Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Taking a Look at Schizophrenia - 650 Words

A little over 1 percent of the world’s population has the acute mental disorder of Schizophrenia (World). It is one of the most common mental disorders in the world (World). Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by disordered thinking, delusions, hallucinations, emotional disturbance, withdrawing from reality (Gale), and thinking illogical, confused patterns (World). The disease causes impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors in patients (Gale). The word Schizophrenia is a Greek meaning for a â€Å"splitting of the mind†, although it does not mean the patient has more than one personality (World). The disease is more common to start in people in their late teens to mid twenties, but men tend to develop the disease earlier and more severe than women. Schizophrenia has been proven to be incurable, but patients can be treated by being hospitalized, and can start therapy or treatment when their symptoms have come under control in reaction to the medications and drugs the patient was put on (World). Scientists and physicians do not know the exact cause or causes to developing this disorder (World). Many scientists believe that viral infections, drug abuse, trauma during birth (World), or even bad parenting (Gale) may lead to this disease and cause the chances of getting it to become higher (World). The disease can be passed down from family by genetics, and abnormal chemistry plays a role in the development also (World). Chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters,Show MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Schizophrenia793 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Æ' Schizophrenia is a disorder that has an effect on about 25 million people around the world (Myers, 2010). Schizophrenia is a brain damage, naturally created by the human body, that is caused by the genetically determined vulnerability of the blood-brain barrier (Voronov, 2013). This psychiatric disorder, like most others, is characterized by changes in behavior, thinking, reduced ability to feel normal emotions, and mood (Abad et al., 2011). The unique thing about schizophrenia is that the symptomsRead MoreTaking a Look at Schizophrenia997 Words   |  4 Pagesrespectively. However, the more common symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thought. This paper will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of schizophrenia. Causes of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia can arise from biological and environmental factors. Genetics are thought to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. It is currently unknown which genes are specifically involved in causing schizophrenia, but the it has been observed that the more geneticallyRead MoreTaking a Look at Schizophrenia1249 Words   |  5 PagesA common mistaken belief is that people with schizophrenia have multiple personalities. Many people confuse schizophrenia with split personality or multiple personality disorder (Lilienfeld et al, 2010). The misunderstanding stems from the meaning of the word schizophrenia, as in Greek it means split mind (Boruck, 2008). In 1990, Carlson proposed â€Å"schizophrenia is probably the most misused psychological term in existence† . Vaughan (1977), performed a study which found that 77% of studentsRead MoreTaking a Look at Schizophrenia828 Words   |  3 PagesSchizophrenia â€Æ' Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult for someone to establish what is real and what is not real. Schizophrenia also makes it hard to think clearly or to establish your emotions. Having this disorder affects how a person acts and sees the world. Over 2.2 million people suffer from this mental illness. There are many symptoms for Schizophrenia. Although there is no cure, proper treatment can control these symptoms. A person with schizophrenia may often seeRead MoreTaking a Look at Schizophrenia729 Words   |  3 PagesWhat is schizophrenia? â€Å"Schizo† meaning split, and â€Å"phrenia† meaning mind. Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain that has affected many individuals throughout history. Usually starting in childhood or early adulthood, it is rare for schizophrenia to start after one has reached adulthood. Before schizophrenia was discovered, those with the disorder were considered to be possessed, therefore causing them to be feared or locked up away from those that did not have the disorder. Schizophrenia is chronicRead MoreTaking a Look at Schizophrenia 1626 Words   |  6 PagesSchizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the disorder as the 7th greatest cause of disability in terms of disability-adjusted life-years worldwide affecting about 24 million people worldwide (Frangou, 2008). Many individuals arou nd the world are affected by this disorder directly and indirectly. This paper looks at Schizophrenia assessing its epidemiology, history, diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and treatment drawing support from relevantRead MorePersonality Paper1187 Words   |  5 PagesJanuary 14, 2013 Dr. Tracy Masiello Personality Theory Paper John Nash was a very interesting man. Many may just know of him because of the movie, â€Å"A Beautiful Mind†. Taking a look at John Nash and his personality and how psychologists, such as Jung and Freud would see John Nash through their diagnoses. Also taking a look at how different theories would go up against John Nash and his everyday life. The different theories that will be looked at are the Five-factor model and Maslow’s hierarchyRead MoreThe Horrible World of Schzophrenia1245 Words   |  5 PagesSchizophrenia is a horrible brain disorder where people mix up what is real and what is their imagination. People with Schizophrenia hear voices in their head that arent really there. People affected with this disease may be paranoid because they believe people are reading their minds, controlling what they think, or plotting to hurt them. Schizophrenics may not make sense when they talk or seem crazy to people around them. They can sit still for hours without moving a nd you really cant tellRead MoreThe Biological And Psychological Explanations Of Schizophrenia1405 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay I will try to explain schizophrenia and talk about the main biological and psychological explanations, also showing how similar and different they are. Schizophrenia is defined in the oxford dictionary as a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behaviour, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mentalRead MoreMental Health And Mental Illness1314 Words   |  6 Pagesthings such as anxiety and shock. Thus, this essay was based on a case study; it will look at the meaning of mental health and mental illness in relation to Schizophrenia. Also, it will look at the causes and the functional difficulties associated with Schizophrenia. Furthermore, it will reflect on the im pacts of a diagnosis of mental illness on individual and in general and particularly in relation to Schizophrenia. Finally, it will discuss the type of support and treatment that might be effective

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Good and the Bad of the 1920s - 909 Words

Although the 1920’s is often categorized by widespread prosperity and pleasure, there was no lack of tension. Struggles revealed themselves between those who were beginning to form a new approach to the world, and those who wished to stick to traditional ideals. The rise of consumerism, technological advancements, and conditions in a post-war society all caused America to change in different ways; leading to either support of this change or a desire to preserve the past. As both sides fought to have their way, this strain regarding the role of women, rights of minorities, religious teachings, and the growth of industry manifested itself in a variety of ways, including physical violence and government legislation. With the creation of Fordism came the mass production of a plethora of new technology and goods that were easily accessible to the American public. More patents were issued than any time before, and quickly the country saw its final departure from agriculture, no lon ger being a predominantly rural social. Some viewed the advents of automobiles and appliances and airplanes as fantastic, welcoming them with open arms. â€Å"The Bridge† depicts a new architectural structure with pride and beauty, displaying it in such a way that suggests opportunity (Doc B). After successfully flying across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh is hailed as a hero (Doc F). New wares, like cameras and water heaters, represented excellence for Americans and were viewed by some as sources of joyShow MoreRelated1920s Good or Bad?1665 Words   |  7 PagesJuly 15th , 2010 1920s Good Times or Bad Times? For many decades, there were numerous arguments stating whether the â€Å"Roaring 20s† were good times or bad times in Canadian history. Although there were many clear reasons that supported both sides of the argument, I believe that the 1920s were good times. The â€Å"Roaring 20s† were times of economic and social boom. New inventions which are still effective part of our lives in 21st century, growing power of multimedia and entertainment, and modern formRead MoreAdvancements During The Roaring Twenties Essay527 Words   |  3 Pagesprosperity, music, dancing, and happiness. The 1920’s are often referred to as the â€Å"roaring twenties,† but many histories purpose that this is not a correct interpretation of this time period. America may have not been good for the some of the lower class in this time period, but the 1920’s were fantastic for most of the middle and upper class living in urban cities. The advantages of this time period did out weigh the bad, which is why the 1920’s are called the â€Å"roaring twenties.† Women’s rolesRead MoreEssay on Life Changes of Americans in the 1920s568 Words   |  3 PagesLife Changes of Americans in the 1920s In the 1920s many American lives were improved greatly, but some lives were as bad as they had been before. The economy was booming, with cars being mass produced, and many other consumer goods such as radios, were widely available. Also more jobs became available, and many people recieved a par rise. However there were bad things such as racism about. Many ethnic minority groups were treated poorly. The most racist group aroundRead MoreRadio’s Impact during the 1920’s Essay965 Words   |  4 Pages After the First World War, many people were looking forward to good times. The 1920’s presented people with this time of fast-paced fun and adventure. Entertainment was the foremost part of everyday life during the 1920’s. Radio introduced a whole new practice of entertainment to people’s everyday lives. Likewise, through the utilization of the radio, people were able to experience a new medium to entertain themselves. Furthermore, the radio changed the face of society’s culture through its widespreadRead MoreEssay about Twists and Turns of the 1920s953 Words   |  4 Pages Depression Era Project. Throughout the 1920’s there were many bad times and many good times. From things like Flappers, women who began to do things that were considered â€Å"Un-lady like†, to the Stock Market crash all the way to the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 20’s and 30’s were full of twists and turns. Even the fact that Herbert Hoover, who was beloved during WWI, was beaten by newcomer Franklin D. Roosevelt was a surprise. Though, after the Stock Market had crashed FDR’s electionRead More The 1920s Essay795 Words   |  4 Pages The 1920’s The 1920s were a decade of enjoyment, employment, and for some disappointment. It was a decade classified as the quot;roaring twenties.quot; Men returning from World War I had to deal with unemployment, wheat farmers and oil companies were striking it rich, new modern conveniences were being thought up, and fashion was a major issue among the rich. During the twenties the economy had a definite impact on the society. It benefited some, but hurt others. The people that benefited wereRead MoreRoaring Twenties : A Decade Of Extravagance939 Words   |  4 Pagesaftermath of the First World War. Returning from the horrors of war, writers were inspired by romance and the riches America had. Using their unique creative expression, many of the writings from the Twenties were a commentary on social life, the good and bad. Each story holds a different theme, different message, and different romance, however, each piece of work was individualistic to the writer, and to his experiences. America was entering a new era, and literature was at the forefront to changeRead MoreAmerica in the 1920s762 Words   |  4 PagesWhich were the more typical of 1920s of America: Prohibition and intolerance or the Jazz Age and increasing social freedom? The 1920’s were seen as a prosperous time for America, judging by the increasing economic strength, the development of new industries and new methods of production and, by the time of rebellion and liberation that came with it. The 1920’s are often reffered to as the ‘Roaring Twenties’ or the Jazz Age, a period of great fun and enjoyment. However, not everyone agreed withRead MoreThe Golden Age Of Sports Essay700 Words   |  3 PagesDestinee Holliday Ms. Biltz May 20, 2015 The Golden Age of Sports The 1920s was a great decade for the economy because of the popularity in sports. The number of fans increased, which created the need for new stadiums and raised the salary for sports stars. Sports in the 1920s went through many changes in the time period known as the Roaring Twenties. New heroes, new teams, and new leagues were emerging in sports. Some sports were just starting, some were broadening their horizons, while othersRead MoreNew York Of The Twenties956 Words   |  4 Pagestechnology and ways of life. They were also in prohibition, which led to corruption and organized crime groups like the mafia. New York in the 1920’s is authentically portrayed in the The Great Gatsby as the epicenter of wealth, crime, and good times. First of all, the culture in New York City and Long Island in the 1920’s was roaring with many good and bad opportunities. There were many choices to be had, from parties to nightclubs to movie theaters. â€Å"The twenties witnessed the large scale use

Monday, December 9, 2019

Becoming a Helper free essay sample

To observe and rationalize our motivations and needs for becoming helpers can help us develop competent and practical approaches within the helping profession. I view human struggle as a catalyst for unity, in various degrees because in the face of adversary, we are naturally inclined to confide in others, seeking what we need to rise above certain circumstances. To elevate and uplift is directly connected towards my need to care for others, which has been a driving force behind my decision to enter the helping profession. Growing up, I had a strong sense of empathy, being able to make connections with my peers, from different walks of life. A lot of the times, I felt as if it was my â€Å"duty† to ensure that no burdens had to be carried by anyone. Within the SSW program, I’m looking to cultivate my ability to care for others effectively. â€Å"One of the pitfalls of being a caregiver to significant people in your life is that very often no one attends to your needs† (Coreyamp;Corey, 2007, p. We will write a custom essay sample on Becoming a Helper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 5). I agree with this statement because there are times where I feel so caught up with needs of others I begin to disregard my own. Finding balance between my emotional well being and the well being of my clients is imperative in order to deliver the quality service that they are entitled to. Rejuvenation is essential. â€Å"The reality is that many clients will not express appreciation for your efforts nor will some of them make changes in their lives† (Coreyamp;Corey, 2007, p. 6). Which is why we shouldn’t rely on our clients exclusively to feel like useful human beings (Coreyamp;Corey, 2007). Finding pride and self worth from other sources in order to maintain composure in the field is also essential.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Youth and Guns Violence in America Essay Example

Youth and Guns: Violence in America Essay Gun violence in the United States has become an epidemic. From the Civil War to the present, 567,000 Americans have died in combat; but since 1920, over 1 million American civilians have been killed by firearms (Children’s Defense Fund, p. 15). For thousands of teens, death from gun violence is the end of the pipeline. In 2007, 3,042 children and teens died from gunfire in the United States—eight every day—as a result of homicide, suicide or accidental shootings. Almost six times as many children and teens – 17,523 – suffered non-fatal gun injuries, which have serious physical and emotional consequences. Children’s Defense Fund, p. 3) Youth violence is a complex problem, influenced by psychological, economic, and social factors (Eron and Slaby, 1–22). The problem is substantially worsened because of the lethality and accessibility of firearms. Guns cause deaths and severe injuries more frequently than knives, clubs, or fists, and with guns, even violent impulses can have lethal outcomes. Guns also are easily available to young people, even though federal law, with a few exceptions, prohibits those under 21 from purchasing handguns and those under 18 from purchasing rifles and shotguns or possessing handguns. Exceptional lethality, combined with easy access, accounts at least in part for the fact that firearm-related injuries remain the second leading cause of death among children and youth ages 10 to 19. Only motor vehicle accidents claim more young lives. (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System) Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 19 years in the United States, accounting for 1883 deaths in 2001 (Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence). Firearms were used in approximately half of suicides within this age group in 2001; however, as recently as 1994, 7 of every 10 suicides among teenagers involved firearms. (Kellermann, p. 263) Numerous studies have documented a clear association between the presence of firearms in the home and suicides, particularly suicides by adolescents and young adults. One study found that a gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used in a completed or attempted suicide, criminal assault or homicide (7x), or unintentional shooting death or injury (4x) than to be used in a self-defense shooting, contrary to what many ro-gunners believe. The rate of nonfirearm suicides among 5- to 14-year-olds in the United States is roughly equal to the rate in other industrialized countries combined. However, the firearm suicide rate among children in this age group is nearly 11 times higher. As a result, children in the United States commit suicide at twice the rate of children in 25 other industrialized nations combined. (Children’s Defense Fund, p. 101) Unintentional shootings among young people most frequently happen when children or youth obtain a gun and play with it, not realizing that it is real, or loaded, or pointed at themselves or a friend. We will write a custom essay sample on Youth and Guns: Violence in America specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Youth and Guns: Violence in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Youth and Guns: Violence in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In 1998, more than 7% of children and youth under age 20 killed by firearms died in unintentional shootings,36 and these shootings accounted for 27% of firearm deaths among children under age 12. Boys, African American children, and Hispanic children are more likely to die in accidental shootings than are other groups of children. The death rate from unintentional shootings among children is nine times higher in the United States than in 25 other industrialized nations combined (Children’s Defense Fund, p. 101). Although accidental shootings of children have declined significantly in recent decades, they still attract a great deal of public attention, perhaps because the victims, and sometimes even the perpetrators, are seen as blameless and the deaths preventable. If guns were not present in the home, if they were designed with safety features making them difficult for children to fire, or if they were stored safely—unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored separately from the guns—the risk to young children could be virtually eliminated. As previously stated, firearm homicide is the second-leading cause of death for young people ages 1-19 in the United States. The 3,042 children and teens killed by gunfire in the U. S. in 2007 is comparable to the total number of U. S. combat deaths in Iraq and four times the number of American combat fatalities in Afghanistan to date. The amount of preschoolers (under age 5) killed by gunfire (85) is more than the number of law enforcement officers (57) killed in the line of duty. (Children’s Defense Fund, pg. 2). Out of 3,042 children and teens killed by gun? re, another 17,523 suffered non-fatal gun injuries. In addition to the human toll, gun violence among young people imposes significant psychological costs on society. For children and youth, these costs can be especially high; those exposed to gun violence are at risk for significant and lasting psychological effects. Moreover, children do not have to be injured themselves to experience these negative effects. Exposure to gun violence at home, at school, in the community, or through the media all can cause harm. Some of these affects include posttraumatic stress, poor school performance, increased delinquency, risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and desensitization to violence. All of these effects can make children and youth more prone to violence themselves. (Chidren’s Defense Fund, p. 12) However, the children and youth at highest risk for psychological trauma from gun violence are those exposed to it directly: children who are injured, who witness gun violence at close proximity, or who are exposed to high levels of gun violence in their homes, schools, or communities. (Chidren’s Defense Fund, p. 2) A December 2001 study of 119 African American seven-year-olds living in inner-city Philadelphia, for example, found that three-quarters had heard gunfire, one-third had seen someone shot, and one-tenth had someone in their own family or household who had been shot or stabbed. Among children in the study, exposure to higher levels of violence was correlated with more anxiety , greater likelihood of depression, lower self-esteem, lower grade point average, and more absences from school. More than 60% of the children worried that they might be killed or die, and 19% sometimes wished they were dead. Hurt, Malmud, Brodsky, and Giannetta 1351–56) Despite widespread recognition of the psychological costs to children and youth associated with gun violence, physicians and mental health professionals have been slow to develop treatments that help young people cope with gun-related trauma. Even children and youth who are injured often go without psychological help. One group of doctors has observed, â€Å"When patients present with suicide attempts, evaluation for future risk and follow-up treatment are considered standard practice. However, individuals treated for violent injuries generally receive no further evaluation. †(Christoffel, Spivak, and Witwer 1202–03) Although they are rare, shootings at schools and universities are devastating to families and communities. The last nation-wide known shooting occurred on April 16, 2007. A Virginia Tech student by the name of Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 students and faculty and wounded 15 more at the University before killing himself. Following the incident, there was an overwhelming response from both sides of the gun control issue. While the pro-gunners believed that arming the students would help their chances of survival if an attack were to occur, the community and students of Virginia Tech went forward with a â€Å"Lie-In† to try to instill stricter gun laws. Despite the efforts towards stricter gun laws on school grounds and campuses alike, there have been at least 60 cases of mass school shootings involving kids and teens since 2007 (Brady). What will it take for us to stop this senseless loss of young lives? Common sense gun laws can make a difference. States with higher rates of gun ownership and weak gun control laws have the highest rates of firearm deaths of people of all ages. Although polls show that the majority of Americans favor common sense gun control laws that would stem the tide of gun violence, federal and state legislative reform has been difficult to achieve. We need political leaders who will protect our children by enacting legislation to limit the number of guns in our communities, control who can obtain firearms, and ensure that guns in the home are stored safely and securely. (Childrens Defense Fund, p. 6) There is no federal law that specifically allows or prohibits guns on college campuses. According to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, 26 states prohibit guns on college campuses with the exception of public safety officers. Twenty-three states allow public campuses to determine their own gun policies, with nearly all choosing to be gun-free. Only one state — Utah — c urrently prohibits college administrators and security professionals from setting rules regarding firearms on campus, thus effectively allowing guns on campus (Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence). No single policy solution will end youth gun violence in the United States; a wide variety of approaches is needed to address different aspects of the problem. Key strategies that may reduce youth gun violence include: reducing unsupervised exposure to guns among children and youth, strengthening social norms against violence in communities, enforcing laws against youth gun carrying, altering the design of guns to make them less likely to be used by children and youth, and, perhaps most importantly, implementing new legal and regulatory interventions that make it more difficult for youth to obtain guns. Numerous studies document the ease with which youth can obtain guns in the United States. In a 1998 national study of male high school sophomores and juniors, 6% of respondents had carried a handgun outside the home in the previous 12 months. Among the youth who had carried guns, 48% had been given or loaned the gun by a family member or friend. An equal percentage had obtained the gun through an illegal purchase or theft: 35% had bought the gun (of those, 53% bought from family or friends), 5% reported asking someone else to purchase the gun, and 6% had stolen or traded something for it (Sheller, Wright 1994). Youth can obtain guns illegally from licensed dealers or in private transactions. Although licensed firearms dealers are regulated by the federal government (and by many states) and are required to conduct criminal background checks on all purchasers, some dealers do sell illegally to youth, often by turning a blind eye to â€Å"straw purchases†, in which youth ask older acquaintances to buy guns for them. Only a small minority of licensed gun dealers are involved in illegal activity. According to federal statistics, guns sold by 1. % of retailers account for more than 57% of the weapons that are later traced by ATF after being recovered by law enforcement following a crime (Commerce in firearms in the United States). At the same time, guns sold by licensed dealers account for only about 60% of the guns sold in the United States. Guns sold by private parties, collectors, and unlicensed vendors at gun shows account for 40% of all gun sales. These sales are not regulated by the federal government, nor by most states. In an unregulated private sale, no background check takes place. Sellers are not required to keep records of their sales, and they do not even have to ask buyers for identification. Such lax requirements make it easy for youth to obtain guns. Decreasing the availability of illegal guns to youth is an important strategy to de-escalate the violence that plagues many communities, and to reduce the fear and need for self-protection that lead many youth to get guns in the first place. Researcher David Kennedy, who has written extensively about youth gangs and gun violence, has observed, Many of the kids involved in this life do not really want to live it. Less readily available weaponry would ease tensions and diminish the deadliness of incidents. (Kennedy, 76) Without stronger, sensible gun laws, thousands upon thousands of people will continue to die and be injured needlessly each year. We make it too easy for dangerous people to obtain dangerous weapons. We should make it harder for convicted felons, the dangerously mentally ill, domestic violence offenders and youth to get the guns in the first place. We can do this by passing strong, effective laws and stopping laws and policies that would allow guns on campuses. Works Cited Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Brady Campaign, 2011. Web. 9 Dec 2011. . Childrens Defense Fund, Protect Children Not Guns 2010, September 2010 Christoffel, K. K. , Spivak, H. , and Witwer, M. â€Å"Youth violence prevention: The physicians role. † Journal of the American Medical Association (March 1, 2000) 1202–03. Eron, L. D, and LG Slaby. Reason to hope: A psychosocial perspective on violence and youth . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1996. 1–22. Hurt, H. , M. Malmud, N. Brodsky, and J. Giannetta. Exposure to violence: Psychological and academic correlates in child witnesses. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. (2001): 1351–56. Print. Fowler, Patrick J. , et al, â€Å"Community Violence: A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes of Children and Adolescents,† Development and Psychopathology 21 (2009) Kellermann, Arthur L. , Injuries and Deaths due to Firearms in the Home, Journal of Trauma (1998) Kennedy, D. Can we keep guns away from kids? The American Prospect (June 23, 1994) 74–80 Miller, Matthew, Deborah Azrael, and David Hemenway. â€Å"Household Firearm Ownership and Suicide Rates in the United States. † Epidemiology 13 (2006) 517-724 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. n. page. Web. 9 Dec. 2011. . Sheley, J. F. , and Wright, J. D. High school youth, weapons, and violence: A national survey. National Institute of Justice Research in Brief. Washington, DC. October 1998 United