Religion and Well-Being Essay Example for Free

Religion and Well-Being Essay Religion can be defined as a strong belief in the supernatural power that holds the sole authority to control human destiny. It is an institution that helps to express our belief in a heavenly power. Religion is as old as the human civilization and came into existence when the human brain became superior to realize the significance of faith, and worship. Earlier humans lived in small groups, and each group recognized an icon that harmonized the ideologies of different people in the group. Rituals were an essential part of lives and were carried for natural resources icons such as moon, sun, fire, river, etc. since its beginning religion has been very beneficial for humans and it still holds an important place in the lives of people. Religion is a completely personal choice and should be left to the choice of individuals. It is unfair to force a religion on followers of some other religion through offering gifts and cash. Each religion has its own beliefs and ideologies and should be mutually respected by others in the world. Only then this world can become a better place to live. A growing number of studies convincingly demonstrate that people who are more deeply involved in religion tend to enjoy better physical and mental health than individuals who are less involved in religion (Ellison Levin, 1998; Koenig, McCullough, Larson, 2001). As this literature continues to develop, researchers have begun to tackle challenging issues that involve explaining how the salubrious effects of religion on health might arise. A number of potentially important theoretical perspectives have been devised. For example, some investigators argue that involvement in religion exerts a beneficial effect on health because it helps people cope more effectively with the deleterious effects of stress (Pargament, 1997), whereas other researchers maintain that the potentially important health-related effects arise from the sense of meaning in life that many people find through greater involvement in religion (Park, 2005). An explanation that was proposed some time ago forms the focal point of the current study. More specifically, a number of researchers have argued that people who are more involved in religion tend to have better health because they are more likely to adopt beneficial health behaviors than individuals who are less involved in religion (Levin Schiller, 1987). Subsequent research has provided support for this perspective. For example, a number of studies indicate that individuals who attend religious services often are more likely to avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol (Gillum, 2005; Strawbridge, Shema, Cohen, Kaplan, 2001). Moreover, greater involvement in religion has been associated with more frequent exercise, a better diet, better sleep quality, and the regular use of seat belts (Hill, Burdette, Ellison, Musick, 2006; Hill, Ellison, Burdette, Musick, 2007). There is also some evidence that religious individuals are more likely to engage in a range of preventive health practices, such as getting a regular mammography, having a routine cholesterol screening, and obtaining flu shots (Benjamins, 2006; Benjamins Brown, 2004; Benjamins, Trinitapoli, Ellison, 2006). Although there is broad-based empirical support for the notion that religious involvement is associated with beneficial health behaviors there is still a great deal that is not known about this relationship. One area that is in need of further development forms the focal point of the current study. More specifically, researchers have not devised well-articulated models that explain how involvement in religion promotes the practice of better health behaviors (e. g. , Benjamins et al. , 2006; Ellison et al. in press). This information is essential for the development of more effective interventions that are administered in religious institutions. As van Ryn and Heaney (1992) observe, â€Å"Clearly, application of well-defined and carefully tested theories to the program development process holds tremendous advantages for health educators in terms of coherence, effectiveness, and evaluation of interventions† (p. 328). Three potentially important mechanisms have been identified in the research that has been done so far. The first involves the notion that certain religious beliefs encourage people to take better care of their bodies. Included among these beliefs is the notion that the body is the â€Å"temple of God† (Ellison et al. , 2009) as well as the belief that better spiritual health is associated with better physical health (Benjamins et al. , 2006). Second, a number of investigators provide evidence which suggests that some people take better care of themselves if they worship in congregations that provide formal programs that are designed to promote better health behavior (Campbell et al. 2007; DeHaven, Hunter, Wilder, Walton, Berry, 2004). Third, other researchers report that people who attend church on a regular basis are more likely to adopt beneficial health behaviors because they are encouraged to do so by their fellow church members (Ellison et al. , 2009). For more than 100 years, researchers have argued that religion is an inherently social product. For example, James Mark Baldwin, an early president of the American Psychological Association, wrote in 1902: â€Å"The fact is constantly recognized that religion is a social phenomena. No man is religious by himself, nor does he choose his god, nor devise his offering, nor enjoy his blessings alone† (p. 325). Although the early theorists made invaluable contributions to the literature, they did not explore the more pragmatic implications of their insights. The current study was designed to contribute to more recent efforts by a new generation of scholars who have begun to assess health-related effects that appear to arise from deeper involvement in religion. We hope the findings from the current study and the theoretical perspective we have devised encourage further research in this field.

Italian Immigrants Essay -- Legal Issues, US Government

Immigration began late for the Italian population. With the main period of immigration coming in the late 19th century, Italians were already several steps behind the Irish, German, and French immigrants (Nelli 38). This proved to be detrimental to the Italians as the previous immigrants had already stitched themselves to the flag producing a resolute hatred for incoming immigrants, one of which was Salvatore Rossi. Having fled Italy in 1897 due to economic hardship, he pursued the â€Å"American Dream† in New York, by obtaining an education and landing an uncommon job within the U.S. Government. Italian immigrants in this period of time suffered extreme racial prejudice and experienced numerous obstacles in their process of immigration and assimilating themselves into society. In the end, Salvatore Rossi, unlike many Italian immigrants, stitched himself to the flag. Notable Italian immigration began in the 1900s. Missionaries were sent by the Catholic Church to console and convert the native population of America. The early immigrants were dispersed across the nation with large concentrations in the northeast (â€Å"America Put Under Microscopes† 2). Within these regions began the largest influx of Italian culture. Italian inspiration began the first Columbus Day celebration as well as the construction of the first Opera house in America. Italians in the early 19th century had a limited role in American culture however with the economic disparity of Italy in the mid-19th century, it swayed many to immigrate to the United States bringing along their way of life (â€Å"America Put Under Microscopes† 1). Born to a family of subsistence farmers, Salvatore Rossi fits the mold of the atypical southern Italian laborer. Heavy taxes had be... ... son of a subsistent Italian farmer, prejudiced by many, Salvatore cut himself free of the thresholds and chains of the typical Italian-American. Through determination, he came to America and educated himself bringing him into the modern world, thus assimilating himself into the American way of life. Salvatore had overcome the difficulties of the entire immigration process, beginning with leaving his family behind, trekking across the Atlantic, and starting a new life in America. Racial prejudice had also not overwhelmed Salvatore’s willpower as he continued to fight again the stereotypical mold of the free-riding Italian-American who offers nothing to American society. Although he paid the ultimate price of leaving behind his extended family and Italian way of life, Salvatore by becoming a U.S. Immigration Official, had stitched himself to the American flag.

Bioportal Ch. 2 Study Guide

1. Polar molecules A. have bonds with an unequal distribution of electric charge. B. must form ions in water solution. C. have bonds with an equal distribution of electrical charge. D. have bonds with an overall negative charge. E. have bonds with an overall positive charge. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:A Your Response:A 2. Hydrocarbons are _______ and _______, whereas salts are _______ and _______. A. nonpolar; hydrophobic; polar; hydrophilic B. nonpolar; hydrophilic; polar; hydrophobic C. polar; hydrophilic; nonpolar; hydrophobic D. polar; hydrophobic; nonpolar ; hydrophilic E. None of the above Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:A Your Response:A 3. The pH of coffee is close to 5 and that of pure water is 7. This means that A. coffee is more basic than water. B. water is more acidic than coffee. C. the H+ concentration of coffee is seven-fifths that of water. D. the H+ concentration of water is one-one hundredth that of coffee. E. the H+ concentration of water is one-hundred times that of coffee. Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:D Your Response:D 4. Which of the following statements best describes the difference between an element and a molecule? A. An element is composed of atoms; a molecule is not. B. An element is composed of only one kind of atom; molecules can be composed of more than one kind of atom. C. An element is unstable; molecules are stable. D. Elements always have lower atomic weights than molecules. E. Elements exist in nature only as parts of molecules. Correct See Section 2. 1: How Does Atomic Structure Explain the Properties of Matter? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:B Your Response:B 5. Solid salt, NaCl, is neutral. When dissolved in water, NaCl A. remains as NaCl (does not dissociate). B. dissociates to form Na– and Cl+. C. dissociates to form Na+ and Cl– ions that do not interact with water molecules. D. dissociates to form Na+ and Cl– ions that interact with water molecules. E. does not dissociate, but interacts with water molecules. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:D Your Response:D 6. Why is the pH of a 0. 1 M solution of acetic acid in water higher than that of a 0. 1 M solution of HCl in water? A. HCl is a weaker acid than acetic acid. B. The acetic acid does not fully ionize in water, but HCl does. C. HCl does not fully ionize in water, but acetic acid does. D. Acetic acid is a better buffer than HCl. E. Acetate (ionized acetic acid) is a strong base. Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:B Your Response:B 7. The reactivity of an atom arises from the A. energy difference between the s and p orbitals. B. potential energy of the outermost shell. C. average distance of the outermost shell from the nucleus. D. um of the potential energies of all electron shells. E. existence of unpaired electrons in the outermost shell. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:E Your Response:E 8. Covalent bond formation depends on the ability of atoms to A. share electrons with other atoms. B. donate electrons to other atoms. C. receive electrons from other atoms. D. Both a and b E. All of the above Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:A Your Response:A 9. Which of the following structures molecules is incorrect? A. CH3—NH3 B. CH2=CH2 C. CH3—NH2 D. CH3—NH3+ E. CH3—CH3 Correct See Section 2. 3: How Do Atoms Change Partners in Chemical Reactions? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:A Your Response:A 10. What property of water contributes most to the ability of fish in lakes to survive very cold winters? A. Water is cohesive. B. Water has a high heat capacity. C. Frozen water is more dense than liquid water. D. Frozen water is less dense than liquid water. E. Water forms hydrogen bonds. Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:D Your Response:D 1. Water is essential to life. Which of the following physical properties of water affect(s) life in some beneficial way? A. Cohesiveness B. High heat capacity C. High heat of vaporization D. Ice is less dense than liquid water E. All of the above Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:E Your Response:E 12. Which o f the following interactions between atoms is the strongest? A. Hydrophobic B. Ionic C. Covalent D. van der Waals E. Hydrogen bonds Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:C Your Response:C 13. Given that Avagadro's number is 6. 02 ? 1023, how many molecules of KCl would there be in 10–13 liter of a 1 M KCl solution? A. 6. 02 ? 1036 B. 6. 02 ? 1010 C. 6. 02 ? 10–10 D. 6. 02 ? 103 E. 6. 02 ? 1013 Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:B Your Response:B 14. For a covalent bond to be polar, the two atoms that form the bond must have A. differing atomic weights. B. differing numbers of neutrons. C. differing melting points. D. differing electronegativities. E. similar electronegativities. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:D Your Response:D 15. Which of the following statements about chemical reactions is false? A. They occur when atoms combine or change their bonding partners. B. Energy may be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. C. Reactions may go to completion. D. Changes in forms of energy may accompany chemical reactions. E. The products of a chemical reaction are formed from the reactants. Correct See Section 2. 3: How Do Atoms Change Partners in Chemical Reactions? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:B Your Response:B 16. Propane (CH3—CH2—CH3), is considered a nonpolar molecule because A. it does not contain oxygen. B. carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativities. C. it is a gas. D. it is flammable. E. it forms hydrogen bonds. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:B Your Response:B 17. Isotopes of an element A. are always unstable and radioactive. B. have different numbers of protons. C. have the same atomic weight. D. have different numbers of neutrons. E. have different numbers of electrons. Correct See Section 2. : How Does Atomic Structure Explain the Properties of Matter? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:D Your Response:D 18. An element that contains ten protons and ten electrons is likely to A. form covalent bonds with another element. B. form ionic bonds with another element. C. be chemically inert (stable). D. be radioactive. E. be toxic. Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molec ules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:C Your Response:C 19. Rank the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and phosphorus (P) in decreasing order of the number of covalent bonds they usually form. A. C ; P ; N ; O ; H B. P ; O ; C ; N ; H C. P ; C ; N ; O ; H D. P ; C ; O ; N ; H E. P ; C ; O ; H ; N Correct See Section 2. 2: How Do Atoms Bond to Form Molecules? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:C Your Response:C 20. The molecular weight of acetic acid is 60. How many grams of acetic acid would be required to prepare 10 ml of a 0. 001 M (1. 0 mM) solution? A. 6. 0 B. 0. 6 C. 0. 0006 D. 0. 06 E. 0. 006 Correct See Section 2. 4: What Makes Water So Important for Life? Points Earned:1/1 Correct Answer:C Your Response:C

Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives Explained

A verbal  is a word derived from a  verb  that functions in a sentence as a  noun  or  modifier  rather than as a verb. In other words, a verbal  is a verb that acts like a different part of speech. Verbals include  infinitives,  gerunds  (also known as  -ing  forms), and  participles  (also known as  -ing  forms  and  -en  forms). A word group based on a verbal is called a  verbal phrase. Each of these verbals is often part of a phrase, which includes related modifiers, objects, and  complements. What Are Participles? A participle is a verb form that can be used as an adjective to modify nouns and pronouns, as in this example: The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed house. Crying is a present participle, formed by adding -ing to the present form of the verb (cry). Exhausted is a past participle, formed by adding -ed to the present form of the verb (exhaust). Both participles modify the subject, children. All present participles end in -ing. The past participles of all regular verbs end in -ed. Irregular verbs, however, have various past participle endings—for instance, thrown,  ridden, built, and gone. A participial phrase is made up of a participle and its modifiers. A participle may be followed by an object, an adverb, a prepositional phrase, an adverb clause, or any combination of these. For example, in the following sentence the participial phrase consists of a present participle (holding), an object (the torch), and an adverb (steadily): Holding the torch steadily, Jenny approached the monster. In the next sentence, the participial phrase consists of a present participle (making), an object (a great ring), and a prepositional phrase (of white light): Jenny waved the torch over her head, making a great ring of white light. What Are Gerunds? A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions in a sentence as a noun. Although both the present participle and the gerund are formed by adding -ing to a verb, the participle does the job of an adjective while the gerund does the job of a noun. Compare the verbals in these two sentences: The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed house.Crying will not get you anywhere. Whereas the participle crying modifies the subject in the first sentence, the gerund crying is the subject of the second sentence. What Are Infinitives? An infinitive is a verb form—often preceded by the  particle  to—that can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Compare the verbals in these two sentences: I dont like crying in public unless Im getting paid for it.I dont like to cry in public unless Im getting paid for it. In the first sentence, the gerund crying serves as the direct object. In the second sentence, the infinitive to cry performs the same function. Exercise: Identifying Verbals For each of the following sentences, decide if the word or phrase in italics is a participle, a gerund, or an infinitive. The childrens singing and laughing woke me up.Jenny likes to dance in the rain.There are many ways of breaking a heart.A broken heart will mend over time.Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. — George BurnsI believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.I dont want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. — Woody AllenI dont want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. — Woody AllenIt is not enough to succeed. Others must fail. —Gore VidalSucceeding is not enough. Others must fail. Answer Key Gerund: In this sentence, the words  singing  and  laughing function as nouns, making them gerunds.Infinitive: You can tell that  to dance  is an infinitive because to precedes the word dance.  Gerund: The verbal  breaking  serves as a noun. It is also the object of the preposition  of.(Past) participle: Implied in this sentence is the verbal phrase, that  has been  preceding the verbal,  broken, making it a past participle, which indicates something that happened and was completed in the past.(Present) participles:  Loving and caring  are actions that are occurring in the present, making these verbals present participles.Gerund:  Laughing  is a noun making it a gerund.Infinitives: The verbal to achieve, in both cases, is an infinitive because its a verb preceded by  to.Gerund:  Dying  is used as a noun in the sentence.Infinitive:  To succeed  is an infinitive—a verb preceded by  to.Gerund:  Succeeding  is a noun here; indeed, it is the subject of the first sentence, making it a gerund.