CYC 702 Chapter Notes - Chapter Articles: Arson, Conduct Disorder, Conflict Theories
11 Dec 2016
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Ecological Perspectives Week 11 Readings
Childhood Violence
The Dark Side of Girlhood: Recent Trends, Risk Factors and Trajectories to
Aggression and Violence
- Increase in rate of violent crime perpetrated by girls, peaks at 14-15, violent acts of less
seriousness (assault) however rates are getting higher for aggressive and violent acts
- High rates of relational and social aggression, victimization through social aggression is
related to depression, loneliness and low self esteem making this a big problem, can also
lead to physical aggression
- Risk factors include maltreatment and trauma, family fragmentation and insecure
attachment, peer relationships and early sexual maturation, genetic contributions
- Protective factors include positive social relationships with peers and partners, however
not much research has been done on protective factors
- Comorbidity rates for girls with conduct disorder are high, occurring along with ADHD,
depression, PTSD and substance use disorders
An Ecological Perspective on the Effects of Violence on Children
- It is the accumulation of risks that makes the difference; children most at risk for negative
consequences associated with community violence are those who already live in the
context of accumulated risk (ex. Socially marginal, fractured families, substance abuse
within parents)
- About 20% of American children live with major accumulation of risk and in situations
characterized by community violence; resilience is diminished, making it hard for kids to
bounce back
- One of the most important features of child development is the child’s capacity to form
social maps, or representations of the world; community violence stunts the growth of
these and changes their worldview
- A child’s physical immaturity creates vulnerability and places them at risk for injury from
trauma, and children tend to believe in the reality of threats from fantasy worlds (ex.
Monsters under the bed) which increases their vulnerability to perceiving themselves as
in danger
- Security means a child feels safe and therefore they can relax
- Community violence compared to a war camp; violence is the norm, gun possession is
high, women and mothers are in desperate situations that come with depression and
anxiety
- Adults within the home and community are crucial resources for children, and once they
begin to deteriorate, children suffer; children depend upon adults as teachers
- Programs such as those which alter the legitimization of aggression (start early),
responding to trauma in early childhood, mobilizing pro-social adult and youth members
of the community to take charge, recognizing the importance of moral rehabilitations, and
focusing in issues of trust
Youth and the Law, Chapter 2
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