Answer in paragraph form. Respond to the following and give feedback on the thesis if one is provided.
Yes, I have written a thesis statement before but find it helpful to revisit the basics, especially when the topic is personal and layered. For this research paper, I’m exploring how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy may support women who are navigating life-altering decisions related to genetic mutations (like BRCA) or chronic health conditions. These decisions, whether about prophylactic surgery, infertility, or identity shifts, are incredibly complex and emotionally charged. Here’s my current working thesis: "This paper explores how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy may support women facing life-altering decisions related to genetic mutations or chronic health conditions by addressing emotional distress, identity shifts, and decision-making challenges." I feel good about the direction, but I’m still figuring out how much detail to include without making it too long. I also wonder how broad is too broad when it comes to exploring multiple therapeutic approaches. Have any of you ever tried combining two modalities in one paper before? I’d love to hear how you kept it focused!
Provide in-text citations and references for each.
Answer (2)
Your thesis is clear but could benefit from narrowing the focus to enhance clarity. Consider specifying which challenges you will address within each therapy. Structuring your paper with clear transitions will help maintain focus when discussing both therapeutic approaches.
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Your thesis statement is a strong foundation for your research paper, as it clearly outlines the topic, scope, and potential implications of your research. The subject of your paper is especially significant given the complex and emotional nature of decisions related to genetic mutations like BRCA and chronic health conditions.
Your working thesis is: "This paper explores how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy may support women facing life-altering decisions related to genetic mutations or chronic health conditions by addressing emotional distress, identity shifts, and decision-making challenges."
Feedback:
Clarity and Focus:
Your thesis is clear and specific about the focus on ACT and Narrative Therapy, which is essential for guiding your paper's direction. It states the therapies, their purpose, and the specific issues they address, making it a robust and informative statement.
Scope:
While it is necessary to address the breadth of your topic, combining two therapeutic approaches is feasible if you clearly delineate how each contributes uniquely to the subject. Make sure to allocate space or sections for each therapy so that your paper doesn't become too broad or overly complex.
Length and Detail:
Being concise in your thesis is important, but the current length is appropriate. As you conduct more research, ensure you have enough evidence and references to support all the claims and aspects of your thesis.
Combining Modalities:
Combining two modalities can add depth and breadth, as long as the paper has a unified theme. Consider comparing and contrasting the therapies to show their individual and combined benefits. You could also include real-world examples or case studies to demonstrate practical applications.
Examples of Successful Combinations:
If you find case studies or scholarly articles that have successfully integrated multiple therapeutic techniques, citing them can strengthen your paper. These examples can serve as a model for your structure.
Remember, a strong thesis may evolve as you delve deeper into your research. Allow yourself flexibility in adapting it as required based on the insights you gain.
