Research and Servce Learning Project

As a student at UAB I have the opportunity to actively participate a service learning research project.  This project has taken many different turns and at times I wonder if I will ever be active or experience research at the level I desire.  I have learned a few things as I have waited.  Research takes time and requires a lot of thoughtful preparation and perseverance.  If the IRB approval process is not enough don't worry, there will be issues that will come up requiring time and patients.  Research may also benefit from a community partner who can assist on multiple levels and serve as a liaison for your research project on a community level.  The choice of a community partner is crucial for success, especially if interventions are being tested.  When research questions initially are written, the input from your community partner can assist you in making the questions culturally appropriate and with words that convey desired meaning. Community partners can also bring with them knowledge of the community that will help the researcher understand the population holistically. 

While I have not yet been able to accomplish my intended goal, learning does not have to stop or stagnant until then.  Continuously reviewing literature regarding the research subject can enhance understanding of various aspects.  The subject I chose was maternal depression and the effect on children.  I have read articles about maternal depression, social determinants, poverty cycles, teen pregnancy, internalizing behaviors of children whose mothers are depressed, family support effects, and various other aspects affecting the depression cycle of individuals and their children.  From this review, I have come to a few conclusions or perhaps biases.  One conclusion is that no intervention can solve all the internal and external factors that perpetuate depression and its effect on society.  Another conclusion is that depression affects all of society; no one is immune to the effects of depression.  The last conclusion is that depression does not have to be a multigenerational cycle.  The cycle can be stopped. 

While my SLP goals are not yet accomplished, I am learning and striving to achieve my goals.  Perseverance until that time is the goal.  Keep your fingers crossed that this semester does not end before my goals are realized. 

Social Media and Social Well-being

I found this article that took me by surprise.  It is from Deseret News writer Mandy Morgan.  The article is about research that has been done on the affects of social media.  I have inserted the link to the article for you to read.

 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865562692/Social-well-being-of-tween-girls-negatively-affected-by-use-of-social-media.html?pg=all

So, the question what does this have to do with depression and women?  Nothing right this instant.  I do have questions though.  If women are more social than their male counterparts and they suffer from depression more often---what will lack of personal social contact do to depression rates?   The article stated that the more tween girls spend with social technology the more unhappy they are.  Social eye to eye contact does more than just communicate here I am.  The ability to interact and understand others body language is a skill that if not developed could have serious ramifications as a working adult.  The social skills for the 21rst century are different from the last. Today, the ability to use technology is absolutely a mandatory requirement.  Yet, the implications on how technology motivates and stagnates society is yet to be determined.  Will there be an increase in depression rates across the board from the decreased personal interaction, perhaps.  How many people have groaned at the mindless postings of friends on Facebook about how they just filled their car with gas?  Meaningful communication can occur via social media but is it an equal substitute for personal interaction?  Even the articles study findings found that when friends are present with you, the relationship is ranked as more important than a social media friendship.  For somethings, technology just can not improve on the real thing.