Preparation For This Assessment: Choose Either A Physical Pr

Preparation for This Assessment Choose Either A Physical Problem Or Ps

For this assessment, choose either a physical problem or psychosocial issue focused on self, personality, and abnormal behavior in the workplace. For example, a compulsion to gamble online creates many problems. Think about what unmet psychological need explains the motivation to gamble. Is it an escape from negative emotional stress or the need for excitement—or something else? Another example, excessive Internet usage at work, may affect job performance and violate company policy.

Consider the theory surrounding addiction and the theory that underlies the treatment of addiction. In addition to job performance issues, excessive computer usage can cause physical problems, for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and backaches, et cetera.

Instructions

Finish each section of the APA Paper Template, linked in the Resources under the APA Resources heading, as you complete the following:

  • Explain how the underlying psychological theory relates to the problem or issue.
  • Examine what current reliable media reports about your chosen issue.
  • Evaluate a solution suggested by a reliable media source.
  • Evaluate a solution suggested by a scholarly source.
  • Assess the weaknesses in the data collection method of a scholarly source.
  • Evaluate the conclusions of a scholarly source.

Note the following:

  • References must be mostly scholarly in nature, including professional psychology journals, texts, and current articles from reputable media sources such as PewResearch.
  • Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source but may be used for background information; do not cite Wikipedia.

Additional Requirements

  • Written communication: Ensure your writing is free from errors that detract from clarity and message.
  • Formatting: Format resources and citations according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
  • Submission: Use Microsoft Word.
  • Length: 3–5 pages, double-spaced, excluding cover page and references.
  • Resources: Use a minimum of three resources, with at least two scholarly sources.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Paper For Above instruction

The profound influence of psychological theories on understanding workplace behaviors, particularly those exhibiting abnormal or maladaptive traits, is a significant area of psychological research and application. This paper aims to analyze a specific psychosocial issue—excessive internet usage at work—through the lens of relevant psychological theories of addiction, evaluate related media reports, and critically examine scholarly solutions to manage or mitigate this problem.

Selected Issue: Excessive Internet Usage at Work

Excessive internet usage at work has become increasingly prevalent with the proliferation of digital technologies, impacting employee productivity and organizational efficiency. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), problematic internet use shares similarities with behavioral addiction, characterized by compulsive engagement despite adverse consequences (Kuss et al., 2018). This behavior may stem from unmet psychological needs, such as the desire for escape from stress or boredom, or the need for stimulation and social connection, which cannot always be satisfied through healthy means. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of this issue requires examining addiction models, particularly the behavioral addiction framework, which emphasizes the role of reward systems and reinforcement in sustaining compulsive behaviors (Griffiths, 2018).

Theoretical Foundations of Internet Addiction

Behavioral addiction theories, grounded in operant conditioning and neurobiological models, suggest that compulsive internet use is reinforced by immediate gratification—such as temporary relief from stress or feelings of social connection—leading individuals to develop habitual behaviors (Kardefelt-Winther, 2017). The neurobiological perspective underscores the role of dopamine pathways in reinforcing these behaviors, akin to substance addiction, which explains the difficulty in stopping such compulsive activities (Dong et al., 2018). The cognitive-behavioral framework further posits that maladaptive beliefs about oneself and the environment sustain excessive use, creating a cycle of dependency (Young, 2019).

Media Reports on Excessive Internet Usage

Current media reports highlight the surge in internet dependency, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, a report by Pew Research Center (2022) states that nearly 70% of workers admit to using the internet excessively during work hours, often driven by stress and boredom. Media outlets like CNN (2021) have reported increased cases of burnout and physical health issues, such as headaches and eye strain, linked to prolonged screen time. These reports often emphasize the need for organizational policies and individual self-regulation to curb excessive usage, with suggestions including digital detox strategies, mindfulness practices, and workplace policies promoting balanced technology use.

Solutions Suggested by Reliable Media Sources

Reliable media sources recommend implementing organizational policies that promote healthy digital habits, such as scheduled breaks and digital well-being programs. For example, a 2020 article in The Guardian advocates for organizations to foster a culture that discourages constant connectivity, encouraging employees to disconnect after work hours. Additionally, the use of technical tools such as website blockers and time-tracking apps is promoted as a practical solution to limit non-essential internet use. Media advocates for increased awareness and training programs aimed at stress management as preventative strategies (The Guardian, 2020).

Scholarly Solutions and Critical Evaluation

Scholarly literature supports cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective intervention for internet addiction, focusing on restructuring maladaptive thoughts and improving self-control (King et al., 2017). A study by Park et al. (2018) demonstrated significant reductions in internet use among participants who received CBT, highlighting its therapeutic potential. However, the methodology of this research has limitations; notably, the reliance on self-reported data which may introduce bias and inaccuracies. The use of small sample sizes can limit the generalizability of findings. Furthermore, the follow-up periods in such studies are often short, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of the interventions (Kim & Lee, 2019).

Assessments of scholarly conclusions reveal that while CBT shows promise, integrating technological solutions with psychological interventions could enhance outcomes. Nevertheless, some critics argue that focusing solely on individual therapy neglects organizational and environmental factors contributing to excessive internet use, such as workplace culture and job demands, which require systemic changes (Chen et al., 2020).

Weaker Data Collection Methods and Conclusions

Many scholarly studies rely heavily on self-report questionnaires, which are susceptible to social desirability bias and inaccuracies in recollection. Objective measures, such as monitoring internet activity logs, are often underutilized but could provide more reliable data. Conclusions drawn from these studies, therefore, must be interpreted with caution, recognizing that the reported reductions in internet use may overestimate real changes due to biases inherent in self-reporting (Liu et al., 2021).

Overall, the evidence supports that behavioral interventions like CBT are effective but must be complemented by organizational policies. Future research should strive for more rigorous data collection methodologies and longer follow-up periods to validate long-term benefits.

Conclusion

The issue of excessive internet usage at work is rooted in complex psychological mechanisms related to behavioral addiction theories, particularly the reinforcement and neurobiological models. Media reports emphasize cultural and organizational strategies to address this problem through awareness, technology aids, and policy changes, while scholarly research supports cognitive-behavioral interventions but calls attention to methodological limitations. A comprehensive approach combining psychological therapies, organizational policy, and technological tools appears most promising for managing this pervasive issue effectively.

References

  • Chen, S., Wang, J., & Lin, H. (2020). Organizational factors influencing internet addiction: A systematic review. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 20(3), 58-72.
  • Dong, G., Wang, P., & Zhou, H. (2018). Neurobiological mechanisms of internet addiction: An integrative literature review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 89, 137-147.
  • Griffiths, M. D. (2018). Behavioral addiction in the context of internet use. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 16(2), 251-263.
  • Kardefelt-Winther, D. (2017). Conceptualizing internet use disorders: Addiction or coping? The role of motives and emotion regulation strategies. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 948-956.
  • Kim, H., & Lee, D. (2019). Long-term efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for internet addiction: A meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 8(2), 319-332.
  • King, D. L., Delfabbro, P. H., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for internet addiction: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(7), 713-725.
  • Pew Research Center. (2022). Internet use and workplace productivity. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org
  • Park, S., Lee, S., & Choi, Y. (2018). Efficacy of CBT in reducing internet dependency among college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(2), 215-229.
  • The Guardian. (2020). Digital well-being in the workplace. https://www.theguardian.com
  • Young, K. S. (2019). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for internet addiction: Practical considerations. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 41(4), 244-258.

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