Abstract
This paper examines literature concerning the differences between the treatment and view of children in southern-based settings and the treatment and view of children in western, northern-based settings. The paper also discusses the methodology through which cultures justify and define the rights and "best interests" of children, and the ways in which the dynamics of child-adult relationships are identified and categorized.

Erica Burman: Appealing and Appalling Children,
Psychoanalytic Studies, 1999
Chris Jenks: Childhood 1996
Erica Burman: The Abnormal Distribution of Development:
Policies for Southern women and children; Gender Place & Culture:
A Journal of Feminist Geography 1995:
B. Rwezaura: The Concept of the Child's Best Interests
in the Changing Economic and Social Context of Sub-Saharan
Africa (in The Best Interests of the Child, Philip Alston)
Allison James: Childhood Identities: Self and Social Relationships
in the Experience of the Child 1993:
Michael Freeman: The Moral Status of Children: Essays on the
Rights of the Child 1997:
Martin Woodhead: "Psychology and the Cultural Construction of
Children's Needs" (in Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood:
Contemporary Issues in the Sociological Study of Childhood) 1997:
Abdullahi An-Na'Im: "Cultural Transformation and Normative
Consensus on the Best Interests of the Child" (in The Best
Interests of the Child) 1994:

From the Paper
"Meantime, the world is changing rapidly for some children, notably in the north, though the ongoing - and often positive, forward-leaning - dynamics of market globalization, high-speed information and communication systems, and more; but for many millions of children in the south, the world stays pretty much the same. For those southern children, it is, unfortunately, all about survival. If enlightened leadership in the north and south can carefully construct better approaches through progressive and pragmatic models - not just degrees and "conventions" through the United Nations, but real, tangible formulae - for positive plans that improve futures for children universally, the world will be a safer, richer, more peaceful place in which to live and grow up."

Tags:perceptions, interaction, babies, happiness, innocence, freedom, nurturing, dependency

Abstract
Many of the same forces that are driving globalization are also fueling new interest in what childhood developmental differences exist among different countries in an effort to better understand how these differences may affect interpersonal relationships and social patterns in increasingly multicultural societies. While it is reasonable to assume that children all over the world share many of the same wants, needs and desires, it is also reasonable to assume that there are some fundamental differences that exist concerning what control or agency these children have in the construction of their own habits, tastes and consumption patterns as well. To identify these differences and determine their impact on modern societies, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature with a specific focus on the United Kingdom as well as an examination of these issues as they relate to other countries in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia as well. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the conclusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Cultural Influences of the Development of Individual Habits, Tastes and Consumption Patterns
Implications for Control or Agency of Children's Tastes and Habits.
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In their book, 'The Politics of Consumption, Daunton and Hilton' (2001) report that consumption patterns that involve children have been the source of increasing attention in recent years: 'The status of individual goods has inspired particular moral critiques. Goods have been criticized for undermining control of the self such as alcohol, tobacco and other narcotics. Goods themselves may be morally acceptable, but the way in which they are produced, by non-free or sweated labour, may be the cause of moral and political complaint. And goods have been criticized when consumed by particular sections of the community, such as by children or by those who have inspired 'moral panics'' (p. 3). According to these authors, 'Within the modern state, the history of consumer politics and citizenship can be better understood as the history of the rights and duties which societies and individuals attach to consumption' (Daunton & Hilton, 2001, p. 13). Indeed, globalization is being driven by such consumption patterns and it is reasonable to assert that as children in the emerging nations of the world gain access to the material goods enjoyed by their counterparts in more affluent societies, their perceptions of what is good and bad will be swayed as well. As these authors put it, 'It is not so much a history of how consumer rights have been constructed and incorporated into state-sanctioned notions of citizenship, but a history of how rights and duties, the central pillars of liberal citizenship, have been constantly redefined in their relationship to consumption' (Daunton & Hilton, 2001, p. 13)."

Tags:development childhood review construction issues, united kingdom

Abstract
This study focuses on the problems and solutions of childhood obesity as associated with the issue of obesity in children. Specific emphasis is placed on the growing Hispanic ethnic minority population. The paper points out that childhood obesity is unquestionably more concentrated among racial minorities than it is among white children and, therefore, focuses on the particular population of Hispanic-American youth in the San Francisco School District.

From the Paper
"Challenges are many and complicated and the solutions to this particular growing health threat have been divided for the last twenty years but the impact of the number of hours children spend in school demonstrates an opportunity for intervention that has been largely ignored in the last twenty years. Most research has addressed factors such as environment, socioeconomic level, activity level and family history as important facets of the problem. Some would even lay blame upon the television as a serious factor for the development of obesity in children. (Lowry, Wechsler, Galuska, Fulton, & Kann, 2002, pgs. 1-23) Many blame nutritional changes that have taken place within the United States as a whole, regarding the amount of fast food we eat because of its easy availability and the reduction of fresh fruit and vegetables being replaced by the bulk high fat, high carbohydrate low nutrition foods available in the everyday marketplace."

Tags:health, care, industry, society, special, concern, nutritional, disease, weight, exceeds

Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses end of life issues. According to the paper, modern technology has made complex things that were once simple and straightforward. The paper goes on to say that to continue life-sustaining care in the face of certain eventual death, or to allow nature to take its course sooner, rather than later, is an extremely difficult decision. The paper reports that psychologists play a vital role in helping those responsible for care to make informed decisions; decisions that fit with their own moral sense, and which are in accord with general notions of what is ethical, and what is not. The paper notes that the American Psychological Association (APA) has formulated a code of ethics that addresses the full range of professional and moral concerns that a practicing psychologist is likely to encounter.

Outline:
Introduction
The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002)
The Ethical Challenges of End of Life Issues
Current Regulations and Recommendations

From the Paper
"The definition seems to satisfy the needs of autonomy - the reference to "one's" choices, as opposed to those imposed from the outside, while at the same time elucidating the concept of "being a burden on one's family." The statement also distinguished between suicide, and a legitimate decision to end pain and suffering, even if that decision results in death. Understanding such religious sentiments, or being able to translate them into the formulations of other religions, or even atheistic philosophies, can go along way toward helping the psychological counselor in his or her mission to aid caregivers, and to help them assuage the pain and trauma of making such difficult decisions of life and death."

Tags:emotional, Code, of, Conduct, Ethical, Principles, vegetative, state, religious, political, scruples

Abstract
This is a summation and analysis of one specific case study that the author examined while researching early development issues. The writer explains that the case study consists of two interviews conducted of an anonymous individual in the childcare field. The writer discusses that through those interviews and a literature review, the author examines the issues raised surrounding the long-term importance of early childhood development.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this case study is to pointedly examine through a series of interviews the work of one specific individual currently working in the field of childcare and developmental psychology. There is a complex and not entirely understood relationship that exists between developmental psychology, counseling psychology, career counseling, and the practical application of childcare. At first brush, these varied fields seem to have little, if anything, in common. The truth, however, is that each informs the other and has a dramatic effect on what we might tentatively call the social successes of adults. Early childhood development is crucial to that potential success. With more and more children placed in routine and active childcare for much of their young life, it is important to understand the relationship (and theoretical perspective) that these professional caregivers have with our children."

Tags:psychology, development, study

Abstract
This paper presents a research proposal that explores the role of socio-dramatic play within the modern educational settings and explores how it affects the daily lives of children. The research paper also aims to explore how socio dramatic play in early childhood education enhances student performance. The paper discusses how socio-dramatic play compels children to use their imagination, thoughts and creativity.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose Statement
Significance of the Study
Literature Review
Research Questions
Sub Questions
Methodology
Research Objectives
Research Method
Participants
Sampling Frame
Method of Selecting the Sample Elements
Data Collection
Scale Development for the Questionnaire
Data Analysis
Questionnaires
Reliability and Validity of the Results
Ethical Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Piaget, who is a cognitive theorist, believed that play can help children develop several cognitive and emotional stages and it is a key instrument in the early mental growth of children. Piaget believed that people change and adapt according to the conditions around them and this change and adaptation is the ultimate weapon for personal growth and development. Tsao (2002) writes, "Children who play over and over again with the same object, such as repeatedly pretending to drink from an empty cup, actually are practicing eye-hand coordination and developing sensory-motor skills. At the same time, children practice the behaviors that are acceptable to society so that they can act appropriately in different situations. Different kinds of play require different levels of cognitive sophistication, and that is why each different type of play is found at a specific stage of cognitive development (Tsao, 2002; pg 230)" Similarly, Vygotsky, who is a socio-cultural theorist, conceptualized play as a tool, which assists children develop self-control. It helps children in mastering their behavior and allows them to understand the difference between thought and action. According to Vygotsky, play also helps in the development of advanced cognitive skills and abstract thinking (Tsao, 2002)."

Tags:imagination, creativity, development, cognitive

Abstract
This paper includes an extensive literature review of the role of trauma in the development of BPD, along with a clinical case study of a girl with BPD, and a transcript of an actual conversation between therapist and patient. BPD is characterized by a combination of impulsive, emotional, and cognitive deficits in personality functioning. The disorder seems to develop as a result of early childhood trauma, especially traumatic experiences related to parental neglect and abuse. Children who are classified as being highly abused tend to have greater tendencies toward developing BPD than non-abused children. This paper explores the association between childhood trauma and the development of borderline personality disorder in adult females.

From the Paper
"Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by an array of symptoms that are most prevalent in females. According to the DSM-IV, BPD is defined as: A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. 3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. 4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). 5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior. 6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days). 7. Chronic feelings of emptiness. 8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights). 9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. (American Psychiatric Association, 1995) "

Tags:abuse, adolescent, bpd, case, depression, emotional, females, instability, literature, neglect, review, study, therapy, women

Abstract
This paper addresses childhood onset schizophrenia (COS) and the controversy surrounding the causes as well as the diagnostic distinction between childhood onset schizophrenia and the more known disorder schizophrenia, which is prevalent in adults. For the purposes of providing a differential diagnosis and a definitive clinical picture of COS, the paper examines the disorder as diagnosed prior to the age of thirteen. The paper points out that, until recently, the term childhood schizophrenia was given to a highly diverse mix of children with very little in common other than a profound and chronic disturbance during early childhood. The paper concludes that, although much work has been written about childhood onset schizophrenia, there are still many issues subject to debate.

From the Paper
"The assessment of diagnosing childhood onset schizophrenia is a very delicate matter and all areas of the child's life have to come into consideration. Because of the severity of schizophrenia and the elements it shares with other psychotic mood disorders, it is very important to perform thorough assessment prior to diagnosis. This assessment involves structured interviews, symptom scales, and diagnostic decision trees like those found in the DSM-IV-TR manual. The individuals that should be interviewed include the child, their parents, teachers, siblings and even their peers. A clear distinction is necessary to be determined so that proper action can be taken. The interview with parents and children must be thorough and include information on recent events, changes in mental state and functioning, developmental history and, as we have seen before family history. Information on family history is significant as the rate of schizophrenia is increased among first degree relatives (Gonthier, 2004)."

Tags:atypical, child, development

Abstract
The following discussion evaluates the issues related to early childhood education in today's society. The writer points out that it is critical for children to obtain the skills and knowledge that are necessary to advance to higher levels. Further, the writer notes that these early years are the most critical development years, and therefore, education must be concentrated in providing support and goals for achievement.

From the Paper
"The education of very young children in modern society is critical to the development and maturity of these children into adolescence and adulthood. It is imperative that individual support of these objectives is sought and achieved on a regular basis as a means of discovery and in order to capture the attention of young minds when they are most likely to absorb knowledge. A wide variety of perspectives are available regarding this aspect of education, and it is necessary to identify and evaluate the specific issues related to leadership in both a gender and non-gender context. The following discussion will address these two perspectives in greater detail, providing an assessment of two articles that provide support for these issues."

Tags:early, childhood, education

Abstract
This paper discusses green building construction and points out that this design saves energy as well as money. The paper explains that green building construction is vital and is a determinative of project success. The paper also explains that the individual needs to take the initiative in addressing construction design and development and associated costs as well as funding, marketing and sales. In addition, the paper tells us that green building construction holds great financial promise for the future. A graph of taxes by state is included with the paper.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Significance of study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The work of Andrew Meyerson (2005) entitled: "The Dollars and Cents of Green Construction" states that green construction and design can not only save energy but also can result in monetary savings in the areas of: (1) Tax breaks and rebates; (2) Lower construction costs; (3) Reduction or elimination of the need for heating and air-conditioning equipment and the associated costs of purchase, maintenance and electricity; (4) Reduction in energy and water bills by as much as fifty-percent; (5) Increase in labor productivity, retail customer sales and apartment rental prices; and (6) Protection of operating budgets from increases in energy prices. (Meyerson, 2005, p. 2) Meyerson relates that practically all states offer incentives in the form of reduction of taxes for construction that is friendly to the environment. (2005, p. 4) Additionally in green construction projects where a pre-existing structure is on the construction site, cost savings may be realized through reuse of as much of the existing structure as possible. Additionally, is it necessary to be aware of the attitudes that serve as drivers of the choice of clients to use the firm and added to this is the fact "that commercial 'green buildings' outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price and rental rates, another very practical and often times overlooked data for improving the cash flow of the client is the "energy efficient commercial building tax deductions.""

Tags:green, building, construction, funding, marketing, save, money, energy