8.MEH.2

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.MEH.2.1 Evaluate the uses of defense mechanisms in terms of whether they are healthy or unhealthy.
When people experience difficult and stressful situations, they have different ways of handling their pain. Some of these ways of dealing with situations are called defense mechanisms. The use of defense mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on the circumstances and how much a person uses them. The use of defense mechanisms is normal and can contribute to emotional health by providing relief from anxiety and helping one cope with problems. They become problematic when the use of the defense mechanism is prolonged or if used in inappropriate situations.

If a person depends too much on defense mechanisms, he or she may begin to avoid facing the problems of daily life. For example, if a student is in denial about the break up of a relationship, he or she may act as if they are still in the relationship. It becomes a problem is they are continually unable to accept a change in a situation. Regression is when a person acts childlike. It becomes a problem if they fail to assume age-appropriate responsibilities. Another way to avoid responsibility is to use rationalization (to justify one’s mistakes with an excuse) or projection (shifting the blame onto someone else).

There might be a better way of dealing with stress. A person may not recognize the overuse of defense mechanisms because they usually occur on an unconscious level. People who overuse defense mechanisms may not grow or mature emotionally and may not learn to accept and express their actual feelings.
 * The student will list and define common defense mechanisms.
 * The student will analyze whether he or she uses defense mechanisms in healthy or unhealthy ways.
 * The student will apply healthy coping strategies when dealing with difficult situations

8.MEH.2.2 Critique personal use of structured thinking to enhance emotional well-being (based on appropriateness, effectiveness, and consistency).
Students are faced with many decisions. Some of these decisions are easy to make and are a “no brainer.” Yet other decisions can put one in a quandary. These types of decisions are made all throughout a person’s life. Using a sound decision-making process is important to ensure that the best decision is made. The steps of the decision-making process are:
 * 1) Identify the problem.
 * 2) Gather relevant information.
 * 3) Consider the alternatives.
 * 4) Assess positive and negative consequences.
 * 5) Determine who is affected by the decision.
 * 6) Determine who is influencing the decision.
 * 7) Make an informed decision.
 * 8) Evaluate the decision.

Evaluating a decision before making a choice can help ensure that one is making a healthy decision. Following this structured thinking process can help to eliminate doubt in the decision-making process. This is especially important when dealing with emotional health issues. It is just as important to apply structured thinking to decisions about emotions as about physical health. Some of those decisions might be: how to handle a disrespectful relationship, what to do if feeling depressed, and how to enhance one’s self-esteem.
 * The student will identify steps of a decision-making model.
 * The student will apply the decision-making model to a mental health decision.
 * The student will avoid impulsive decisions and use structured thinking to improve emotional well-being.

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