Self-Image and Willful Ignorance in Social Decisions

Summary: My comment is basically restricted to the situation in which less-able students find themselves and refers only to literature in German. From this point of view I am basically able to confirm Marsh's results. It must, however, be said that with less-able pupils the opposite effect can be found: Levels of self-esteem in these pupils are raised, at least temporarily, by separate instruction, academic performance however drops; combined instruction, on the other hand, leads to improved academic performance, while levels of self-esteem drop. Apparently, the positive self-image of less-able pupils who receive separate instruction does not bring about the potential enhancement of academic performance one might expect from high-ability pupils receiving separate instruction. To resolve the dilemma, it is proposed that individual progress in learning be accentuated, and that comparisons with others be dispensed with. This fosters a self-image that can in equal measure be realistic and optimistic.

Download Full-text

The Perspective of Older Men With Depression on Suicide and Its Prevention in Primary Care

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000511 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 397-405 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Steven Vannoy ◽

Mijung Park ◽

Meredith R. Maroney ◽

Jürgen Unützer ◽

Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Older Men ◽

Primary Care Providers ◽

Depression Treatment ◽

Care Providers ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Self Image ◽

The Impact

Abstract. Background: Suicide rates in older men are higher than in the general population, yet their utilization of mental health services is lower. Aims: This study aimed to describe: (a) what primary care providers (PCPs) can do to prevent late-life suicide, and (b) older men's attitudes toward discussing suicide with a PCP. Method: Thematic analysis of interviews focused on depression and suicide with 77 depressed, low-socioeconomic status, older men of Mexican origin, or US-born non-Hispanic whites recruited from primary care. Results: Several themes inhibiting suicide emerged: it is a problematic solution, due to religious prohibition, conflicts with self-image, the impact on others; and, lack of means/capacity. Three approaches to preventing suicide emerged: talking with them about depression, talking about the impact of their suicide on others, and encouraging them to be active. The vast majority, 98%, were open to such conversations. An unexpected theme spontaneously arose: "What prevents men from acting on suicidal thoughts?" Conclusion: Suicide is rarely discussed in primary care encounters in the context of depression treatment. Our study suggests that older men are likely to be open to discussing suicide with their PCP. We have identified several pragmatic approaches to assist clinicians in reducing older men's distress and preventing suicide.

Download Full-text