Human Growth and Development

Abuse and Neglect Potential challenges and some of the key concerns during childhood include:

Child Maltreatment (Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Neglect)

Incidence Approximately one million reported cases annually. For accurate and reliable information, sources such as the National Child Abuse Hotline or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be referenced.

Risk factors ●​ Parental mental health issues ●​ Substance abuse ●​ Domestic violence ●​ Lack of social support systems ●​ Limited parenting skills

Consequences ●​ Mental health issues ●​ Academic problems ●​ Behavioral issues ●​ Attachment issues ●​ Substance abuse ●​ Poor self-esteem

Spousal Violence Spousal or domestic abuse has become more prevalent in recent years. In the United States, at least 12% of spouses report engaging in physical aggression, such as pushing, grabbing, or shoving each other. ●​ Both men and women are capable of initiating violence. ●​ It has been said that 1 in 4 women will experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their life at some point, which may include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. B. Broader Contextual Influences Social and economic factors play a crucial role in shaping development, influencing socialization, education, career choices, and overall well-being. Social Factors Family structure, peer groups, cultural norms, and institutions like schools and religious organizations form the foundation of socialization. These factors influence: ●​ Communication styles: How children express thoughts and emotions. ●​ Values and beliefs: Cultural expectations shape behavior and decision-making. ●​ Emotional regulation: How children learn to handle emotions. ●​ Risk-taking behaviors: Exposure to supportive or high-risk environments affects decision-making. Example: A child raised in a close-knit family with open communication is more likely to develop strong social skills and emotional intelligence than a child raised in isolation with limited interaction.

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