Human Behavior and the Environment

HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE ENVIRONMENT 3

HumanBehavior and the Environment

Accordingto Erik Erikson, role confusion occurs when a teenager who isundergoing psychosocial changes is denied the opportunity by theparents or guardians to experiment with his or her desired roles andmake life decisions (Slee,2012). In the case of Laura, it is clear that there is roleconfusion. Whereas her entire family is religious, Laura wants tolead a different lifestyle. However, her parents do not approve ofher life decisions and this makes her to make the wrong decisionssuch as selecting bad friends. She engages in reckless sexualactivity, abuses alcohol and she is often involved in conflicts withthe police. Her parents are forcing her into doing what she does notwant to do. It is clear from the case that she indeed contemplatesdoing what her parents want such as going back to high school andgetting a good job.

Itis clear that Laura’s friends are having a huge effect on herdecisions about what she wants to do with her life. She has indulgedin various behaviors with her friends and she is finding it difficultto stop. It is evident that she fears being rejected by her friendsif she ends her friendship with them. Furthermore, she enjoyspartying, which is a behavior that her parents do not approve. She istorn between following her friends and obeying her parents and thisdemonstrates how her friends are influencing her decision.

Thereare numerous risks that Laura is and can indeed be exposed to as aresult of her life choices. Firstly, her decision to live a life ofpartying and alcohol abuse, as well as, reckless sexual behavior willexpose her to conflicts with the law enforcers. Secondly, consideringthat she might continue having sex with multiple partners, she islikely to be infected with a sexually transmitted disease such as HIVand Aids. She is also likely to fall out with her parents and lead amiserable life.

Reference

Slee,P. T. (2012).&nbspChild,adolescent, and family development.New York: Cambridge University Press.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE ENVIRONMENT 4

Child abuse and neglect affect different children in varied ways.While some children are severely affected emotionally andbehaviorally, others continue with overall development successfully.However, in most cases, abuse and neglect has substantial effects ona child’s development. The major effect is on emotionaldevelopment. Verbal and physical abuses, as well as neglect affectthe brain development. Documented research has indicated that thechildren are significantly affected by the early experiences thatthey have from family and caregivers (Wolfe, 2012). When childrenlack the relevant needs at this age, their brain development isaffected. Furthermore, physical abuse and neglect causes trauma tochildren. This may cause stress, depression, and trauma. Childrenchange their behavior and habits such as eating and playing. This mayaffect their physical growth and development as the body lacks theessential food components.

Thesis: Child abuse and neglect is illegal and it has tremendouseffects on a child’s development which could be avoided byinforming the relevant agencies and taking initiative.

There are various ways that a child who is being neglected or abusedcan be helped. Primarily, it is essential to refer such a child toany of the child protection agencies in the relevant country. It isalso prudent to ensure that the child is informed on how to stay awayfrom abuse at home. In instances where the child is physicallyinjured, it is appropriate to offer support and care needed fortreatment (Wolfe, 2012). Children help agencies have theresponsibility of protecting children from abuse and neglect.Informing such agencies would be prudent in order for them tointervene and rescue the child. The National Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is one of the agencies thatcan be contacted in case a child victim of abuse and neglect isfound. Furthermore, Child Welfare is another agency that can offersubstantial support.

While concluding, it is evident that child abuse and neglect canhave significant effects on the development of a child. This may beboth physical and emotional. When children victims of neglect andabuse are found, the numerous agencies against child abuse andneglect should be contacted.

References

Wolfe, D. A. (2012).&nbspChild Abuse: Implications for ChildDevelopment and Psychopathology. Thousand OAKS: SagePublications.

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