Change of Perspective

Musings on Writing, Reading, and Life Narratives

Fiction writers and literary critics speak of point of view. Social scientists are more likely to discuss perspective. But both of these terms refer to essentially the same construct: the consciousness behind the perception and narration of experience. Each individual’s point of view is unique, and point of view shapes the stories people tell to themselves and to others about themselves and their relationships with their environment. The same event narrated from two different perspectives will produce two different stories.

A change of perspective can expand our perception and reframe our thinking about our experiences. We can all benefit from an occasional change of perspective.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Abuse changes brains of suicide victims | Health | Reuters

Abuse changes brains of suicide victims | Health | Reuters:

Suicide victims who were abused as children have clear genetic changes in their brains, Canadian researchers reported on Tuesday in a finding they said shows neglect can cause biological effects.

Scientists hope that more research such as this might lead to screening tests that would allow treatment and possible prevention of future suicide.

About 25 years ago I tried to get help for two young girls in our neighborhood who were being neglected. But, officials at the state abuse hot line told me, as long as there were no welts, bruised, or other visible signs of abuse on the children, nothing could be done. Research like this suggests that all types of abuse, including neglect, leave marks if we just know how to look for them.

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