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Social Isolation, Neglect And Child Development

Decent Essays

Social Isolation, Neglect and Child Development Social isolation is defined by Nicholson (2009) as a state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement and social contact with others and is unable to form quality relationships (as cited in Nicholson, 2012). Social isolation and neglect can have detrimental effects on a child’s overall physical, cognitive and emotional development. According to Kendall, Murray and Linden (2007), the initial love and nurturance we receive from our families is essential to our overall development. The social environment and social interactions with family, peers and those around us is necessary in the lives of all individuals, especially in the lives of children to aid in development in their earliest years (Kendall et al., 2007). This paper will use research, literature validation and real-life cases to discuss the importance of socialization and the overall issue of social isolation and its effects on child development. Furthermore, this paper will examine the effects of social isolation and neglect on a child’s physical development, cognitive development and emotional development individually. Finally,
The Importance of Socialization Socialization is defined as “the lifelong process of social interaction through which individuals acquire a self-identity and the physical, mental, and social skills needed for survival in society” (Kendall et al., 2007, p.99). As mentioned by Barkan (2011), socialization

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