social problem in Othello - 1294 Words

Suicide Today one of the biggest social problems is suicide. The definition of suicide is the act of killing one’s self. The main reason why people commit suicide is that they believe they don’t have any hope and cannot overcome their negative situation. In the play â€Å"Othello† by William Shakespeare, the protagonist Othello chooses to commit suicide because he cannot stand his situation and feels guilty over killing his wife Desdemona for misunderstanding her because of lago’s lie. Although Othello’s suicide wasn’t based on a true story, in today’s society suicide is one of the most prevalent forms of death. People cannot choose when they are born and when they can die and so Othello should have found other ways to cope with his†¦show more content†¦He didn’t allow himself the time to go through all seven stages of grief and if he did, he might not have come to the same conclusion. The last and most important stage of the grieving process is acceptance and forgiveness. Acceptance causes people to find hope and a purpose for their life again. Committing suicide is considered selfish because it is an irresponsible act done because of temporary problems. Othello’s suicide is considered selfish by two literary critics. I n Michael C. Andrew’s literary criticism titled â€Å"Othello: The Handkerchief Once More†, another critic T. S. Eliot says: What Othello seems to be doing in making this speech is cheering himself up. He is endeavoring to escape reality, he has ceased to think about Desdemona, and is thinking about himself†¦Othello succeeds in turning himself in to a pathetic figure, by adopting an aesthetic rather than a moral attitude, dramatizing himself against his environment. He takes in the spectator, but the human motive is primarily to take in himself. Eliot shows that Othello committed suicide only for himself and not for Desdemona or others because through his negative emotions and speech, he didn’t think about how his death could affect others. In the speech he said amongst an audience before he committed suicide, he lowered himself into a weak figure, in order to get sympathy. He could have committed suicide in private but instead he did it in front of an audience and dramatically killed himself with aShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Race In Othello And Huckleberry Finn941 Words   |  4 Pagesneighborhood. These are examples of how race affects our daily life. In the play Othello written by William Shakespeare and in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain, race is challenged through conflicts in the plot, social class, and character relationships. The idea of race is challenged by conflicts on the plot of Othello and Huck Finn. Race is challenged by the conflicts of Othello. Brabantio accuses Othello of putting a spell on Desdemona to make her fall in love with him. BrabantioRead MoreAnalysis Of Othello By William Shakespeare1353 Words   |  6 Pageshave read â€Å"Othello† and can clearly see how divided the characters are by many aspects, but one that seems to be most important to the whole theme is gender roles. The role of women in â€Å"Othello† varies from each female’s point of view and is easily recognized through their status and upbringing. From the point of view of the reader a person can definitely tell that they are also separated by class and that’s how it determines part of the problem for gender roles in this play. Another problem that isRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1140 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Othello† is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1603. In this play, Shakespeare features three major characters: Othello, Iago, and Desdemona. Othello, a black man, and Desdemona, a white venetian secretly eloped in the play. Iago shows racism and prejudice towards their relationship because of their skin colors. In the play, Iago says: â€Å"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, or else the devil will make aRead MoreAnalyzing Humanity in Othello: The Reason Why it is Still Worth Studying1675 Words   |  7 PagesHumanity in Othello: The Reason It is Still Worth Studying Dr. David Allen White of the US Naval Academy asserts that we are all Iago now (White 2000). The claim may seem outlandish at first. Modern man representative of Shakespeares greatest arch-villain? How could one even suggest such a thing? Whites argument is followed by a series of points, each of which is aimed to help his audience realize that the character they most readily identify with is not Othello (the tragic hero of the drama)Read MoreSymbol In Injullo Desdemona And Lago Characters In Othello1071 Words   |  5 Pagessymbol in the play. It is the root influences of Othello, Desdemona and Lago characters in the play. The handkerchief is the tool for Lago revenge against Othello. Also, the handkerchief plays a pivotal role that lead to Othello demise. Lastly, the handkerchief is Desdemona love for Othello. The handkerchief represents different meaning to all different characters in the play. The handkerchief is Desdemona love for Othello but also the cause Othello suspension of his wife disloyalty. According toRead More Othello Essay1312 Words   |  6 Pagesand a tragic flaw which proves fatal. This suggests Othello is a tragic hero, though qualities such as nobility in thoughts or actions do not consistently portray Othello throughout the play. Despite his brave reputation as a soldier and characteristics of trusting and caring initially with Desdemona, his weaknesses in both his own character and his vulnerability to Iago ¡Ã‚ ¦ s lies, and the decision of killing Desdemona at last do not make Othello sufficiently noble in thought or action to attain theRead MoreA Play of Love Turned Bad: Shakespeares Othello Essay1524 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeare’s famous play Othello is a play of love that has turned bad by the unfounded jealousy of the protagonist character Othello. Arguably the contribution of Othello’s susceptibility to manipulation, his wea knesses and the manipulation of other characters tactics such as Iago each contribute to the downfall of Othello. However, to the extent of which each is more significant varies and this is what will be analysed in this essay. Like many of Shakespeare’s tragic plays each has to have aRead MoreRace in Shakespeare1559 Words   |  7 Pagesrace has been a topic of complex discussion that has brought social discomfort and in most instances racial prejudice - Elizabethan England being no exception. William Shakespeare applies the issue of race in many of his plays; such in the tragedy of Othello that captures the reality of society in Elizabethan England, showing common racial bias of that era. Through his characters in the play, Shakespeare illustrates Elizabethan social ideology towards race, in which foreigners have adapted to a lifestyleRead MoreOthello Character Analysis1555 Words   |  7 Pagesinherent weakness lies in his linguistic capabilities, the very same capabilities Othello uses to win over Desdemona, and to defend himself during his trial in front of the duke. In Smith’s reading, Othello only reverts to his barbarian state when experiencing extreme pressure, as he lacks the other means to express the futility of what is felt, which results in violence. However, when a closer look is taken at what Othello knows about the culture he has tried to hard to assimilate to, it can be seenRead MoreHow Does Othello s View On The Color Of His Skin Affect The Racial And Social Tensions Between Him830 Words   |  4 PagesCharacters Professor Berg 12/6/15 Race in Othello How does Othello’s view on the color of his skin affect the racial and social tensions between him and the other characters? What does it mean that Shakespeare uses a Moor as a protagonist? In Elizabethan society race played a prominent role in social status and the relationship between people. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, race is key in understanding the complex relationships between characters. The work Othello was based on a story by Giraldi Cinthios

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper - 1139 Words

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper PSY 315 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Whether doing original research or conducting literature reviews, one must conclude what a powerful and versatile tool statistics are in the hands of researchers. From basic statistics such as data description, to using complex statistical methods to foresee future patterns or strengthen scientific claims about current climates, the role of statistics in research cannot be taken lightly and is essential in almost any field, especially in psychology. The statistical method is divided into two main branches called descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics is a summary of information and the data presented is easily†¦show more content†¦Though the list is extensive, their purpose in data organizing and summarizing, helps the researcher describe and his or her audience understand the data (Black, 2006, p. 44). Descriptive Statistics The two main branches of the statistical method researchers utilize are descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The primary function of descriptive statistics is to describe a given set of data in measurable or quantifiable terms. Descriptive statistics summarize the information provided and typically present the data, along with a formal analysis, in a manner that is easily understandable to a general audience (Trochim, 2006). A good example of descriptive statistics would be a college student’s grade point average. This number is a general way to summarize a student’s performance over a wide array of subject matters. As with any statistic, using one number to sum up a series of events or a scientist’s collective research, there runs the risk of distorting that data. Using the college student’s grade point average as an example again, the viewer will not be aware of the level of difficulty of the classes that were taken or if those classes were pertinent to that student’s major course of study. Inferential Statistics With inferential statistics, the researcher typically goes well beyond the provided data to reach a conclusion. A small amount of sample data is taken and used to make a general inferenceShow MoreRelatedDescriptive and Inferentail Statistics Essay889 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper Statistics are used for descriptive purposes, and can be helpful in understanding a large amount of information, such as crime rates. Using statistics to record and analyze information, helps to solve problems, back up the solution to the problems, and eliminate some of the guess work. In Psychology there has to be a variable or variables to be organized, measured, and expressed as quantities. InformationRead MoreDescriptive and Inferential Statistics955 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistical methods in psychology have two main branches, which are descriptive and inferential. They each play a major part in the data that is collected for research and other studies. This paper will show the functions of statistics, how descriptive and inferential statistics are defined and the relationship between the two. Statistics is a necessary tool in psychology. It provides data for research studies as well as providing background information andRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Descriptive And Inferential Statistics932 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistics has been a form of research for many years. There are several professions that depend on statistics to help their research to grow and flourish within society. Professions like psychology and medicine often use some sort of statistics to help them better understand their work. There are two types of statistics that are used often in research. There is descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Throughout this paper, I hope to explain the distinctRead MoreEssay on Experimental Methods Used in Applied Research1702 Words   |  7 Pagesdeveloped within the experimental analysis of behavior are applied to socially relevant problems (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister Zechmeister, 2009, p. 317).† In this paper I will discuss some of these experimental methods used in applied research. First, I will discuss the similarities and differences between descriptive and inferential statistics, and when they should be used. In addition, I will explain the similarities and differe nces between single-case and small N-research designs. Furthermore, I willRead MoreApplied Research Essay example1494 Words   |  6 PagesApplied Research Experimental and descriptive research designs, statistics, and inferences in psychological settings and methods differ in many ways yet have similar qualities. All psychological research follows ethical codes and regulations. Each type of experiment discussed contains similarities and differences. The importance of each research method for individuals and societies varies according to the need addressed in creating the project. Beneficial interventions and treatments are developedRead MoreUse of Statistics at Kaiser Permanente1275 Words   |  5 PagesUSE OF STATISTICS AT KAISER PERMANENTE8 USE OF STATISTICS AT KAISER PERMANENTE 8 Use of Statistics at Kaiser Permanente Abstract The preceding paper analyzes how descriptive statistics is used in Kaiser Permanente. In addition to that it also highlights the use of inferential statistics in the organization. Apart from that the paper evaluates the use of four levels of measurement in the organization. In addition to that the role of proper interpretation of statistical information in efficientRead MoreStatistics Is The Science Of Collecting Data And Analyzing It1185 Words   |  5 PagesStatistics is the science of collecting data and analyzing it in large quantities to predict or prepare outcomes based on data gathered. This paper will share with you an insight as to what I learned over the past five weeks in Business Statistics. It will include a detailed look at descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, hypothesis development and testing, selection of appropriate statistical tests, evaluating statistical results, and a close look at the role of statistics. Business statisticsRead MoreStatistics Is Mak ing Sense Of Common Data And Knowing When You Use Data Essay1611 Words   |  7 PagesIn this paper, I will speak about what I would’ve learned about statistics if I had an instructor that was helpful and fostered the spread of education. Statistics is making sense of common data and knowing when you use data analysis techniques, and formulas while making connections between them. Statistics enables the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. According to David Hand (2016), â€Å"One good working definition of statistics might be that it is the technologyRead MoreUnderstanding Business Research1297 Words   |  6 Pages6/30/2014 Annette West Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts There are many different types of quantitative data collection instruments and sampling methods available to researchers. The ones that I have picked for the purpose of his paper are questionnaire, sampling and surveying. Each can be a value to a researcher when completed with accuracy. Validity  is the  degree  to which an instrument measure what it  is purports to measure. Invalid instruments can lead to erroneous researchRead MoreApplication Of Statistical Knowledge For Business1532 Words   |  7 PagesApplication of Statistics in Business Introduction In making important decisions for the business, the collection and accurate analysis of data is one of the most imperative processes. The analysis helps in determining the preferences of the consumers, the quality that the consumers want, the level of competition in the market and the financial ability of the business among others. This makes it imperative for the people running the business to have the knowledge and the necessary skills in statistics for

How I Grew in My Academic Writing - 1055 Words

I did not have a firm writing philosophy before this semester, but I to some degree I understood the importance writing can have on a situation. Now I understand that writing has two outcomes: gaining support or losing support. When writing an essay it is best if the writing is as specific as possible. This way the audience is hopefully not left with a confused opinion about the topic. Since the beginning of the semester I have put a conscious effort to change my writing style. Instead of the box format that is learned in high school I try to use a more graceful approach while still being organized. Also, I evaluate the credibility of a source before I use the information to support my thesis and understand the roles of using ethos,†¦show more content†¦My academic writing has greatly improved. I now make an active effort to use a thesaurus to vary my language. I also incorporate more transitional phrases to create a better flow in my essays. I organize my paragraphs to mak e sure the information and supporting evidences flows well. Even though I understood my claims and thesis needed to be supported by credible sources I analyze who and where the source was published. Specifically, the class discussion in the response to videos we watched two videos about high fructose corn syrup. I stated,† The first video, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – ‘Party’ TV original commercial, is an advertisement made by The Corn Refiners Association†. I acknowledged that the first video was made by an association that could have biased opinions about high fructose corn syrup. By acknowledging where the source came from I demonstrate that if this video was used for evidence for safe fructose consumption it would not be a credible source because of its ties to the corn association. Lastly, self-evaluation is a key component to writing an effective essay. Even though I was able to have student feedback for my essays; self-evaluation is important for me to be able to determine my strengths and weaknesses in my writing. After composing each essay I was required to compose a self-evaluation. The evaluations describe what I consider the strong points in the essay, and were I felt I still needed toShow MoreRelatedMy Reflection On The Writing Our Own Pact 1361 Words   |  6 Pages My Reflection During this semester, I have done various work such as reading and writing. This work includes reading articles from the book and writing essays. Some of the work I did was a challenge at the beginning, but I was able to persist and overcome those barriers. During the time I been in this class, I have learned many important strategies that have helped me improve in various ways. One major method that has improved my academic skills and quality in education have been the use of theRead MoreHow I Learned to Love Football Essay1071 Words   |  5 PagesIn Felisa Roger’s article How I Learned to Love Football, Roger discussed how her dislike for sports changed all together with when she had a reason to care about it more. She provided a great background when explaining why she changed her mind about disliking sports, and used a great variety of detail while explaining it. She talked about how as she was growing up she had a strong dislike of all sports. She talked about how she was never good at playing any sports in gym class and always hatedRead MoreHigh School Vs. College Academic Writing Essay839 Words   |  4 Pagesperfect essay will make transitioning into the college academic conversation much less challenging. But did they ever teach us how to write such a paper? Well, there was the five-paragraph essay only rule among all of your teachers, and if it did not contain facts or opinions it was unacceptable. That is where one of the many differences between high school English and college English lies. Within college academic writing students will have to know how to incorporate certified outside sources into theirRead MoreHow Do We Shape Our Literacy?1051 Words   |  5 PagesHow do we shape our literacy? Through culture, childhood or does it develops in the process depending on our interest? Is there a specific language that you have to mast er to be considered literate? In my opinion, literacy is the ability to understand what you read and write no matter what the language is. If you ask about my literacy background, it would be an interesting one. I grew up in the Philippines and continuously lived there for fifteen years. I attended a private school that utilizesRead MoreScholarly Writing Skill Reflection Essay652 Words   |  3 Pages Scholarly Writing Skill Reflection University of Phoenix SEM/700R Dr. Kimberly Lowrey Scholarly Writing Skill Reflection One of the most important ideas that occurs to me when I consider my ability to be a successful doctoral student relates to my capacity to write compelling papers that are supported by critical thinking skills and credible sources. In order to ensure that I move forwardRead MoreIdentity And Morals Throughout Adolescence And Young Adulthood Essay1587 Words   |  7 PagesJust like how one must discover and establish their identity and morals throughout adolescence and young adulthood, one must find their voice through writing as well. It is a difficult feat to find the proper sum of humor, seriousness, casualness, pretentiousness, or satire. This is something that everyone struggles with as they routinely take pen to paper. Of course, this is all extremely subjective, but until recently my writing voice sucked. As I climbed the academic ladder, clumsily bouncingRead MoreMy First Attempt At Redemptive Accomplishment935 Words   |  4 Pagesaccomplishments in life; come from struggl e. As a teenager, I failed to complete college. My failure was not a lack of intellect; rather it was a lack of discipline and commitment. A decade and a half later, I have grown to appreciate the value of putting in effort. Southern New Hampshire University’s English Composition course is my first attempt at redemptive accomplishment. When I began this writing course, I was asked what I hoped to accomplish. I even wrote a reflective essay as a journal entry onRead MoreEssay about Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts in Academia1328 Words   |  6 Pagessee ourselves as individuals. Labels never escape us. Therefore, if we are going to be labeled by our peers, is it better to be labeled book smart or street smart? What about in the world of academics? Should students be supported by schools and teachers to allow street smarts to be used in an academic environment? While some schools are likely to be against allowing students to use what they know to read, write, and think critically, many students and teachers, myself included, judge these techniquesRead MoreHigh School Vs. Dual Enrollment896 Words   |  4 Pages I feel as though everyone will come to a point where they can look back and truly discover how they’ve grown from their learning experiences. And in the observing of your past, once can see what has m ade them who they are to this day. In my schooling, I have worked to the point of my first English collegiate class while still a senior in high school. It’s an achievement that will affect me for the rest of my life. And so far, this class has helped me grow and learn things that weren’t possibleRead MoreMy Final College Essay1677 Words   |  7 Pagescourse of Intro to College Writing I have written a total of three essays and turned in. These three essays consist of: Narrative, Profile, and Argumentative. My first essay was the Narrative in which I wrote about the night of my mothers arrest. With this essay. I as a writer was trying to convey the emotions I felt during the experience and describe the many atmospheres that occurred throughout the incident. The only memorable thing from this essay was figuring out how to end the essay in a way

1834 Poor Law free essay sample

National Service Framework 1998, 2009: set national standards and guidelines and targets for developing services †¢recovery approach represents shift from medical focus on cure to individual capacity, regardless of diagnosis and symptoms †¢measures to protect rights of people with mental illness in Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 2007 PERSONALISATION: mental health service users’ limited access to direct payments the result of professional paternalism and fears about risk †¢personal budget studies showed most positive outcomes for mental health service users in terms of overall wellbeing and quality of life †¢Pathways to Personalisation, Putting Us First and New Horizons designed to increase access e. g. through risk management strategies. How many, what and why An estimated one in four people experience some form of mental illness during their lives which makes it one of the most common causes of disability. Common mental disorders are more likely to affect women than men, and the rates amongst women aged 45-64 have risen by about a fifth over the past fifteen years. People aged 75 and over are least likely to have a common mental disorder. More than half with a common mental disorder present with a mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. Whilst serious mental illnesses such as psychotic disorders (e. . schizophrenia), anti-social personality disorder and borderline personality disorders receive considerable publicity they each affect one percent or less of the adult population. There are slightly higher rates of psychotic disorder amongst women than men but little difference in relation to personality disorders. The highest prevalence rates are amongst the 35-44 age group, with a significantly higher diagnosis of psychotic disorder amongst black men than men from other ethnic groups. Psychosis is also more prevalent amongst adults in the lowest income groups. A relatively high percentage of adult psychiatric patients, particularly amongst urban populations, have a co-diagnosis of substance misuse. The mental health disorders discussed so far may be transient, recurrent or chronic but degenerative brain disorders, commonly collectively known as dementia, are permanent and terminal. Because they affect one in twenty people over the age of 65, and one in five over the age of 80, an ageing population means that its prevalence will continue to increase. Need for social care The stigma attached to mental illness continues to affect service users, their families and carers. Although there are some encouraging signs of a shift in public attitudes, surveys show that a high proportion still believe that people with a mental illness should be kept in a psychiatric hospital. Stigma affects the lives of people with mental disorders in a number of dimensions, such as relationships, paid employment, housing and quality of life. This makes mental illness an issue for social care as well as health policy, whilst the growing prevalence of dementia will place increasing demands on both health and social care providers. 2. From institutionalisation to community care Institutionalisation In the 18C and 19C, as discussed in previous sessions, people regarded as dangerous were commonly confined to institutions under harsh and degrading conditions – initially in private madhouses and later in publicly-funded asylums. Successive Lunacy Acts passed during the 19C increased the number of medically-run asylums reflecting an increasing recognition that mental illness was a disease and the mind a function of the brain. Doctors played a central role in these institutions, certifying lunatics, diagnosing and treating them, running the asylums, and inspecting and supervising private madhouses. Nevertheless, only a minority of people with a mental disorder were confined to a specialist institution; the majority were looked after by their families or confined to workhouses or prisons. Welfare state and community care The asylums were absorbed into the National Health Service when it was formed in 1948, representing over half of all in-patient beds. From the 1950s onwards, however, there was a policy of closing these hospitals down, a policy shift underpinned by a number of key factors including the discovery of medications to treat the symptoms of psychosis which made custodial care less necessary for risk management. A powerful medical lobby pressed for doctors to be allowed to practise ‘real’, that is acute, medicine in hospitals rather than using them for chronic care. In terms of grassroots pressure, the anti-psychiatry/mental health survivor movement emerged in the early 1970s alongside the disability movement. Academics gave rise to the idea that mental illness was a social construct rather than medical fact (e. g. such as Szasz, Laing, Foucault) as well as critiquing the inhumane treatment of patients in long-stay hospitals (e. . Goffman). Arguments supporting hospital closure were developed against a backdrop of wider civil rights movements across Western society, exploited by pressure groups such as MIND in the UK. In Italy, radical psychiatrists successfully campaigned for the passing of Law 180 in 1978 which prevented new admissions to existing mental hospitals. As discussed previously, though, in the UK, deinstitutionalisation was also influenced by the belief that communi ty-based care would be cheaper. The 1959 Mental Health Act was a significant landmark in the development of care in the community, that is, the provision of a network of state-run, professionally-delivered services outside hospital, such as hostels, day care, social work support and sheltered employment schemes. The 1975 White Paper Better Services for the Mentally Ill re-emphasised the need to provide a comprehensive range of community services, followed by the 1976 White Paper Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services which encouraged health and local authorities to prioritise chronic care. Joint planning and joint finance arrangements introduced over the 1970s were designed to improve co-ordination between health and local authorities in the development of community-based services. Some NHS responsibilities were transferred to local authorities, such as psychiatric social work; and multidisciplinary community mental health teams were formed, comprising community psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Despite these measures, economic crisis and public spending cuts over the 1970s slowed the growth of community-based provision . Care v control Risk and control Beginning in the late 1980s, a series of high profile violent episodes involving mental health service users recreated fears about the safety of community care. Criticism about the lack of co-ordinated support for discharged mental health patients resulted in the Care Programme Approach (CPA), implemented in 1991, which required health authorities to collaborat e with social services departments and family carers, a care co-ordinator for each patient and regular care planning review. A further homicide led to an inquiry to conclude that CPA was ineffective. In 1994 the government required people considered most at risk of harming themselves or others to be placed on supervision registers to ensure they remained under the control of mental health services. The 1995 Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act then extended the scope of healthcare providers’ authority over people discharged from hospital. The process of reforming the 1983 Mental Health Act once again gave prominence to the debate about public safety versus patient rights. A draft Bill contained controls such as compulsory medication and the detention of people with severe personality disorders even if they had not committed a crime. The Royal College of Psychiatrists formed an alliance with mental health user/survivor groups to oppose this use of psychiatry as a means of social control. Despite government concessions, the Bill was defeated and a second met with opposition. Thus the 2007 Mental Health Act left the 1983 Act largely intact, but introduced Supervised Community Treatment including Community Treatment Orders. This new power replaced supervised discharge with the power to return a patient to hospital where, if the individual had not taken prescribed medication, s/he could be forcibly medicated. The 2007 Act also replaced the specialist Approved Social Worker role with that of the Approved Mental Health Professional, whilst broadening the scope of the latter to permit treatment without patient consent. Care and rights There was also an emphasis on improving care and rights during this period. The 1998 National Service Framework established guidelines for developing and vidence-based national standards for services as well as time-limited targets for their achievement. This was updated in 2009 by the policy document New Horizons which had the twin aims of improving the mental health and wellbeing of the general population and improving the quality and accessibility of services for people with poor mental health. Greater recognition of stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness, amongst pu blic and professionals alike, can be linked to the recovery approach to mental illness. Alongside clinical treatment, the recovery approach focuses on each individual’s capacity to build a meaningful life, find and maintain hope, re-establish a positive identity and take responsibility and control, regardless of diagnosis or symptoms. Rather like the social model of disability, curing the illness is less the emphasis than social inclusion, individual choice and control. In terms of rights, the 2005 Mental Capacity Act gave expression to the principle that people were capable of making a decision unless a systematic assessment proved that their mental functioning was too impaired. The Act also contained safeguards to ensure that all practicable steps were taken to support vulnerable people to make decisions in their best interests with the least restrictive outcome. The 2007 also contained some protective measures. It replaced the treatability test with criteria for involuntary commitment based on a requirement that someone couldn’t be detained unless appropriate treatment was available. It also introduced the Mental Health Review Tribunal to improve patient safeguards and independent mental health advocates. Personalisation can be linked to the recovery approach but, historically, mental health service users have had limited access to direct payments and individual budgets. The evaluation of pilot studies indicated that only a low proportion of mental health service users relative to other service user groups received an individual budget. Those who did, however, reported the most positive outcomes in terms of overall wellbeing and a significantly higher quality of life. They benefited from the flexibility of individual budgets which gave them access to a wider range of support other than standard services. Guidance, such as Pathways to Personalisation and Putting Us First, attempted to address the reasons for low access by addressing the issue of risk and providing good practice guidance on risk management strategies, such as advance directives and crisis management plans to cope with fluctuations in mental health. Pathways to Personalisation is linked to the recommendations of New Horizons, the cross-governmental mental health strategy cited earlier.