 percent of American adults experienced depression during 2013–2016. Depression was nearly twice as severe in women as in men, as was shown in other research. The prevalence of depression was age-specific. The lowest incidence of depression was found in non-Hispanic Asian adults in other research. The prevalence of depression between other races and Hispanic groups has not varied significantly (Young et al., 2008). With reduced household income, the proportion of individuals with depression increased. Around 80% of adults suffering from depression reported at least around work, home, or social problems as a result of their signs of depression.

Reference

Young, A. S., Klap, R., Shoai, R., & Wells, K. B. (2008). Persistent Depression and Anxiety in the United States: Prevalence and Quality of Care. Psychiatric Services, 59(12), 1391–1398. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.2008.59.12.1391

‌

ResearchDepressionV5 x

by Thyiest Mosley

Submission date: 06-Mar-2020 10:27AM (UTC-0500)
Submission ID: 1270575220
File name: ResearchDepressionV5 x (28.49K)
Word count: 2494
Character count: 13795

63%
SIMILARITY INDEX

9%
INTERNET SOURCES

7%
PUBLICATIONS

62%
STUDENT PAPERS

1 59%

2 2%
3 1%
4 1%
5 1%
6 <1% 7 <1%

ResearchDepressionV5 x
ORIGINALITY REPORT

PRIMARY SOURCES

Submitted to University of Maryland, University
College
Student Paper

Submitted to Monash University
Student Paper

gaelbrule.com
Internet Source

Submitted to Bond University
Student Paper

Submitted to Park University
Student Paper

cheapceus.com
Internet Source

“Quality Improvement in Behavioral Health”,
Springer Science and Business Media LLC,
2016
Publication

Exclude quotes Off

Exclude bibliography Off

Exclude matches Off

ResearchDepressionV5 x
by Thyiest Mosley
ResearchDepressionV5 x
ORIGINALITY REPORT
PRIMARY SOURCES