The Effects of Poverty on Children

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When analyzing children growing up in poverty a lot of factors come into play such as their physical, psychological and emotional development. To grow up in poverty can have long term effect on a child. What should be emphasized in analyzing the effects of poverty on children is how it has caused many children around the world to suffer from physical disorders, malnutrition, and even diminishes their capacities to function in society. Poverty has played a major role in the functioning of families and the level of social and emotional competency that children are able to reach. Children in poverty stricken families are exposed to greater and emotional risks and stress level factors. They are even capable of understanding and dealing with their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. Some of the implications of poverty include educational setbacks, issues with social behaviors and hindrances in psychological and physical development. Poverty deprives children of the capabilities needed to survive, develop and prosper in society. Studies have shown that the income status of a household and even the neighborhoods in which they reside can affect the amount of readily available resources needed to sustain a healthy child. This essay will examine the psychological and physical effects of poverty on children. The psychological aspect will include a look at behavioral problems in children, depression, chronic stress, and conduct disorders such as ADHD. Poverty is known to decrease the amount of psychological and physical capabilities in children which can have long term adverse effects on their wellbeing. I) SES and Psychological Health in children In the developing stages of a child, psychological factors play a huge role in th... ... middle of paper ... ... that, in turn, could adversely affect the weight of very young children” (child Trends). Works cited Alaimo, K., Olson, C. M., Frongillo, E. A., & Briefel, R. R. (2001). Food insufficiency, family income, and health in U.S. preschool and school-aged children. American Journal of Public Health, 91(5), 781-786. Bronte-Tinkew, J., Zaslow, M., Capps, R., & Horowitz, A. (2007). Food insecurity and overweight among infants and toddlers: New insights into a troubling linkage. Washington, DC: Child Trends. Evans, G. W., & Schamberg, M. A. (2009). Childhood Poverty, Chronic Stress, And Adult Working Memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(16), 6545-6549. Kalff, A. C. (2001). Neighborhood level and individual level SES effects on child problem behaviour: a multilevel analysis. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 55(4), 246-250.

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