Use the book and outside sources. This is the book: Olpin, M., & Hesson, M. (2015). Stress management for life: A research-based experiential approach. Cengage Learning. Purpose The purpose of this assignment is to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills by exploring a hypothetical situation that you may face as a college student and considering potential outcomes, solutions, or implications using the content we have learned thus far in our stress prevention and management class as well as content from reputable sources. Task Scenario Read the following scenario carefully and make sure you have a clear understanding of the situation presented: As a college student taking classes that often broach difficult subjects, you unexpectedly found yourself navigating a challenging conversation after a lecture with a group of classmates. The discussion took an uncomfortable turn when one of your peers, Kyle, began talking disparagingly about an individual experiencing homelessness they had encountered earlier that day on Kirkwood. Kyle expressed his frustration, attributing blame on those facing homelessness and making sweeping generalizations about how they live. You felt a surge of discomfort and concern, knowing that you needed to respond not only to challenge these negative stereotypes but also to bring awareness to the stress factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty that you have learned about in your Stress Prevention and Management Class. Taking a deep breath, you decide to engage in the conversation thoughtfully and educationally. Kyle’s comments echoed common stereotypes that people often assume about individuals experiencing homelessness—that they are lazy, unmotivated, are solely responsible for their predicament, and often abuse substances. In addition to assumptions about motivation, there were other stereotypes at play. Kyle seemed to hold the misconception that people living in poverty were there by choice, as if it were a lifestyle they preferred. He also implied that those in poverty were less intelligent/less capable. As someone who has learned about the insidious cycle of poverty and stress, you want to share some information you learned in class and read about online about this subject. You plan to acknowledge Kyle’s perspective but gently suggested considering the broader context of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. 1. Examine this scenario and discuss the the role of stress in perpetuating the cycle of poverty, drawing on your coursework in stress management and prevention (see the out-of-class assignment for “One Nation Under Stress,” the poverty simulation, and chapters 11/12 in the text book) as well as reputable online sources (academic journal articles, credible articles online, government reports/websites, etc.). see Criteria for Success for more info about finding reputable sources.
2. Share insights about chronic stress for individuals in poverty. Describe why it is difficult for individuals to leave the cycle of poverty. (again, be sure to cite where you get the information both in-text and in the reference page) 3. Encourage your peer to think critically about the stereotypes they were perpetuating regarding individuals experiencing homelessness as well as those in poverty. Emphasize the systemic issues that contribute to this cycle including limited access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities that contribute to chronic stress for individuals in poverty. These stressors often lead to a range of health issues and make it difficult for individuals to escape the cycle of poverty. Try to shift the tone, redirecting the discussion towards solutions and promoting empathy for those facing adversity. This scenario not only highlights the importance of responding to negative stereotypes but also showcases how a students bring attention to the stress factors involved in poverty, fostering a more informed and compassionate dialogue among peers. Organization Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ensure that each section contributes to the coherence and effectiveness of your essay. Introduction: Provide an overview of the scenario and a preview of the points you will cover in your response. Body Paragraphs: Present your overall analysis of the situation, your response and ideas to help shift the ideas that Kyle has communicated. Provide justification for these responses and ideas (citations). Conclusion: Summarize your main points, responses, ideas and reiterate the significance of your response. Cite any resources using the APA style (See PurdueOwlLinks to an external site.) including in-text citations and References at the end of the document.