Abstract This paper explains that the effects of childhood sexual abuse are legion including physical, social, emotional, and sexual malfunctions. The paper points out that there are psychological indicators that may include complaints about abuse, intricate stories/games/fantasies or questions involving sexual abuse, and drawings depicting abuse, sexual organs, or sexual situations between adults and children. The author believes that a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist can not only help ease the pain of the abuse and help prepare the child for testimony, but also can provide evidence to help with an ongoing criminal or civil court case.
From the Paper "Investigators, whether in the police or elsewhere, should always be careful not to ask leading questions or try to force the child into a certain interpretation of events. Children are easily intimidated, especially when they have been abused by adults, and can be forced to change their stories if subjected to harsh interrogation. Questions ought not be in the form of a suggestive narrative (such as ?tell me about the time he touched your privates.? when no such reference has been made so far), as children may believe that they are being invited to engage in a game of make-believe or even feel that they are required to tell a story to make the interviewer happy. Open ended questions are far better. "Has anyone ever touched you in a way you didn"t like?? followed by "Who"? and "What happened"? is far more productive."
Abstract This paper examines whether the sociobiological approach of a person's personality holds true in the field of juvenile crime. Specifically, the paper evaluates whether birth order is a significant determinant in whether or not a young person commits crimes and in the rates of juvenile recidivism. It takes interdisciplinary approach to the issue of birth order and juvenile delinquency, drawing on diverse literature from fields including psychology, law, criminology and sociology. The extent of birth order on youth crime is explored through a critical survey and integration of current research on the various determinants of juvenile delinquency.
Outline
Birth Order and Social Behavior
Effects of Birth Order on Criminal Behavior
A Critique of Birth Order Theory
Other Predictors of Criminal Behavior
Conclusion
From the Paper "Sulloway maintains that the effects of birth order do not stem merely from biology. Rather, he ascribes this to children's innate tendency to develop attitudes and personalities that are best suited for maximizing the resources that they get from their parents. Since siblings must compete for their parents? attentions, they carve out their own "family niches" relative to their brothers and sisters, a niche that is often defined by birth order (Sulloway 1996: 48). Meri Wallace, a child development expert, locates the social construction of birth order roles on the part of the parents. According to Wallace, many of the characteristics resulting from a child's birth order and family position actually stem from their early relationship with their parents."
Abstract In an effort to chronicle the developments in sex education in from its conception, this paper discusses two popular approaches that most institutions utilize in teaching sex education among children: the comprehensive and abstinence approaches. A discussion of their differences and effects on children and the success on the study of sex education are the primary concern of this paper, in order to generate a general outlook of the state of sex education in the present American society.
From the Paper "The emergence of the Information Revolution has led to profound discoveries that have resulted to the development and improvement of living conditions in the human society. Limitless and various information about anything can be found in a second, through the help of Internet technology and other innovations generated by new technologies and research in science. Cures for serious illnesses, news about current events, and other issues important and significant are available within our reach through the media. However, as human civilization embark into yet another momentous year of Information Revolution, there have been little said and documented about sex education and awareness in the society, especially among the younger generation of the society, comprised of the adolescents and early adults of the society."
Abstract This paper examines how according to recent surveys, there has been a rise in the use of illicit drugs amongst teenagers and in particular, ecstasy. It also looks at how drugs have become become more readily available in a variety of markets such as the internet, in order to cover a wider area for distribution. It evaluates how teenagers have been a prime source for these internet-dealers and while certain drugs have seen a drop in their use, it is only because they have been replaced by more illicit and easier to obtain drugs.
From the Paper "This increase in the use of Ecstasy has been partially blamed on its increase in availability. The Institute's results showed that ?the proportion of 12th-graders saying that they could get it "fairly" to "very" easily [rose] from 51% in 2000 to 62% in 2001? (Ecstasy Usage, para 4). It is believed that turnaround in drug use occurs when young people realize that the use of the drug is dangerous, as has been noted in anti-drug campaigns targeting marijuana use and heroin, but in the case of Ecstasy, teenagers are not regarding the drug to be dangerous enough to discontinue using it."
Abstract This five-page undergraduate paper compares African-American, Haitian-American, and Jamaican-American Family structure. The discussion includes births, weddings, deaths, elderly family member treatment, and adult children living with parents across each group.
Abstract Currently, only 50 percent of children will reside with their biologic parents until their 18th birthday; therefore, many of the children seen by family physicians live in non-nuclear families. Single-parent families now include more than 18 million children and comprise the most common non-nuclear form of family. The majority of all teen pregnancies result in children being born to single parent homes. It is true that single-parent household's do less well than two-parent households in raising children.
Abstract In this paper, research on children and adolescents of divorced parents are considered in the contexts of longitudinal studies. Because the long-term effects of divorce are more substantial than the short-term, it is important to understand how divorce alters the lives of adolescents in dramatic ways. Incidents of increased suicide risk, depression, substance abuse, diminished social skills and increased failures in interpersonal relations are examples of multiple effects that increase over time. Understanding the impact of divorce on adolescents needs to emphasize this long-term effect, as increased stress and failures to cope are substantially increased in youth of divorced parents.
Abstract Judy Blume's classic novel, "Are You there God? It's Me, Margaret", is considered one of the best and most enduring pieces of modern young adult fiction for its exploration of topics and situations that occur in the lives of almost every adolescent. This paper explores the novel in terms of how Blume's presentation of the character of Margaret allows Blume to address issues experienced by adolescents, especially younger girls
Abstract Research on exposure to television and movie violence suggests that playing violent video games will increase aggressive behavior. Playing violent video games also decreases prosocial behavior. Laboratory exposure to a graphically violent video game increased aggressive thoughts and behavior. Video game violence has a positive effect on aggressive behavior. By reducing exposure to violence, children can reduce their outward aggressive behavior.
Abstract Summary: The repressed/false memory debate is marked by sharp polarities of what Loftus terms firm believers and skeptics who "point to the reconstructive nature of memory and ask for evidence and corroboration". The debate is far from theoretical since individual's reputations and futures are at stake. While the claims and arguments on both sides of the controversy will be discussed, the purpose here is to explore the nature of memory, repression and dissociation to determine if therapists can distinguish between true and false memories of childhood trauma.
Abstract While thousands of teens have become pregnant every year for centuries, it has only been in the last three decades that teen-pregnancy has been addressed in any kind of open manner. Now, we as a community have the opportunity to help our pregnant teenage girls achieve a full and rewarding life. The problem is that we have few structures developed within our school systems for career and life counseling specifically designed to help this population. The information that follows is a justification for the development of a comprehensive career-counseling program that will directly improve the current and future lives of pregnant teenage girls.
Abstract This paper argues against the banning spanking as a form of punishment on children under the age of ten. The author emphasizes the importance of spanking to teach children discipline. This paper focuses on a survey that was carried out on parents who supported spanking as a retributive measure.
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of individual counseling and group counseling in helping children who are experiencing divorce or separation in their families.
