The paper discusses the problem of childhood obesity and analyzes the possible causes. In addition to this, the paper discusses as to what should be done to resolve this problem.
2,260 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract This paper presents a study conducted on the increasing number of children classed as overweight or obese The author examines how childhood obesity most often lends to adulthood obesity, and how this may give rise to an immense public health problem in the future. The specific aim of the research study is to find out the reasons for the existence of the problem of obesity among the children, to study the consequences of the problem on the physical and mental health of the individual and to propose different solutions to the problem.
From the Paper "The research plan is developed with the aim to identify the health risks associated with childhood obesity. The research objectives thus defined aim at the identification of the health risks associated with the problem and on proposing the possible solutions to the problem. Moreover, it is the objective of our research to find out the possible causes of the problem and to define specific tools that are used for the identification of the problem. We have taken a sample of 30 individuals consisting of 15 girls and 15 boys within an age limit of 6-10 years. The sample is taken out of a wide population of the children attending schools and facing the problem of obesity. Sampling is done on random basis as it was the most convenient and simplest method of sampling when dealing with such a huge population. The research findings are based on the observations of the behavior of the children with respect to their eating habits, physical activities etc. The aim was to identify the reasons and consequences of obesity. After identification of the problem and the causes of the problem several suggestions are made in order to overcome the problem of obesity."
Abstract This paper examines Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences- the history, the details, and the impact, and discusses the flaws of standardized testing and how the blossoming field of brain research has led to new discoveries in the sphere of human interaction. The author analyzes the definition of intelligence and how our common, definition has affected the educational system.
From the Paper "The inner workings of intelligence, intellect, and rational have been contemplated since the beginning of thought. As knowledge is the greatest gift human kind possesses, it is imperative to our survival to know the factors of intelligence and, perhaps more importantly, how to cultivate the power of these factors. There have been many theories about the nature of the mind since the ancient philosophers picked up the pen. For Descartes, mind was seen as hydraulics, or a fluid in the supposed nerve tubes. The ancient Greeks supposed that marionettes, controlled by strings, provided the model of mind, which gave birth to our word neuron as neurone is the Greek word for string. Centuries later, Francis Galton extended Darwinian Theory and introduced the idea that perhaps intelligence was hereditary. Thus, the study of the mind was transformed from an entertaining science to one crucial to our continued existence."
Abstract This essay examines the role of genetics in schizophrenia making reference to several monozygotic and dizygotic twin case studies as well as adoption studies. The influence of pre-natal environment on schizophrenia and brain imaging as confirming a physiological basis for schizophrenia are also dealt with in this essay.
From the paper:
?When looking at possible genetic causes for a disorder as complex as schizophrenia, the researchers must control as many variables as possible. They cannot control the possible influences of neonatal events, child rearing or other life events that might contribute to the person's mental state.?
Abstract This literature review is all about television violence and the effects on youth. The author attempts to examine whether television consumption cause children to imitate behavior. The author includes an examination of how parent involvement interacts. This research includes statistics as proof variables.
From the paper:
"Television is a part of life. Virtually every household has a television set and many homes have two or three (Ledingham, 1993). Needless to say, television plays an enormous role in the lives of many American families and the magnitude of its influence on people is considerable also. This is especially true where children are involved. According to Liebert & Sprafkin (1988), "television viewing time rises from about 2.5 hours per day at the age of five to about 4 hours a day at the age of 12." Ledingham goes on to say that "television is used frequently by parents as a babysitter or distraction device" (1993)."
Abstract This paper explores the psychological theories developed by Dr. Carl Jung. It shows the beginning of his career as a student and collaborator of Dr. Sigmund Freud, and his further analysis and disagreements with Freud in sexual desire thought patterns. This paper further examines Jung's analytical psychology movement, and the theories he developed drawing on myths, history, and dreams.
From the Paper "He is less well known - and less vilified - than Sigmund Freud, that other great early psychoanalytic thinker, but Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung is just as important to us as we enter the 21st century as is Sigmund Freud. It is indeed arguable that he is even more important, that his theories and models of how the human mind works are more integrated into our common assumptions about how we think and dream than is the more severe work of Freud. This paper looks at the life and work of Jung, examining how much he contributed to a deeper understanding of the nature of the human psyche and looking especially at his theory of the importance of dreams. His differences with Freud in this area are especially illuminative, allowing us to understand the principles of his models of human thought."
This paper highlights the advances in imaging technology that have allowed scientists to discover how memory works and the areas of the brain involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.
From the Paper "For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."
Abstract This persuasive essay lobbies for the halt and reversal of the trend that is banning the seemingly harmless game of dodgeball from public schools across the country. It presents views from both sides of the argument fairly, but clearly is opposed to banning the game.
From the Paper "Political correctness has made its appearance in the gymnasiums and schoolyards of America. Dodgeball, once an innocent childhood game, is now the subject of a heated controversy throughout the United States. Nine states have already banned this seemingly harmless diversion, and this mindset is spreading. Physical education instructors, psychologists and parents across the nation are all embraced in an intense debate over what the psychological effects a simple game of dodgeball may have on the ever-growing sensitive psyche of the youth of America. Is this a brutal contest of the mighty against the meek, or simply a harmless childhood game?"
This paper looks at the effects of the drug Ritalin given to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) children.
Abstract This paper looks at the debate surrounding the use of Ritalin, especially the misuse among children under the age of six. The paper details what ADD and ADHD are, how they are diagnosed and treated and what the growth in the number of children being diagnosed with these disorders has done to the use of Ritalin. The paper looks at several different issues including treatment of adolescents, teenagers and young adults. It also addresses the issue of a lack of research being conducted into the affects that this drug has on children and adolescents.
The paper has an extensive bibliography, but is without footnotes, or endnotes.
From the Paper "Children who take Ritalin note that they are more goal directed, they are able to stay focused on their schoolwork, are less aggressive and are more docile and compliant. The effects of the drug usually are seen within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. The peak occurs within one to three hours and the influences are gone in 3 to 5 hours. The sustained release form, effects last 6 to 8 hours. It is entirely metabolized and out of the system within 12 to 24 hours. The dose is usually taken twice a day. The Physicians Desk Reference lists more than 25 side effects that can be seen while taking Ritalin. Some of these include nausea, insomnia, headaches, weight loss, slowing of growth, compulsive behaviors, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure and Tourette syndrome. Regardless of the evidence that this drug has damaging side effects, doctors still ignore a safer solution. Non drug approaches for children are also underfunded."
Abstract The author looks at several sociological and environmental factors that can be associated with the rise in juvenile violence, whose roots can be traced back to the early 1980s. The author looks that the rise in the numbers of juvenile crimes, the sociological factors that specifically affect juvenile crime, and lastly, examines specific environmental factors that appear to be affecting juvenile crime. The paper looks at this rising trend, that began with changes that the country underwent at the turn of the twentieth century, and the adverse affects they had on the family structure.
From the Paper "In his popular 1997 book entitled "Kid's Stuff: Toys and the Changing World of American Childhood," author Gary Cross states that, over the course of the twentieth century, American parents "increasingly lost control over and even understanding of the play of their children" (p. 149). The children's entertainment industry developed alongside an advancing technology, and basic toys and games became increasingly complicated and complex as well as increasingly foreign to parental understanding with each passing decade. By the time that the Electronic and Information Age had fully exploded in the 1990s, most parents had fallen so far behind the technological times that effective censorship of the films that their children viewed and the games that their children played had become, in effect, virtually impossible. In the face of a rapidly changing technology, many modern parents simply stopped trying to monitor their children's entertainment activities. With this decrease in parental notice and attention came an increase in violent and criminal content, an exchange that ultimately resulting in an electronic atmosphere and environment that graphically glorifies violence and worships the virtual gods of death and destruction."
Abstract This essay provides an overview of psychologist Leon Festinger's work on the flexibility of the boundaries of attitude and action and how these limits are affected by changing outside stimuli and influence. The paper describes one of Festinger's experiments and explains his notion of cognitive dissonance, the condition that results when the balance between attitude and action is contradicted. The paper also shows Festinger's contribution to methods of psychological study, and how his theories have subsequently been expanded.
From the Paper "A task that an individual perceives to be distasteful is often seen as a result of an outside influence or stimuli that results in the formation of this individual's perception, or attitude, toward this task. This attitude reflects an individual's belief, which in turn reflects the set of personal values that form the framework of that individual's self-awareness and esteem. Since personal behavior is directly driven by personal attitude or belief, one could arrive at the conclusion that the individual behavior is a result of a balance between personal attitude and action. What would occur within this fragile framework of self-balance, however, should one's individual belief or attitude come into direct conflict with one's individual actions?"
Abstract This paper examines the psychiatric illness of schizophrenia. The author discusses possible causes, risk factors, the symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, delusions, etc. The author also discusses how families cope with schizophrenic members, and the various anti-psychotic drugs available.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia can be classified as gradual-onset schizophrenia (also known as insidious schizophrenia) or acute-episode schizophrenia. Sometimes there is a slow build-up of symptoms leading up to episode schizophrenia; other times there are no warning signs. Episode schizophrenia spans a short period of time but is nevertheless intense and oftentimes includes the following symptoms: hallucinations or delusions, thought disorder, and self-disassociation. Schizophrenia can also be onset suddenly. In a matter of weeks or even days, a schizophrenic's behavior can change significantly."
Abstract This paper examines why Satanism is attractive to teenagers. The author discusses how satanic religious practices offer adolescents total self-indulgence, self power and a complete license to indulge in the forbidden. The paper also discusses how in this era as the society is in a constant flux of change and teenagers feel adrift in face of societal changes they become interested in such things as Satanism.
From the Paper "The personality profile of an adolescent susceptible to cult overtures might include identity confusion or crisis; alienation from family; weak cultural, religious, and community ties; and feelings of powerlessness in a seemingly out-of-control world. Studies have indicated that a surprising number of cult members come from democratic and egalitarian homes and upper socioeconomic levels, rather than over permissive, overindulgent, dysfunctional, and poor families. In fact, reports that many cults focus on the recruitment of gifted and creative adolescents. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to delineate a precise portrait of potential adolescent cult members."
Abstract This paper deals with the concept of working mothers and the issues which surround it. The increasing number of mothers, especially those of young children, who are moving into the labor market is a feature of contemporary society which continues to exert a major influence on the structure of relationships and families. This paper addresses these changes and discusses what effects this issue will have in the future. It also examines the way in which society has been affected by the issue of working mothers, and discusses the controversy and debate surrounding the possible effects on child development. The paper focuses on the importance of childcare and the problems which presently face society over this issue, as well as the continued debate over sexual inequality, both within the family and society in general.
From the Paper "Thankfully, the "cereal packet" image of the family is on its way out yet, according to sociologists, the sexual inequality associated with assigning men the role of economic provider and women as the child rearer and homemaker, is still very mush in existence. These social stereotypes remain in spite of the fact that, within the last few decades, there has been a sharp increase in the number of mothers deciding to venture outside the home and into paid employment. Statistics show that the level of mothers in paid employment has risen from one in eight in the 1950's to a present day estimate of over fifty percent (Hoffman 285) and, according to Reich (1994), by 1994 women were found to compose forty-five percent of the entire labor force."
Abstract This paper focuses on drug-related violence committed by gangs. It attempts to analyze the major causes behind such violence and whether the trend the trend of gang violence is on the increase. The communities and demographic population in which such violence is most likely to occur are also discussed besides looking at certain possible ways of preventing or lessening gang violence.
From the Paper "The disturbing phenomenon of gang violence in the inner American cities has been a major concern of parents, communities, and the law-enforcing agencies for many years. Of late, several studies indicate that the nature of gang violence has changed, with lethal violence being more likely related to the drug trade than to gang rivalries. One such study shows that drug related violence represents between a third and half of all gang violence. The reasons behind such a trend are multifarious and linked to the nature of youth gang culture. It is essential to take a brief look at these reasons before we can analyze and discuss some of the ways by which drug-related gang violence can be controlled."
Abstract This paper deals with workplace stress from many perspectives. It starts with the modern definition of stress using stimulus and response. It also examines the various causes and consequences of stress. The consequences, measured in both quantitative and qualitative terms, are analyzed from the viewpoint of employers and employees. Lastly, the paper explains why managers are concerned with workplace stress.
From the Paper "Stress is an everyday occurrence in one's life. It is the wear and tear on one's body caused by pressures and problems one experiences in day-to-day life. In general, stress is perceived to be an unpleasant effect that has a negative impact on performance. However, research showed that stress is not entirely bad (Hellriegel, Slocum & Woodman, 1995). In fact, depending on an individual's ability and method of coping, certain degree of stress is essential for survival in life. As such, stress can mean different things to different people."
