Developmental Psychology

Achieve Test Prep: Developmental Psychology

a. There are an estimated one million cases of child maltreatment yearly in the USA b. Maltreatment includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as physical and emotional neglect c. In the USA, child maltreatment rates are higher than other countries for a variety of reasons: i. Families of lower SES are shunned and not afforded as many opportunities as families of higher SES. ii. There is less social support for parents and a lack of emphasis on what is best for a child. Also, due to lack of close family ties (when compared to many other countries), there is less family support. iii. Lack of parental education, as to what to expect from children and how to teach them. d. Inflexibility in routine can lead to abuse and neglect e. Fewer than ten percent of parents show pathology Consequences of Maltreatment: Learning difficulties, poor self-esteem, continuing the cycle, and emotional control, to name a few. Prevention is the most important goal to lower cases of maltreatment. Prevention mechanisms can include: parental education, better jobs, and societal change to support parents. 2. Daycare: a. It was previously thought that daycare did not influence development. b. Now, it has been shown that children who attend a quality preschool are higher academic achievers and have a decreased likelihood of repeating grades. c. Preschoolers have been shown to improve social skills, but were shown to be more aggressive and less polite. 3. Divorce: a. The USA has the highest divorce rate in the world. b. Divorce always has negative effects on the children due to the disruption and turmoil it causes. c. Children often show signs of emotional pain and stress for the first few years after the divorce.

Page 69 of 161

©2015

www.achievetestprep.com