I need to write a research paper for my Counseling Psychology class (Due late November).

My teacher (the best I've had so far at the college level) said to write on something we really care about that is related to psychology.

I really care about the Mudcat. I think I might be able to find some things about the Mudcat that can be related to psychological issues. Maybe some people derive some emotional or social support from their activities here. Maybe some people experience catharsis by talking in the forum, or in personal messages with other members, about things that have emotional significance for them.

My first question would be, do you think I have a valid subject for a paper?

Second question...would you be willing to tell me if you are helped emotionally or psychologically in any way by your activities in the Mudcat? I would not use any names or personal information. I would only use the opinions given to me voluntarily by people who are fully awary of what I am doing. You can tell me in a PM if you don't want to discuss it in the forum.

My other challenge, and I think it might be a big one, would be to find a way to link what I get here with stuff that is already published by experts in the field of psychology. I can use the 'net for this, but I'm a terrible beginner at doing searches, and I'm very ineffective at it. If anyone has any ideas about where I should look, and what terms would be good to use to initiate my searches, I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Carol