In the course of child development, a multitude of factors have severe ramifications on the child’s future. These factors are either categorized as risk or protective, based on the positive or negative benefits that are derived from each. Risk factors exist as potentially mal-adaptive behavior profile variables that influence or interfere with a child’s competency to thrive in their environment. Protective factors, on the other hand, create positive influences on development by negating effects of various risk factors. Both risk and protective factors exist in a variety of forms. Genetic, biological, psychological, familial, and social-cultural influences can be seen on each side. Not only do they exist in a variety of forms, but their abilities also depend on contextual situations such as age, gender, and environmental conditions. It is important to look at these factors when determining norms in developmental pathways or observing deviances, which could explain future behavioral problems. On a superficial level, the amalgamation of risk and protective factors could create predictable outcomes in the behavioral, emotional, and social stability of an individual. Adequate preventative measures to increase resilience in a child with many risk factors, could lead to sufficient buffering of these potentially harmful variables. From a psychologist’s perspective, it is vital to understand risk factors and protective factors to better understand and aid patients who may show preemptive signs of future developmental problems. Risk Factors Risk factors act as precursors for detrimental behavioral, social, and emotional activity. Inherited genetic disorders have long historically had strong correlations with this type of maladaptive behav... ... middle of paper ... ...holly seen as beneficial to many children and adolescents. Comprehensive strategies such as targeting laws and common sentiment favoring drug use hold significant promise for preventing future abuse and its attendant costs. It is important to realize the preventative and pre-emptive role of protective factors, and the impact they have on lessening the impact of risk factors that might lead to maladjusted behavior. Conclusion An important point to make also is that designating two distinct constructs(risk and protective) to distinguish extreme levels of a single variable bearing a linear relationshop to drug abuse or any problem does little. If protective favrors are viewed as sources of differences in respeince to a given amount of exposure to risk, the construct stimulates attention to nonlinear and interavtive realtionshops among risk and protective factors.
Some factors that are explored in studies involves the genetics in a person, how parents treat their children, influences peers have and the situations that a person may experience throughout their childhood and adult life. There is a possible connection between the feelings of anxiety, aggression and fear with a genetic makeup in a person’s body (Huff, 2004). Research has even shown that if an individual was abuse, whether physical or verbally they are at risk for developing a personality disorder as well (Huff, 2004). Another interesting study conducted by Robert Krueger, PhD, exploring the influences that can contribute to the development of a personality disorder, looks at studying personality traits within identical twins who did not grow up together. In the study, it appeared that genetics contributed more to a person personality trait then the environment they were in. Krueger opinion was that “The predominant reason normal and abnormal personality are linked to each other is because they are linked to the same underlying genetic mechanisms” (Huff,
As children, our characteristics are rapidly evolving. The unique combination of our innate chemistry and our experiences determine the trajectory of our lives. How we view the world, other people, ourselves and life in general is becoming an embedded pattern that affects all of our future interactions. Some of us emerge from childhood with a relatively stable set of characteristics and coping strategies which helps us lead a satisfying life. Yet, some of us emerge with traits that create huge obstacles in our relationships with others and in how we resolve the difficulties that are presented to us throughout life. If enough of our traits are maladaptive, it is very likely that we have developed what is considered to be a personality disorder.
Having understood that genetics do play a part in the actions of an individual, solving the question of how much of it is in part of the biological makeup. There is clear evidence from studies that about 50% of the deviation of antisocial behavior is derived from genetics. The question has now been changed to “Which genes predispose to which kinds of antisocial behavior?” (Raine, 2008)
Chapter one provided a brief overview on child development, which included debated topics, theories and the various stages of development. The chapter was an introduction to readers that outlined the basic notions of child development and how they can be implemented while working with children. The field of development includes factors such as nature, nurture, existing conditions for the child and the child’s own traits. In order to understand and effectively work with children, the chapter emphasizes the importance of each factor and how they relate. Child development has been divided into three categories: physical development, cognitive development and social-emotional development. Although different, these domains are interconnected and
A complex and relatively new field of study, behavioral genetics is particularly interesting because is sheds light on the inner workings of a favorite subject: ourselves. Human behavioral genetics is broadly defined as the examination and characterization of genes as a basis for human behavior. The link between genetics and behavior was first recognized by Sir Francis Galton, a 19th century scientist and cousin of the very famous Charles Darwin, who studied the heritability of mental abilities of close relatives and family members (Stigler, 2010). Since then, genetics has been linked to many more behavioral phenotypes from eating and mating activities to substance abuse, social attitudes, violence and mental abilities. Geneticists are able to study this by analyzing parallels in physical and behavioral characteristics of families and populations (Rothstein, 2005). However, as with many other new scientific fields, the study of behavioral genetics and its implications has been the subject of increasing scrutiny and co...
In the final analysis, kids today are turning away from the street drugs and abusing the “prescribed” drugs that are that are at their very own home, thus causing numerous amounts deaths and harmed bodies of young teenagers, not only did teenagers abuse medication. Adults do to, as we have seen in steroids or sleeping pills, this is an issue that people need to be aware of and, the parents of children need to a stronger control on what medicine is at home.
Drugs cause an overall disturbance in a subjects’ physiological, psychological and emotional health. “At the individual level, drug abuse creates health hazards for the user, affecting the educational and general development of youths in particular” (“Fresh Challenge”). In youth specifically, drug abuse can be triggered by factors such as: a parent’s abusive behavior, poor social skills, family history of alcoholism or substance abuse, the divorce of parents or guardians, poverty, the death of a loved one, or even because they are being bullied at school (“Drugs, brains, and behavior”) .
There are many types of developmental trauma that children experience. Though not the most popular form, early loss of a parent or caregiver can be of major concern. Emotional trauma is the result from this and can be devastating to the child as well as leave long-lasting effects. . Externally, we see the behaviors that stem from something more serious biologically. The child, during critical brain develop, can remain in a state of fight, flight, or freeze for extended periods of time, altering the brain development The consequences of this type of trauma are high in number. Children can internalize blame or develop depression or anxiety. Maladaptation later in life is also prevalent. Fortunately, the plasticity of the brain allows for intervention
The drug control policy of the United States has always been a subject of debate. From Prohibition in the early 1930’s to the current debate over the legalization of marijuana, drugs have always been near the top of the government’s agenda. Drug use affects every part of our society. It strains our economy, our healthcare, our criminal justice systems, and it endangers the futures of young people. In order to support a public health approach to drug control, the Obama administration has committed over $10 billion to drug education programs and support for expanding access to drug treatment for addicts (Office). The United States should commit more government resources to protect against illegal use of drugs by youths and provide help for recovering addicts.
...substance abuse must continue, and it is imperative that more teens are educated about different substances and their effects on physical, mental appearances. More educational classes are now needed because of the risk of losing an entire generation to the streets and world of drugs and alcohol. The slow but sure takeover of drugs and alcohol is a problem than can be obtained if proper precautions are put into place. If we, as America’s team, act now to stop to the spread of meth, alcohol, and other fast increasing substances, there will be hope for America’s future.
To start examining these long-term affects, this article suggests that a committee be brought together with professionals of many different areas who work with the child and have observed their growth. Research should span across the child’s physical, mental, and behavioral health areas. Having professionals from many different disciplines allows for a wider expanse of knowledge of the development of a particular child. That child’s Pediatrician will be able to give information on the child’s physical health. The school-teacher would be able to provide information on the child’s social development. A psychologist would be able to provide information on the mental status of an abused child...
...ssures to be the best they can be academically. With all these pressures of adolescence on the rise, more and more teens are falling prey to the alluring “high” that allows a temporary leave from their problems and stress. Because teens lack the maturity and knowledge to understand long term consequences, they tend not to think about the down falls that they will face as a result of the drug use. This is especially true when it come to marijuana, as it is seen by so many as the harmless drug. With the increased use of marijuana by youth over the last three decades, it is imperative that better preventative measures, and firmer penalties, be put in place to educate and raise awareness concerning the risks and dangerous side effects that marijuana use can have. Only once society has put these preventative measures in to action, will there be an effective change seen.
In the developing stages of a child, psychological factors play a huge role in th...
Before being capable of fighting the use of drugs and alchol, one must come to an understanding of why some people use drugs. The decision to ultimately use drugs is influenced mainly in childhood. Whether in a poor ?ghetto? neighborhood, or in a middle-class suburb, all children are vulnerable to the abuse of drugs. Most high-risk children are effected by personal and family circumstances (Falco 51). If a child?s parents are substance abusers, then it is a fairly safe prediction that the child will abuse drugs later in life. Also, early-life experiments with drugs greatly increases the chance of abuse later in life. Academic problems, and rebellious, anti-social behavior in elementary school are also linked to drug problems, in addition to truancy, delinquency, and ear...
After multiple days of research, I have concluded that the environment in which a child is normally in, can play a major role in every aspect of his life. Everything aspect from home life, school life, and child care can affect the child’s cognitive, learning, language, emotional, social, and physical development. I believe that the environment in which a child is placed should not be looked over lightly, but a child should be placed in safe environments where he/she will receive proper learning, play, and nutritional