Abstract
This paper explains Urie Bronfenbrenner's theory, which suggests that human behavioral development is shaped by one's environment. The theory cites "spheres of influence" to show the relevance of social spheres on behavioral development. The paper includes a diagram.

From the Paper
"The value of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and subsequent research are of great importance to the field of adult education. The external emphasis of his work has revealed that environmental conditions are of paramount importance, especially during the years of primary education. These factors affect the quality of education children receive and are instrumental in contributing to continuance of education in adult life. His work also reflects how government programs can be very effective in raising educational achievement in even the most underprivileged groups in our society."

Tags:childhood, humanism, psychology, sociology

Abstract
This paper explains the multiple factors associated with obesity in American children such as environmental, parental and genetics, influence the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The author points out that many obese children many have eating disorders. The paper is presented from the point of view of a professional psychologist.

From the Paper
"There is a significant increase in the incidence of obesity in the American population according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alarmingly, this problem affects more children each day. There are many reasons for this. Among them are diets high in fat, sugar and calories, combined with a sedentary lifestyle among many Americans including children. Marianne Hurst writing for "Education Week" suggests that many overweight children may have eating disorders. This may be the reason of their abnormal weight gain. One of these eating disorders is ..."

Tags:Childhood obesity, causes, cures, role of parents, schools, communities, government, health factors, causes of compulsive overeating

From the Paper
"A number of old people might wish they could be young again; however, being a young person today is not as easy as they assume. Young people have to cope with tons of pressure and troubles as well as adults do. In fact, there have been many teenagers who couldn't handle life and killed themselves. 'Five thousand teens successfully kill themselves each year, about one every 90 minutes."

Tags:children, divorce, life, socialization, suicidal

Abstract
This paper briefly examines the problem of divorce and shows how divorce adversely effects the American family. The paper also examines a solution to the problem, which is to encourage couples to stay together and work through their difficulties. Expert opinions and case histories are also included.

From the Paper
"Because of the social acceptance and the relative ease of obtaining a divorce, the family unit in the United States is disintegrating. The result of this decline is that the children of divorce suffer physically and emotionally. "

Tags:marriage, America, disintegration, children

Abstract
This paper is about the effects of child abuse and discusses various aspects in detail, as well as discussing possible causes. The author looks at how society needs to focus on warning signs, the behavior of abused children, and the special attention that mistreated children need. The paper pays close attention to social, psychological, and physical disorders that affect abused children.

From the Paper
"Children from the ages of twelve to seventeen years of age experience more than twice the violent crime as adults in America . Horrifying cases of abuse and neglect have flooded the media, which have caused great concern by public interest groups and politicians. The greatest concerns most have are the effects these terrible crimes have on our youth. David Finkelhor, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire , believes that we know too little about child abuse and what damage it may cause. He contends that if we better understood the effects of child victimization, we would be more able to identify and prevent it."

Tags:children, development, disorders, neglect, peltzer, psychology, sociology

Abstract
A discussion of teenage suicide, its causes and effects. This paper examines aspects that may cause teenage suicide such as depression and stress and the possible methods one can use to minimize or deal with adolescent ordeals that may lead to suicide. The paper includes statistics of teenage suicide and a discussion of some of the misconceptions about the issue.

From the Paper
"During the past quarter century, the suicide rate has tripled among young people fifteen to twenty-four years old. More than five thousand teens now take their own lives each year in the United Sates (Colman, 9). Next to accidents and homicides, suicide is the most common cause of death for people (Vine, 101). Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death in the ages of 5-14 years old! We see the media covering different areas about teenage suicide. Some of us may wonder what exactly caused those teens to go and end their life. What can we do to prevent the suicide rates to increase and help decrease it?"

Tags:death, kill, stress, depression, pressure, peer, pressure, emotion

Abstract
This paper takes a look at how children are affected by divorce. The paper attempts to explain what it is exactly about divorce that causes negative consequences for children, how divorce affects children and if these effects are demonstrated outwardly.

Tags:disorders, family, separation

Abstract
This paper demonstrates children of divorced parents may experience anger, withdrawal, rebellion and sometimes even poor academic performance. The paper argues that some school violence may be a result of broken homes. These children are greatly affected by their parents divorce which often results in long term psychological issues.

From the Paper
"Long ago were the days when there were more intact marriages than divorce. In today's society, divorce is as common as catching a cold. Unfortunately, divorce is often followed with negative effects. Some people end their marriage amicably while others end up in messy court battles. However, divorce can be damaging when children are involved. Children are often the innocent victims of custody battles, witnesses to parental fighting, and subject to a rearranged, single-parent household. Children of divorced parents may experience anger, withdrawal, rebellion and sometimes even poor academic performance."

Tags:childern, divorce, marriage, society, custody, battles, parents, single-parent, household

From the Paper
"Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem in the United States. Not only does excess weight lead to medical and psychosocial disorders in children, there is a strong link between childhood obesity and adult obesity. Exacerbating the problem are trends in eating patterns favoring more and more convenience foods, of which fast foods are the most harmful. Fast foods are high in fat, sodium, and sugar while low in essential nutrients. The consumption of fast foods has had a direct impact on the increase in childhood obesity among American youth.
Obesity in children is defined by how much the child exceeds the recommended weight for his or her age, sex, and height. Generally, a child is mildly to somewhat overweight if he or she is up to 20 percent above this recommended weight."

Tags:NUTRITION, ADOLESCENT

Abstract
Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. This paper advocates that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by essentially "incurable" predators. It puts forward the proposal that if people were assured a harsh punishment if they were to commit a crime, they would be less likely to be able to justify their criminal actions as being "worth the risk". It discusses the holes in current legislation and how offenders are often not required to undergo sex offender treatment or evaluation and they are released into the community without being forced to adhere to sex offender registration laws and evaluates Megan's law. Megan's Law refers to the series of laws introduced in New Jersey following the murder of seven year-old Megan Kanka who was kidnapped, raped and murdered by her neighbor, a twice convicted sex offender who had committed a similar crime only months before. It analyzes the increasing public awareness and concern about crime together with intense media focus on the issue.

From the Paper
"According to Princeton University professor John DeIulio, "almost half of the country's 671,000 parolees and probationers are caught committing serious new offenses within three years" (Feinsilber, 1997). Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. For this reason we should not allow these dangerous criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods, schools and homes. It is therefore my contention that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by these essentially "incurable" predators."

Tags:child, deviants, law, legal, molesters, rapists, sexual, megan, criminals