The Social Work Journal

The Social Work Journal

by Dellliah Adesanya
Season 4
Imposter
Millions of people are searching the internet attempting to find a cure or resolution to imposter syndrome. This episode explores the characteristics of imposter syndrome and questions the evidence of imposter syndrome's existence. Tune in to this latest episode as Delliah Adesanya, LCSW explores imposter syndrome to provide further understanding into how this phenomenon came about as well as help those suffering seek ways to heal from imposter syndrome. Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjourna Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Resources National Library of Medicine (Pub Med) "The Early History of The Placebo: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23497809/ Verywell Mind "Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud" https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
Stress
Hello & welcome to The Social Work Journal podcast. Today's episode is about exploring the numerous factors that cause stress. Oftentimes we confuse stress with anxiety or depression although they may pair hand-in-hand. What's worst is the communal shame or guilt we may experience when we look to others to co-ruminate about our stress. Ironically, engaging our community is vital in helping us process and better cope with stress. Come along a journey of self-exploration and find solace in this place of healing! Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Resources: How much time do adults spend on health-related self-care? Results from the American time use survey: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21737762/ Stress Symptoms: https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body Everyday Mental Health Tips: https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/everyday-mental-health-tips?gclid=CjwKCAjw2OiaBhBSEiwAh2ZSP3n3gFvXLvcUUNNhFv-0EIg56Qt10q02-YPFHVL1srlxNrCuFaks7hoCSPsQAvD_BwE
Season 3
Value
Welcome to The Social Work Journal podcast! Today's episode is about exploring value; specifically, self-value. Often times our behaviors are mediated by rewards and consequences. This may result in us valuing characteristics such as selflessness as a virtue and consequently may impact our self-esteem. As we are conditioned into valuing the needs of others more than we value ourselves we loose our sense of self-value. Come along this journey to embark upon a discussion in which we can discover ways to set boundaries and uphold our personal boundaries. Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Resources: Why You Don’t Value Yourself: Ways You Can Overcome It. Website: https://medium.com/illumination/why-you-dont-value-yourself-ways-you-can-overcome-it-ecafb393730a Episode Dedicated to: Aira Sherdene Managabang (graphic artist-see episode podcast cover) Michael Paulson (photographer-see podcast cover & episode covers) Website: https://www.michaelpaulsonphotography.com/
Impulse
Today's episode of The Social Work Journal discusses impulsivity and explores mental health disorders in which impulsive behaviors are prevalent. Additionally, Deltom utilizes pop-cultural references such as the Will Smith apology address and “The Story of God With Morgan Freeman” to illustrate what impulsive behaviors as well as impulse control disorder may look like on both ends of the spectrum. Join in on the journey of self-reflection as this episode employs us to reassess our own impulses and challenges us to consider extended empathy for others who act impulsively. 0:20 Will Smith’s Apology Address: Why didn’t he apologize to Chris Rock sooner? 1:35 The Elephant in the Brain: Impulses,Collective Reinforcement theory, & the consequences that follow 3:45 Behaviorist Theory & Operant Conditioning: Our behavior is modulated by rewards & consequences 5:30 Impulse Control Disorder: Contributing factors (biological & environmental) 7:30 The DSM-IV & Neurological, Mood, Disruptive-Impulse Control, & Personality Disorders (an examination of symptoms and consequent impulsive behaviors) 24:45 The Story of God With Morgan Freeman: Exploring the experience of an inmate who has Antisocial Personality Disorder & how this impacts his ability to exercise empathy as well as modulate his impulses 28:20 Evil Personified: Extending empathy & reaching a level of understanding to others who act impulsively Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Connect with Deltom: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Ouotes by Deltom: “It’s funny because we all have personal struggles with modulating our impulses but there are some offenses that are more morally regulated in society than others.” “In tying this back into the Will Smith apology address, I also wonder if people would have been empathetic toward him had his response to the question prompt been ‘I don’t know why I didn’t apologize to Chris in my acceptance speech.’” “To answer Morgan Freeman when you are dealing with an outlier or an anomaly as such you can choose to assign a moral standard but you will never be able to reach an understanding of that outlier if your are comparing it to a norm.”
Algorithm
Today's episode of The Social Work Journal relates technology to emotions and behaviors. Deltom dives deep into the different types of commonly used algorithms and how they ironically are parallel to the way our cognition regulates our impulses. Additionally, Deltom explores what we see on the internet and how it directly impacts our self-esteem as well as the standards we set for ourselves. Join the journey of self-discovery as this episode employs us to investigate how much of the virtual world is real. 1:30 "Greedy Algorithm" paralleled to impulsivity and cognitive impairment 3:00 "Baysian Theory" & "Prior Probability"- predicting future behavior 9:45 "The Social Dilemma"- algorithm's impact our behaviors and emotions w/o triggering our awareness 10:10 Social media, self-esteem, suicide, and self-harm rates 11:00 & 14:00 "Celebrity World"-comparing ourselves to others, self/societal expectations 12:00 Timeline Envy- posts that effect our self-esteem 12: 45 Kim Kardashian Unfiltered-bashed for looking like a "real" woman 15:00 Connections through COVID-how social media supported loneliness during the shelter-in-place 16:00 False narratives & fake news 20:00 What's Real?-How do we govern our morality & differentiate real from fake Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Ouotes by Deltom: "That's what artificial intelligence is all about. It's about predicting your future behavior, with past behavior." "Because 'greedy algorithm' is not always reliable in decision making, they use dynamic programming." "Have you every found yourself constantly checking emails and wondered why? For some reason, I get this high whenever I delete emails. I've asked myself, "why" I don't just sit down and take the time to unsubscribe."
Narratives
Today's episode of The Social Work Journal explores narratives. Deltom theorizes that there are two types of narratives: the narratives we tell ourselves (to justify our behavior or make ourselves feel better) & the narratives we tell others (which are tied to our identity). Throughout this episode, Deltom uses real-life scenarios and references pop-culture to give further context of how narratives are defense mechanisms that cause us to act in a manner that is counterintuitive to our true intentions. 3:45 Our Identity is who we are (we need others to believe "who" we say we are) 5:55 Pleasure Principal (our need to experience pleasure and disregard pain) 7:30 A strong vs. weak ego and our ability to tolerate frustrations 8:00 The overuse of the term "narcissism" 9: 45 Perceived failure (a sense of great loss) 11:15 People are inherently good but behave counterintuitively to their intentions 12:58 Puzzled by projection (Deltom's experience w/the projection defense) 14:52: Reality TV imitates reality (an example of how people use vulnerable/victim narratives as a defense mechanism) Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Ouotes by Deltom: "People tell themselves the story that makes them feel better" "I believe that as people we are inherently good and we intend to do good" "We are likely to empathize with someone when they tell us a traumatic story. That is your first instinct."
Manipulation
Manipulation can be positive when used for the greater good of the whole or to help others. However, manipulation has a negative connotation as it is usually used to favor the needs of the manipulator. In this episode of The Social Work Journal, Deltom theorizes and categorizes tactics commonly used to manipulate others in positive and negative ways. Pop cultural references from reality shows and recent media are used to provide further context as to how manipulation is used and the impact it has on others. Deltom discusses rhetoric in media about “the perfect victim” while referencing “ideal victim theory” and summarizes the discussion by sharing her own experiences as well as how to combat manipulation. 1:00-Defining manipulation/positive manipulation tactics (physical, mental, emotional) 5:30-Negative manipulation tactics (guilt tactics) 8:00- Example from reality show “Selling Sunset” of a comparison manipulation tactic 9:00- Marginalization/comparison tactics 11:30-14:30 Depp vs. Heard and “word salad” and guilt tactics 15:00-Politicizing domestic violence as a gender issue with word salad manipulation tactics 17:15- The “perfect victim” (ideal victim theory) 18:04- Mirroring manipulation tactics and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 20:14 The vulnerable manipulation tactic (manipulators establishing an intimate connection with others with the intent to manipulate) 22:30-How to combat a manipulator Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal
Season 2
Adversity
Adversity can be beneficial long-term all while at the moment being unpleasant, stressful, and challenging. In this episode of The Social Work Journal, Deltom and guest Kiersten Kelly (from the Problem With Authority Podcast) discuss their personal experiences with adversity. Research is explored to gain further insight on the impact that adversity can have on individuals. Even more, Deltom discusses Post-Traumatic Growth Theory to emphasize the phases that may lead to gaining wisdom from overcoming adversity. 1:16 Overcoming Adversity: Deltom delivers research to further explain Kiersten’s experience with overcoming adversity 5:11-Resilience in children vs adults (exploring factors that help children cope with adversity that may not be available to adults) 7:53-Scaffolding: fading guidance to push independence 9:33-Toxic Stress: Life changing experiences such as abuse or disease in which people need to rely on support systems 10:48- Survivors of Traumatic Events: How Toxic Stress can test and/or improve interpersonal relationships 12:48-Post Traumatic Growth Theory (PTG): 5 ways to grow from post-traumatic stress 16:06-Deltom speaks about her first loss at 7 years old and experiencing trauma at her grandfather’s funeral 22:43-Avoiding Neuroticism: Deltom & Kirsten share experiences as interns entering the field of social work 29.45-Takeaways about coping with adversity Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Ouotes: “You can grow from stress when you reframe stress as a challenge because it can make you more focused than fearful” “As long as you can shift your thinking to something positive, you can always overcome adversity”-Deltom “My mom once told me something and I’ll never forget. She said, ‘sometimes people, they don’t treat you bad or they’re not intimidated by you by what you have in the moment. It’s what they see you becoming” -Deltom “Neuroticism is when you have a negative outlook on situations that remind you of a negative experience”
Achievement
Achievement can be defined in many ways depending on an individual’s perspective. Some people are intrinsically motivated while others are motivated by accolades or comparing their successes to others. In this episode of The Social Work Journal, Deltom dives into scientific findings about how individuals define achievement, the challenges to fulfillment or achievement, and how societal stereotypes may impact our ability to actualize success. Deltom also shares her own personal challenges and experiences related to achievement. 2:43 A Jack of All Trades (Deltom’s personal challenges with achievement while juggling multiple aspects of her personal and professional life) 7:02- Micromanaging (undermining employees’ autonomy-a reason for job dissatisfaction) 8:29 Age & Job Satisfaction (making the job work for you vs pushing back for change in the workplace) 11:27 Pushing Back (Deltom’s personal story on job satisfaction and achievement) 13:38 Women in the workplace (the glass ceiling for working mom’s) 15:48 Men in the workplace (working dads and the burden of assuming men to leadership roles) 16:27 The glass ceiling in film (an increase in top grossing films amongst Caucasian women & men of color in the film industry) 19:01 Token Economy and Preference Assessment to shape behaviors in children to achieve access to a preference 22:18 Judgment passed on stay at home dads and career oriented moms 25:00 Intrinsic Motivation (find was makes you feel a sense of achievement) Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Quotes “Most people are not satisfied at their jobs because of one particular reason that can be universal and that’s because they don’t have a sense of ownership at that job. Maybe there’s a skill or a talent that they have that they feel has been untapped at their work”-Deltom “I Feel like a jack of all trades and a master of none because I want to be a great mom but I still have my aspirations to have a successful podcast and to have a successful clothing line that I’m working on. So, it can be difficult juggling all these hats and working full time.
Focus
Our ability to focus is one of the most important factors to actualize success in our professional as well as personal lives. However, today’s society is full of distractions and everything around us from social media to the convenience of e-commerce makes it difficult to focus on our priorities. Sometimes, we get distracted by things that seem important at the time and without realizing it, we lose focus of our overarching goals. In this episode of the Social Work Journal, Deltom dives into scientific findings about our ability to focus, how our minds respond to various distractions, and how to fine-tune our focus in a way that helps us achieve our goals. [00:53] Defining Focus - What is focus and why it’s important for growth in our personal and professional lives. [03:15] Distractions – How decluttering our mind can help us avoid the distractions that keep us from focusing on our goals and tactics for identifying and avoiding distractions. [09:37] Commodity Theory – How strategically placed advertisements affect our minds and how to not get distracted by targeted advertising. [12:56] Urgency Bias – The findings of a scientific study that explains how the way we prioritize our tasks affects our productivity. [18:25] Flexible Thinking – How to shift gears when necessary to figure out what’s more important to us at a given moment and prioritize the most important tasks. [25:13] Personality Traits – How our personality traits (introvert, ambivert, extrovert) influence our ability to focus and how to identify the best conditions to achieve a higher level of focus based on your personality. [26:06] Hyperfocus & ADHD- How hyperfocus can be a distraction as it inhibits our ability to access flexible thinking. Hyperfocus is common in children and adults with ADHD. Support: https://cash.app/$thesocialworkjournal https://www.venmo.com/u/thesocialworkjournal Get Connected: Website: thesocialworkjournal.com Tik Tok: @thesocialworkjournal Instagram: @thesocialworkjournal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialworkjournal Quotes “When you knock something off of your checklist, you feel like ‘oh, wow, I got something done’. But if you think about all those little tasks, did you really get the most important things out of your day done?” -Deltom People with ADHD tend to hyperfocus on things that are of interest to them. So like distractibility, hyperfocus is thought to resort from "abnormally low levels of dopamine"-ADDitude Magazine
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