Adversity Risk Factors

There are different things that can affect a child’s development in their background these are just a few of them: -

Children and young people often experience many things which have a direct impact on their development; things such as their family environment and structure, personality, hospital visits, childcare arrangements, and culture.

On top of the expected pattern of children and young people’s development including “physical, communication & intellectual & social, emotional & behavioural development there are also “personal and external” factors which will affect how they develop.

Case Study Analysis Laura Bazhdari Fordham University Introduction To fully grasp Manuel’s life story, one would have to understand that he does not live in isolated, empty space or a vacuum. Juan Manuel Rodriquez Darte was strongly influenced by his environment, family and culture. As seen throughout the case, it can be argued that growing up as a Dominican in an American world was extremely challenging for both himself as well as his family. Manuel grappled with many hardships. In order to fully comprehend Manuel’s life, it is imperative to look at the interactions among the micro, mezzo and macro systems in his life.

Protective factors moderate the impact of risk factors. As the number of protective factors increases above the amount of risk factors the negative impact of the risk factors reduces. The post it note activity was an example of this equation because it demonstrated that an increase in protective factors resulted in greater resilience. The post it note activity also demonstrated that even though people may have risk factors, the negative impact of those risk factors are not guaranteed to have a negative impact on development. The activity demonstrated the ability of protective factors to serve as moderators to risk factors. Some examples of risk factors are racism, poverty, abuse, trauma, neglect, illness, drug abuse, disability, prematurity,

According to all eight interviews, it was clear all participants had experiences in childhood where their environment was “unsafe”. In this theme, participants had unstable family dynamics and boundary violations. Unstable family relations effects a person negatively such as separation, divorce, and isolation. Other elements of family disturbance can cause damage too like, physical abuse, sexual abuse, witnessing abuse, and verbal abuse. A child who has their boundaries violated can cause mistrust, especially if it is family. “Boundaries are defined as invisible limits surrounding an individual; they protect the integrity of a person and when these boundaries are violated, the sense of protection and comfort is lost” (Ntshingila 2016). Once

This has been commonality in children living in poverty, violence, and conditions where families struggle with having enough resources. Thompson believes because of plasticity and other brain and biological developments, the effects can be reversed. Thompson believes a familial and relational intervention can help underprivileged children reduce stress therefore reversing the potential effects of stress. Thompson suggests a “multigenerational” approach will give at-risk children the coping skills and the ability to handle on-going stressful conditions. This multi-generational approach would begin with the child’s immediate family and venture into extended family and caregivers. Many behavioral issues in children are precisely due to familial issues within the household and environmental issues. The article recognizes the nurturing of child can aid in reversing and reducing stress

A protective factor is associated with a higher likelihood of positive outcomes or factors (WHO, 2004). These include factors such as positive physical development, good education, training or work experience, prosocial friend group, a non-offending lifestyle and high self worth. In contrast a risk factor is associated with a lower likelihood of positive outcomes (WHO, 2004). These include factors such as poor concentration, low self-esteem, anxiety, emotional problems in childhood, parent to child conflict, negative family environment and stressful events. To identify both these factors a risk assessment can be done, this measures the risk of re-offending, distinguises offending patterns, measures the risk to staff, community and self, and

Children are at an increased risk of unintentional injuries due to their rapid increase in size from infancy, strength and their desire to be adventurous. According to Hoffnung et al. (2013) as a society develops, there is a push for children to obtain a greater sense of independence and intelligence (Hoffnung et al., 2013). The push for independence among young children increases the risk of unintentional injuries and in severe cases can lead to death. Peden et al. (2008) state that "injury prevention plays a key role in promoting children's safety" (p.204). Children who are affected by unintentional injuries that do not result in death are then later affected in other areas such as the cognitive development and social-emotional development.

Risk and protective factors have cumulative effects; that is, the risk of poor life outcomes increases sharply as the number of risk factors increases and it varies according to a function based on the interactive relationship between one’s risk and protective factors (Rutter, 1985). For example, a child who was raised in a family living in an area associated with low socio-economic status will not necessarily develop a mental health disorder. However, if there are other risk factors involved, such as the father being involved in criminal behaviour, the mother suffering from a mental health disorder, or the child being neglected, when combined with a lack of protective factors, these additional factors increase the child’s likelihood of developing

Oliver, Kretschmer and Maughan (2014), purposeful study identifies patterns of early childhood risk exposure and examines their relationship to diverse outcomes in middle childhood. The researchers used three different analyses in this study: logistic regression analyses, latent class analysis method, and multinomial logistic regression analyses, and to spot patterns of initial risk exposure by looking at their connection with numerous outcomes in middle childhood. The researchers point to the importance of understanding the typical childhood risk exposures that might facilitate focus on finding the right resources to help children in need. The sample used in their research was from Avon Longitudinal of Study Parents and Children (ALSPAC),

Risks are the number of negative life events or experiences in a person’s lifetime, which is a means of recognizing clients as high or low risk. Risk is a factor that influences or increases the probability of the onset of stress or negative results following adverse events. In this case study, the client grew up with socioeconomic disadvantages. That affected the time that they were able to devote to Manny when they first moved to this country. They were living in an overcrowded apartment and were making minimum wage. This situation did not allow for treats, relaxing family time, or going out together for leisurely or fun activities. Within the family, he did not have close relationships. He did not have a positive family climate, or an organized

Just imagine you’re on your way to school or work and you happen to be in a serious car accident. Now, imagine you lost your pencil. These are both two very different problems that could occur to anyone anyday. They are both examples of adversity at its finest. In these situations ask yourself, will you be a carrot, egg or coffee bean?

Toxic stress plays a damaging role for children. If there is no one to alleviate this stress, it can be damaging to the children. Ziba Kashef describes that sympathetic nervous system triggers a fight-or-flight response when children are in stress. This toxic stress requires caregivers to relieve it. If it is not relieved, areas of the brain, such as those that involve learning, decision-making can not be completely developed, while stress responses can be too active and too developed. Areas of the brain that involve emotion may be underdeveloped. Adverse childhood experiences causes toxic stress. Furthermore, Kashef describes that children that experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences are more likely to have depression, commit suicide, or become an alcoholic. Kashef explains that factors such as gang activity and violence cause children to feel unsafe. The children remember these experiences, which causes influence them when they grow older. A way to prevent childhood adversity from happening, especially in orphanages, is by establishing nurturing relationships between children. If

When children are in unstable environments, they begin to miss opportunities, such as potential jobs or educational chances. This will delay a child developmentally, and often lead the children to dropping out of school and becoming involved with the negative aspects of life. Children may be exposed to or become enmeshed with violent and