IT117 Unit 2 DB Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

IT117 Unit 2 DB - Research Paper Example This may also include involving potential partners in the site`s account of the corresponding social medias accounts. Uploading videos – brief videos of the organizational activities explaining the products and services the organization is offering can be very helpful to the sites` visitors since some visitors would rather watch other than read what is contained in the site. Competent webmaster – it is of great importance to keep up with the latest internet trends in order to be up to date with others, otherwise the site might look outdated and this will not attract visitors. Considering that this is a non-profit organization, Karina ought to have included some features that would sell out the organization`s agendas to a larger extent. One of the things she omitted is the visitors` platform where the visitors interact. Here they can also leave comments. Secondly, Karina should have included a message from the director or the Chief Executive Officer in a small section of the

Pyscological Disorders Essay Example for Free

Pyscological Disorders Essay Behaviourism has many different strengths and weaknesses. One strength of the approach is that is has successfully applied classical and operant condition to its theories. This is strength as it is used in different therapies such as systematic desensitization, which is a type of behaviour therapy to help overcome phobias and other anxiety disorders; it is based on classical conditioning. Another strength is that it uses scientific methods of research making it much more objective, measurable and observable as well as being able to obtain reliable results. An example of this is Banduras’ bobo doll of study of aggression. However, there are also weaknesses to this approach. The Behaviourism approach focuses too much on the â€Å"nurture† side of nature/nurture debate and suggests that all behaviour is learned. However, research has shown that cognitive and biological elements have been proved to affect individual’s behaviour. For example, people learn behaviour by observing others getting rewarded for certain actions. Another weakness is the ethical issues raised by using animals in experiments. This is because animals cannot consent to take part and are unable to withdraw themselves from experiments, for example, Pavlov’s dog studies. A major strength of this theory is that it is quick and affordable. As the behaviourism theory focuses on the future and what is happening now instead of the past, treatment can be quick and effective as they are not discussing past experiences which may be time consuming. However, because this theory ignores past experiences and influences, it may cause problems as individuals may need to discuss past experiences in order to sort their emotions out. Because this theory ignores them and focuses on present experiences it can cause a major problem as people may not be able to benefit from the therapy as they need to discuss their past. * Social Learning Theory: The Social Learning theory was developed my Albert Bandura who believed that we can learn by observing others. This theory however, has different strengths and weaknesses. One of the great strengths of the social learning theory is that it combines important models of learning. This therefore makes it a good education theory. Another strength is that children are seen are easy to teach and any child can be taught. Albert believed that motivation comes largely through praise. The praise, however, is seen indirectly, since it is the model that is praised, not the child. Once motivated, the model provides the bulk of teaching. The general concept is that children just the right environment to begin learning useful skills. Another strength is that it is an easy theory to grasp and it seems to be generally proven by actual experience. For example, when learning to play football, individuals often first watch a game on TV, which provides the inspiration and motivation to learn to play. However, there are weaknesses that question if this theory is correct. The main weakness of this theory is that is does not include the child’s cognitive development. While there are some cognitive insights in the social learning theory, they are not explained. Albert believed that a child was seen as a sponge, absorbing information through modelling. However, the child’s contribution to how models are absorbed is processed and worked out through time and is not present to any extent in the theory. Another weakness is that is does not have any given cause. The social learning theory explains that motivation exists though praise. However, it seems that motivation is socially conditioned, and therefore relative. The social learning then takes the basic social structure as normative and standard, without judgement. * Psychodynamic: This theory was developed by Sigmund Freud and Erik Erickson and believed that we are not always aware of all aspects of ourselves. They ignored all science theories and focused going â€Å"inside the head†. However this theory has different strengths and weaknesses. One strength of the psychodynamic theory is that is focused on the effects that childhood experiments have on the personality. This is a strength because Freud was the first psychologist to realise the importance of childhood. It also led to other psychologists including Piaget developing theories on childhood. Another strength is that it takes both nature and nurture into account. This is a major strength as is emphasise the importance of both. For example, Freud’s assumption of childhood experiences focused on nurture whereas the ID, Ego and Super-ego focused on nature. However, a weakness of the psychodynamic approach is that it is capable of being tested. This is a weakness because the assumptions cannot be scientifically measured or proved wrong, for example, is the idea of the mind being split into three parts. This cannot be proven so therefore questions if its valid information. Another weakness is that it suggests that all behaviour is pre-determined and people do not have free will. * Biological approach: The biological approach was developed by Arnold Gessel who explained the developmental process and stages involved from conception onwards. A strength of this theory is that it is very scientific. This is a major strength because the experiments used are measurable, objective and can be repeated to obtain reliable results. Also, the researcher has more control over the variable. Another strength of the approach is that it increases the likelihood of being able to treat people with abnormal behaviour and provides explanations about the causes of behaviour. This is a major strength as it can be used to improve people’s lives. However, a weakness of the biological approach is that is focuses too much on the â€Å"nature† side of the nature/nurture debate. It argues that behaviour is caused by hormones, neurotransmitters and genetics. Another weakness of the biological approach is that it develops theories about disorders and generalises them to apply to everyone. It does not take into account the view that humans are unique. An example for is that general adaption syndrome assumes that everyone responds in the same way to stress but does not take into account that some people have or need more support than others. * Cognitive: The Cognitive theory was development by Jean Piaget who believed children are born with a very basic mental structure, genetically inherited and evolved, in which all subsequent learning and knowledge is based. One strength of the cognitive approach is that is looks at thought processes which were ignored by other psychologists, especially behaviourists. It looks at processes such as memory, attention and perception which all have an effect on our behaviour. Another strength of this approach is that its theories have been applied to cognitive therapies such as rational emotive therapy which is a therapy that focuses on resolving emotional and behavioural problems and helping people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. This therapy has been successful in changing irrational thoughts so that behaviour improves. However, a weakness of the cognitive approach is that it reduces human behaviour down to individual processes such as memory and attention. This is a weakness because the human is a product of all the processes working together and not just individual parts. Another weaknesses is that the approach is too mechanical, it compares the human to computers and suggests they have similar though processes. This is a weakness as humans are much more complex than computers. * Humanistic: The humanistic approach was developed by a psychologist called Abraham Maslow who observed the study of the whole person. He looked at human behaviour not only through the eyes of the observed, but through the eyes of the person doing the behaving. A strength of this theory is that is focuses on both the positive nature of humankind and the free will associated with change. Another strength is the way in which many of its aspects fit well with other approaches. Many therapies have provided a more humanistic undertone in their work with clients. Even though they may argue that the humanistic theory does not go far enough, they see the benefit in helping people change. However, a weakness of this theory if that is appears to centre on its lack of concrete treatment on specific issues. With the basic concept behind the theory being free will, it is difficult to develop treatments and study the effectiveness of this theory. Secondly, there are those who believe that the humanistic theory does not help those with more severe personality or mental health problems. Another weakness is that this theory is still not complete as there are different questions that are still unanswered. For example, are people basically good or are their some individuals who are not capable of this? As these questions are still unanswered it questions if the theory is effective.

The role of goal-setting

The role of goal-setting Goal setting â€Å"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail† People once said â€Å"Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is† (Lombardi). Nothing in life can come by just wishing everyone has to work for it. Thus, how could a person work for something haphazardly? You have to know what you want to get it. (Stein) No one can live his life no matter what happens and let his life lead him not having a life plan. Everyone should have a plan for everything; a plan for the whole upcoming future. Goal planning is all what life is about; it is the core of any achieved success. Goal setting is a powerful tool, whether applied to ones urban life, personal objectives or health aspirations. In fact, goal setting can make the significant difference between success and failure. Goal setting seems to be very useful on individual and community level. Before discussing the role of goal setting and its relation to success; what is goal setting or planning? Goal setting is basically a well thought-out arrangement or course of action. It is an authentic manner for identifying what one needs to achieve whether in short the or long-term, and whether in personal life or professional career. In another words, a goal is something that is aimed at. It may be a wish or a dream that one work in advance to achieve. Goal planning is a powerful tool, whether appertained to ones personal aims, health targets or professional life. In fact, goal setting can make the significant discrepancy between success and failure. If we have a goal in life this gives our lives an aim and a purpose that takes a lot of energy, needs a lot of work, incurs a great deal of significance and act as a challenge to us. In addition, goal setting can be applied on the organizational level as there is not a successful organization with a declared strategy. From the major advantages of setting a goal is that it makes the controlling subconscious mind starts working and begins organizing the ideas and developing strategies of an assortment of ways to result in the booming accomplishment of the goal revise language and expression. In other words; â€Å"goals canalize behavior† Cummings Worley, 368). Moreover, setting a goal leads to attracting attention and focusing efforts to goal-related activities, and away from alleged undesirable and goal-extraneous actions. An example for this, is an international company like Sony, founded more than twenty five years ago, has declared its mission which was that the Japanese merchandises will be the ideal widely chosen merchandise in the United States market. They noted down their target and hung it everywhere. When the boards of directors assemble, and any member of the staff offers a plan to do something or other, the leader of the board looks at the duty hanging on the wall, and probably asks that employee, how the offered proposal is relevant to the mission. (Khaled) Now, the Japanese products are widely used among the Americans. Furthermore, having a goal helps in utilizing sources by making the best use of them. Knowing ones sources helps in evaluating them how, where and when to use them. In addition to that, defining goals allows self evaluation as it helps in determining ones drawbacks, how to solve them the good characters in ones personality and making the best use of them. Moreover, planning goals helps in bridging the gap between where the person is and where he or she wants to be. In ‘Alice in the Wonder Land. a story often told to young children, through the events, while Alice was wandering; she run in to her friend, the rabbit. At a cross road she asks the rabbit â€Å"What way should I track?† The rabbit asks her what is her destination. She replies that she does not know. The rabbit then says, â€Å"If you do not know what your destination is then follow any road, it will be the same. You must know your destination, Alice.† In addition, having a goal in life pushes anyone to be a perfectionist in his or her job, and gives a sense of responsibility, seriousness, bearing responsibility, being proactive and valuing time. By setting goals in each area of life a target is given to each one, something to aim for, something that if someone achieved would have a dramatic positive impact in his or her life. Goals give something to measure progress done against, to see if what someone is doing is moving him or her closer or further from his or her ultimate target. If the actions taken are moving someone closer to his or her target to keep doing what he or she is doing. If their actions are moving them further from their target, then they must change what they are doing so that they can move closer to their target. Goals influence persistence. When working to a plan and the positive results start to appear, a push is given to the setter so he becomes high-spirited so he or she carries on going for his or her goal. Most theories of self-regulation put emphasis on its natural link with goals. A goal reflects ones target and refers to quantity, quality, or speed of action (Locke Latham, 1990). Goal setting engages creating a regular or purpose to supply as the aspiration of ones actions. Goals are concerned through the dissimilar periods of self-regulation: consideration (setting a goal and coming to a decision on goal plans); performance managing (making use of goal-aimed at actions and scrutinizing performance); and self-suggestion (estimating ones goal development and regulating strategies to guarantee success (Zimmerman, 1998). Goals improve self-regulation through their consequences on inspiration, learning, and self-efficacy. Goals inspire people to exert effort required to meet task requirements and carry on over time. Goals can affect how people use information. Goals assist people in focusing on the mission, choose and apply suitable strategies, and keep an eye on goal development. On the community level, goal setting seems to be of great importance. For example, the problem of informal settlements actually appeared in many countries like Egypt due to lack of planning. These settlements were built haphazardly by normal people. This led to many fatal problems. There inhibiters are buried alive. They are suffering from pollution and fatal diseases as there is no sanitation. They are suffering from lack of health care and in many of these settlements there is no a pure source of pure water or electricity. Applying goal setting will really help as it will help in evaluating the problem, knowing the reasons so as to eliminate them and changing the problem in to an advantage by making the best use of sources. As people work on a plan they put side by side their present performance with the goal. Self-evaluations of development build up self-efficacy and maintain motivation. A supposed inconsistency between the current achievement and the goal possibly will generate displeasure, which can improve exerted effort. Although discontent is capable of leading to giving up, this will not occur if people believe they have the chance to succeed such as by modifying their plan or looking for assistance. Goal achievement builds self-efficacy and guides people in going for new, challenging goals. While working with learners and customers it may be essential in the beginning to dole out goals while at the same time training them on goal-setting strategies. As people become skilled at setting down-to-earth goals we may expect that self-set goals would create higher self-efficacy and improved self-regulated performance than consigned goals because they will be dedicated to reaching their goals and feel s uccessful about doing so. Possibly one of the most instant effects of goal setting is the satisfaction one feel when he or she sets a goal, sticks to a plan, and achieve it. One only is required to do this just the once to know that the achievement and satisfaction he or she gain from attaining his or her goals is a strong method for persistent to, and relying on, strong goal-setting techniques and methods over and over And, once one starts planning for his or her goals and accomplishing them, he or she will promptly become aware of an improvement in his or her confidence level, which will possibly have a positive impact on every area of his or her life. In working to accomplish ones goals, one will also soon have better understanding of his or her strength, while at the same time developing a stronger sense of achievement, one that develop with every single goal attained. One should believe in his goal so strongly and constantly with all his senses and abilities. His belief in his goal must be similar to Pro phet Muhammads (SAWS) when he assured to his uncle, â€Å"I swear, uncle, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand for me to leave the message of Islam, I will not until Allah upholds it or I die for its sake.†(Khaled, 3) Goals are also an important tool for administrators since goals have the ability to be used as a self-regulatory mechanism that attain an employee a certain amount of assistance. Thus, there is not a successful organization with a declared strategy. Some people believe that one possible negative aspect of goal planning is that understood learning may be stopped. This is because goal setting may encourage simple focus on a result without directness to exploration, understanding or development. However, when goals are achieved at an organizational level and from then on solely given up, employee enthusiasm with regard to accomplishing these goals is to a certain extent suppressed. In addition, the goals of an individual employee may perhaps come into direct clash with the employing organization. In an organization, a goal of a chief may not adjust to the goals of the organization as a whole. Without allying goals involving the organization and the individual, performance may undergo some troubles. Furthermore, for compound tasks, goal-setting may really weaken performance. In these situations, an individual might become preoccupied with achieving the goals, more willingly than performing tasks. Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles that you must overcome to have a truly fulfilling life. Most people never set goals because of the fear of failure, and the fear of the unknown. When practiced inadequately, however, goal setting also has a severe disadvantage which can weaken ones success. Inaccurate goal setting makes people pessimistic, wastes their time and promotes misunderstanding about where to focus actions and energy. Goal setting, carried out poorly, inconsiderately, or for the mistaken reasons, can have a considerable negative impact on both people and organization business strategy. Organizations are often unsuccessful to achieve goals and intentional planning goals that are set top down, by decision-makers who lack fundamental information and are out of touch with organization disputes. The goals are improbable and they fail to regard as association resources and abilities. Workforce members do not think that the bonus they will be rewarded for goal achievement will be the same as the energy they spend to attain them. Commonly, administrators are anxious when they alarm job loss for breakdown. Moreover, too many goals make nothing a priority. Peo ple with too many goals experience these problems. They by no means feel as if they achieve an entire task. It is easier said than done to link their goal achievement to a reward and credit system that recognizes their achievements. They do not identify what is most essential to carry out next. They fall victim to the check it off the list condition where they check tasks of their list before the procedures have been incorporated by the association. Goal setting is an encouraging powerful, business performance when it tells the staff where he is going. Successful goal setting also demonstrates what accomplishment will appear like for the period of the journey and upon influx. When practiced badly, however, goal setting can unconstructively impact any organization in all the ways discussed, and more. There are some essential conditions for any goal: The goal must be comprehensible, definite and assessable, not unclear or uncertain. An example: if ones goal is to serve Muslims, this is not a specific or a measurable goal. This theory is derived from scientific books. The goal should include two elements: being determined and sensible at the same time. For instance: if a scholar says, â€Å"My target is to pass my high school tests,† it is not a goal; since it is typical that everybody should want to pass. His or her goal should be, â€Å"I would like to accomplish so and so, my wish is to be a valedictorian, to win the Noble Prize, to get a PHD.† A goal should be motivated and sensible at the same time. It is not supposed to be a fancy. The goal should not be a self-interested selfish one, but it should be heading for towards helping the society. A selfish goal is a short term goal. A person might want to have a great company for him and so the company was built, but what is next? One day he will retire. That is why ones goal should be directed to the benefit of society. In that case, ones life will end but his or her goals will not so this is a great aspiration and the vital goal. The more ones goals are directed towards pleasing Allah (SWT) and his or her countrys success, the greater the goals will be. There are some aspects that anyone would need in order to achieve the planned goal, in particular the psychological qualities anyone would basically be in need of to reach the desired goal: First of all hope and optimism are very important . One should always be hopeful and optimistic. Being pessimistic will destroy any progress as a pessimistic person will always think that there is no hope so why should she or he work and exert effort it will be the same. On the other hand, an optimistic person will never lose hope. Moreover, patience, patience, patience. One has to be patient, and never give up hope or hurry. The problem is that youth try once or twice and when he or she fails they despair and say, â€Å"There is no use, I tried many times and I failed. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) tried with Arab tribes for twelve years, before he succeeded and went to live in Madinah. He tried twenty six times. On the community level, goal setting seems to be of great importance. For example, the problem of informal settlements actually appeared in many countries like Egypt due to lack of planning. These settlements were built haphazardly by normal people. This led to many fatal problems. There inhibiters are buried alive. They are suffering from pollution and fatal diseases as there is no sanitation. They are suffering from lack of health care and in many of these settlements there is no a pure source of pure water or electricity. Applying goal setting will really help as it will help in evaluating the problem, knowing the reasons so as to eliminate them and changing the problem in to an advantage by making the best use of sources. It is note worthy to mention the role of goal setting in solving the education problem in Egypt. The problem of education originates from the fact that there is no proper goal setting as the curriculum does not meet the market demands. Proper goal planning will help in assessing the current syllabus, changing the drawbacks and making the best use of its advantages; it will help in education reform. To sum up, Setting goals, getting a plan, and staying focused equals success. Without goal setting, a person wont be able to make a difference in his or her life. He or she wont be able of enjoying success or feeling sorry for a failure. He or she will be a person with no goal to achieve; and no life to live. Goal setting can change a zero value resource turn into a 100 % value resource!

Maya Angelou :: essays research papers

Collective Soul and Maya Angelou Collective Soul, a 90’s based rock band, and the famously known poet Maya Angelou, have a statement to make on their thoughts and feelings. They are expressed in two different forms of poetry. Maya Angelou express them in contemporary poetry, while the rock group Collective Soul adds rhythm and a impressive beat to their lyrics. Both of these forms of poetry are very strong at getting their point across to their audience that is very attracted to their work. Both Maya Angelou and Collective Soul share the hardships and oppression that has been bestowed upon their life’s, and other human beings. Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise and Collective Soul’s song December, show the effects on an individual through positive and negative means of expression.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maya Angelou and Collective Soul’s poetry are similar in some ways when broken down correctly. Collective Soul writes “ why drink the water from my hand? Contagious as you think I am'; reflects the same ideas that Maya Angelou shares when She says, “Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom'; These two parts of their writings are asking a similar question. Why do you choose to seclude me from you’re world am I something you wouldn’t expect from another human? “Don’t scream about don’t think aloud turn your head now baby just spit me out don’t worry about don’t speak of doubt turn your head now baby just spit me out.'; This is a complex way saying why is you disrespected me because you can’t stand the way that I am. Just walk all over me treat me different act as if I’m a piece of crap. What good does it do for you by bringing me down? I think this is the question Collective soul is asking the person or group of people who are setting out to bring him down. Maya Angelou asks a similar question when she writes, “Does my haughtiness offend you?'; “Don’t you take it awful hard cause I laugh like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs.'; This question is being asked to her opponent that chooses to treat her differently just like what collective Soul is asking in their song. In my opinion they are asking their enemies, why do you do this to me? What have I done to make you so awful mad, that you go out of your way to bring me down?

Film Production Descriptive Essay

The development stage is one of the most crucial stages for a producer, it is where you get the chance to plan every aspect of your production before you begin pre-production and production. The chance to get the ball rolling right. During the discovery stage of the film it is the producers role to obtained rights or an option to a film that he thinks is promising, if the rights owner is worried that their novel might be tainted by a film maker the producer must come to a legal agreement to maintain a certain set of standards concerning film director, cast and art department. Pre-production Producers role is to meet with all other heads of department to discuss direction of film, intent, budget and other relevant items needed before any production is to start. Legal documentation, planning, hiring, actors, art department. It is the producers role to helm all the creative people involved in the production as well as give some creative input. Financially it is the producers role to organise financing for the film whether that be through loans, offsets, co production, investors. The producer must discuss with all heads of department information gathered during development phases. Production The producers role during production is to organise all departments into a functioning crew. The producer may often not be on set personally whilst much of the principal photography is going on, thus they will appoint executive producers, line producers and associate producers to oversee their interests during production. Post production The producer has final say in the edit and sound used for the film, what scenes are shown and ultimately whether or not more footage will need to be shot after principal photography. For example, they might want an alternate ending. Distribution Distribution is the second of the most important stages of the production process. Distribution is where you get to create an audience for your film! As a producer your goal is to obviously have people watch your production and the distribution phase is where the producer gets to plan marketing objectives and then distribution objectives. This is the most rewarding stage of the process but also the most difficult for many considering our media overloaded world. What is meant by Genre, Auteur and Mise-En-Scene†. Give examples of three different feature film genres and the major elements that define each particular genre, as well as some specific examples of the genre. Also give an example of an auteur, including examples of his/her films. Give an example of two completely different mise-en-scenes for a simple dialogue scene between two people having an argument about their relationship. The basics for the genre is drama, or the type of it. In feature films there are many types of genre, for example action, horror, romance, sci-fi, comedy. Essentially drama is telling you what the film will be loosely based around. Action – Action scenes where there is intense action!! Guns, Cars, Stunts, Explosions Romance – Often a story about a romantic encounter, relationships, sex Comedy- Often a story with comedic elements – intended for the audience to enjoy themselves and laugh An autuer is a filmmaker who’s pieces of work are distinctive in terms of the cast, locale, theme and visual style and is therefore considered an author of their work. One of my favourite authors is Baz Lurhmann who’s first three productions are said to be the red curtain trilogy in which each of the three films has similarities. Each film establishes their story through a established thematic device, Dancing from Strictly Ballroom, poetry from Romeo and Juliet and music in Moulin Rogue. Each film also has a plot which is based off a well known story or myth. And there is a theatre motif which appears throughout all the films. What are the various contracts and other documents a Producer is responsible for when producing a feature film? There is quite a lot of documentation and contracts that go along with a film production, all of which a producer is responsible for. Contracts and agreements range from; assignment of copyright, production and investment agreements, film producers indemnity, multi-risks insurance, safety reports, Production agreement, non-disclosure agreements, post production deals, facilities deals. Chain of Title Assignment of Copyright The assignments of rights from the original artist to the producer, therefore the producer is now able to reproduce the work. Chain of Title The chain of title in film is a set of documentation that establishes the producers right to create and market the film. Typically includes, scriptwriters agreements, development agreements option agreements and rights assignments. Buyout A re-assignment to the producer from a development investor acting on behalf of the copyright owner in a project on repayment of the development investment plus interest. Option A purchase of time for a film to develop the work. Producers typically take out options on a work for a specific time and fee. This gives them the exclusive right to develop and finance the film.m Producers indemnity Insurance which provides financial compensation for the films budget in case of the production going over budget because of death, injury or illness. Multi-risks insurance Insurance that provides compensation if any production equipment is damaged during principal photography What are the various financial sources for an Australian Film? Explain what each one is Screen Australia Screen Queensland Producer Offset This is a grant given by the government to the production after completion of the film – some films use this money for the budget as they can rely on it after completion or it helps to achieve a film that will do better in distribution. Broadcasting Company grant/funding Co-Productions Grants Money that is donated to the production that does not need to be paid back

Understanding the Victim Complex

Understanding the Victim Complex In clinical psychology, a â€Å"victim complex† or â€Å"victim mentality† describes a personality trait of persons who believe they are constantly the victims of the harmful actions of others, even when made aware of evidence to the contrary. Most people go through normal periods of simple self-pity, as part of the grieving process, for example. However, these episodes are temporary and minor compared to the perpetual feelings of helplessness, pessimism, guilt, shame, despair, and depression that consume the lives of persons afflicted with a victim complex. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people who have actually been victims of physically abusive or manipulative relationships to fall prey to  a universal victim mentality. Victim Complex vs. Martyr Complex   Sometimes associated with the term victim complex, persons diagnosed with a â€Å"martyr complex† actually desire the feelings of repeatedly being the victim. They sometimes seek out, even encourage, their own victimization in order to either satisfy a psychological need or as an excuse to avoid personal responsibility. Persons diagnosed with a martyr complex often knowingly place themselves in situations or relationships most likely to result in their suffering. Outside of the theological context, which holds that martyrs are persecuted as punishment for their refusal to reject a religious doctrine or deity, persons with a martyr complex seek to suffer in the name of love or duty. The martyr complex is sometimes associated with the personality disorder called â€Å"masochism,† regarded as a preference for and the pursuit of suffering.   In this sense, psychologists often observe the martyr complex in persons involved in abusive or codependent relationships. Fed by their perceived misery, persons with a martyr complex will often reject advice or offers to help them. Common Traits of Victim Complex Sufferers Persons diagnosed with a victim complex tend to dwell on every trauma, crisis, disease, or another difficulty that they have ever suffered, particularly those that happened during their childhoods. Often seeking a survival technique, they have come to believe that society simply â€Å"has it out for them.† In this sense, they passively submit to their unavoidable â€Å"fate† as perpetual victims as a way of coping with problems from tragic to trivial. Some common traits of persons with a victim complex include: They refuse to accept responsibility for dealing with their problems.They never accept any degree of blame for their problems.They always find reasons why suggested solutions will not work.They carry grudges, never forgive, and simply cannot â€Å"move on.†They are rarely assertive and find it hard to express their needs.They believe everyone is â€Å"out to get them† and thus trust no one.They are negative and pessimistic, always looking for the bad even in the good.They are often highly critical of others and rarely enjoy lasting friendships. According to psychologists, victim complex sufferers employ these â€Å"safer to flee than fight† beliefs as a method of coping with or completely avoiding life and its inherent difficulties. As noted behavioral scientist, author and speaker Steve Maraboli puts it, â€Å"The victim mindset dilutes the human potential. By not accepting personal responsibility for our circumstances, we greatly reduce our power to change them.† The Victim Complex in Relationships In relationships, a partner with a victim complex can cause extreme emotional chaos. The â€Å"victim† may constantly ask their partner to help them only to reject their suggestions or even find ways to sabotage them. In some cases, the â€Å"victim† will actually wrongly criticize their partner for failing to help, or even accuse them of trying to make their situation worse. As a result of this frustrating cycle, victims become experts at manipulating or bullying their partners into making draining attempts at care-giving ranging from financial support to assuming full responsibility for their lives. In this sense, bullies - looking for someone to take advantage of - often seek persons with a victim complex as their partners.  Ã‚   Perhaps the most likely to suffer lasting damage from these relationships are partners whose pity for the victim transcends sympathy to become empathy. In some cases, the dangers of misguided empathy can be the end of already tenuous relationships. When Victims Meet Saviors Along with bullies looking to dominate them, persons with a victim complex often attract partners with a â€Å"savior complex† looking to â€Å"fix† them. According to psychologists, persons with a savior or â€Å"Messiah† complex feel a consuming need to save other people. Often sacrificing their own needs and well-being, they seek out and attach themselves to people who they believe desperately need their help. Believing they are doing â€Å"the noble thing† in trying to â€Å"save† people while asking nothing in return, saviors often consider themselves better than everyone else. While the savior partner is certain they can help them, their victim partners are equally certain they cannot. Worse yet, victim partners with a martyr complex - happy in their misery - will stop at nothing to make sure they fail. Whether the savior’s motives in helping are pure or not, their actions can be harmful. Incorrectly believing their savior partner will â€Å"make them whole† the victim partner feels no need to take responsibility for his or her own actions and never develop the internal motivation to do so. For the victim, any positive changes will be temporary, while negative changes will be permanent and potentially devastating. Where to Look for Advice All of the conditions discussed in this article are true mental health disorders. As with medical problems, advice on mental disorders and potentially dangerous relationships should be sought only from certified mental health care professionals.   In the United States, registered professional psychologists are certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPA). Lists of certified psychologists or psychiatrists in your area can typically be obtained from your state or local health agency. In addition, your primary care doctor is a good person to ask if you think you may need to see somebody about your mental health. Sources Andrews, Andrea LPC NCC, â€Å"The Victim Identity, Traversing the Inner Terrain,† Physiology Today (February 24, 2011)  Davis, Sheldon E. (September 1945). What Are Modern Martyrs Worth?. Peabody Journal of Education.Seligman, David B. (May 1970). Masochism. Australasian Journal of Philosophy.Johnson, Paul E. (January 1970). The emotional health of the clergy. Journal of Religion and Health.Braiker, Harriet B., Whos Pulling Your Strings? How to Break the Cycle of Manipulation (2006)Aquino and K. Byron, ‘Dominating interpersonal behavior and perceived victimization in groups: Evidence for a curvilinear relationship’, Journal of Management.Messiah Complex Psychology. Flowpsychology.Dangerous delusions: The Messiah Complex and Jerusalem Syndrome. Freethought Nation.