Abstract
This paper considers the role childhood attachment plays in adult romantic love. Current studies on the influence of childhood attachment styles on adult attachment are reviewed and both contextual and cultural issues are discussed. It shows how findings suggest that there is a continuity of attachment style from infancy to adulthood, although adult attachment styles can be influenced by a number of factors.

From the Paper
"A work that "revolutionized the study of adult romantic love" (Ridge and Feeney 1998 p848) was Hazan and Shavers (1987) study. This research was based on Bowlby's work and set out to examine the possibility that affectional bonds between adults are formed much the same way as those that bond human infants and their parents. They explore the notion that three major attachment styles in adults are based on Ainsworths mental models of self and social life mentioned above which are determined in infancy in part by relationships with parents. Therefore, they say a person's attachment style is set in childhood and that adult loving relationships vary according to the attachment histories of those involved. (Hazan & Shaver, p511)."

Tags:ainsworth, bowlby, romantic, love

Abstract
The notion of family has undergone radical change within the last century and with that idea of what constitutes a "normal" childhood. This paper examines how it has become increasingly difficult to identify the typical childhood experience within the family life cycle. It looks at how functional and dysfunctional patterns of child development need to be examined within their systemic context and the family's cultural background to deem what constitutes a "normal" developmental trajectory across time.

Outline
The Child Within a Developmental Context
Systemic View of Child Development
Assessment
Interventions
Efficacy and Effectiveness of Systemic Therapy

From the Paper
"The type and level of dysfunction a child experiences and impacts a family system is dependent upon what developmental stage they are currently in. For example, the impact that an alcoholic mother has on her infant may create a different set of developmental challenges (e.g. ) as compared to a pubescent child (e.g.). In order to understand the impact of the family on the child, the child first needs to be understood in terms of what personal dilemmas the child need to overcome in each developmental phase in order to achieve normative developmental milestones."

Tags:cycle, erikson, life, psychosocial, childhood

Abstract
This paper explains how cognitive ability and understanding emerges in young children and develops in adolescents, allowing them to think and explore the world around them. The author includes information from various studies that have been carried out on this subject.

Outline:
Emergence of Abstract Thought
Potential and Development of Critical Thinking
Working Memory
How Creative Thinking and Critical Thinking Work Together

From the Paper
"Cognitive ability and understanding begin in infancy and continues throughout a person's lifetime. Young children, adolescents and adults have different methods of thinking and exploring their world around them. One interesting aspect of cognition is the emergence of abstract thought during adolescence.
"According to Web Definitions, abstract thought is the ability to 'consider a concept without thinking of a specific example' or 'consider apart from a particular case or instance.' Encarta Dictionary defines abstract to be 'not relating to concrete objects but expressing something that can only be appreciated intellectually.' It is interesting to note that even the definitions are abstract!"

Tags:concept, formative, development

Abstract
The paper explores the issue of peer pressure in today's society and how it can have both a negative and positive effect on peers. The paper looks at studies that explore the link between peer pressure and body image, product consumption, drinking alcohol and smoking.

Outline:
Introduction
How Peer Pressure Transpires
When and Why Does Negative Conformity and Peer Pressure Occur?
The Positive Role of Peer Pressure in Conforming

From the Paper
"According to Burton, Weston & Kowalski (2009), conformity refers to the altering of "attitudes or behaviour to accommodate the standards of peers or groups". This behaviour is seen more in children & adolescents during the school years than in any other life stages. The fear of being excluded, and ultimately having to cope with educational and social pressure single-handedly, instils a more negative approach to choices concerning right and wrong.
"Peer pressure is an influential attitude or perception, which is best described by Manohar (2009); "...it is the pressure exerted by a peer group in encouraging someone to change their attitudes, behaviour, or morals, to fit in a group."
"Peer pressure and conformity can work in a harmonious relationship, provided that both are applied using a positive approach. In contrast, they can also share a discordant affiliation if both conformity and peer-pressure are used inappropriately. For example, a group pressuring a child to steal some money involves both negative peer pressure and consequently ends with a negative conformity."

Tags:body, image, consumption, alcohol, smoking, substance, abuse, self-esteem

Abstract
This paper looks at two views of the origins of homosexuality - the environmental stance of one's upbringing and the biological viewpoint of an anatomical or genetic linkage. Throughout this paper the writer explores the realm of environmental and biological constructions of male homosexuality, their theorised components and the issues involving treatment.

From the Paper
"The origin of an individual's sexual orientation embodies a complex political issue both biologically and environmentally. Homosexuality is a controversial topic which lacks a proven scientific foundation due to ambiguous causal inferences and methodological issues (LeVay, 1991; Hamer, 1993). Dr Rudegeair, an American Psychologist, claims that this notorious sexual variation is a product of poor parenting and effeminate behaviour throughout childhood (Burke, 2003). Fuelled by religious dogma this claim is supported by Sydney's Archbishop, Pell who claims that it is treatable (Burke, 2003). Contrary to this environmental stance is the biological viewpoint of an anatomical or genetic linkage."

Tags:biological, determined, gay, origin, social, genetic

Abstract
This paper discusses how extreme aggressive behavior in children is an issue which can be both fearsome and exhausting for teachers and family members. It looks at how there are several approaches to behavior management which can be helpful in improving children's behavior and general mood and focuses on two of these methods -William Glasser's choice theory and the cognitive approach of Jean Piaget. The paper contends that both theories can be very successful with calming student's short term, reducing temper tantrums and outbursts and improving their behavior and changing their attitude in the long term.

From the Paper
"Anger is a primary emotion all humans experience. Anger can be a reaction to fear, hurt frustration, disappointment, and jealousy. Anger is not something which needs to be eliminated, but something that we as humans must learn to cope and manage with in acceptable ways. Anger can be associated with low self-esteem, fear of failure, or feelings of isolation. Violent children don't typically recognise how they make others suffer and do not have empathy for those they hurt. Children usually develop empathy in infancy, however if they have been traumatised they will shut off all feelings, including concern for others. Aggressive children often have distorted thinking processes. They may believe that it is them against the world and that being aggressive to others will make them powerful and in control. "

Tags:violence, anger, management, therapy

Abstract
This study utilized Rapee's (2001) model for the development of anxiety, in order to test whether there are factors, which protect children against anxiety. The study specifically suggests that anxious children should have a withdrawn and negative reactivity temperament, having experienced more negative life events than non anxious children and in response to these events, implementing an avoidant coping style. The study was conducted on 143 mother and child pairs. The study uses self-report questionnaires for both the mother and the child and the participants were instructed to complete these anonymously. The data obtained suggests that temperament is not a salient construct in regard to anxiety, with there being no significant differences in temperamental behaviour between high and low anxious children. The study also found that there was evidence of both negative life events and an avoidant coping style in highly anxious children.

From the Paper
"Anxiety is suggested to be the most common form of psychopathology in children, affecting around 10% of the population and is often severe enough to "interfere in daily functioning" (Spence, 1998 p 545; Rapee, 2002). Due to the debilitating effects of anxiety, it is important to identify the factors, which may increase a person's vulnerability to developing an anxiety disorder."

Tags:events, life, negative, temperament, parent, school

Abstract
Through an analysis of the literature, this paper examines the key components of ADHD, including prevalence and diagnosis. Its causes,including biological and socio-environmental factors (i.e. diet, maternal smoking and difficult family environments) are discussed, as are a number of common treatments including stimulant drugs, counselling, behavioural methods and alternative therapies. Detailed results from the "Multi-Model Treatment Study" for children with ADHD are also presented. Further study into the area of cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended.

From the Paper
"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the DSM-IV as a "persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, p78). Experts estimate that between three to five percent of school-age children have ADHD, with an average of two to three times as many boys than girls being affected. ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder and is usually diagnosed during the early school years. In most cases symptoms ease during late adolescents and adulthood, although a minority experience major symptoms of the disorder into mid-adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2000)."

Tags:behaviour, classroom, methylphenidate, modification, ritalin

Abstract
The romantic relationships we engage in may well be a product of early experiences with primary caregivers according to modern attachment theorists (Hazan & Shaver, 1987 and Fraley & Shaver, 1998). Based upon an ethological viewpoint, attachment theory promotes survival and safety of the species. This biological need for safety and protection motivates the infant to attach itself to the primary caregiver through attention seeking behavior. Over time these behavior forms a true emotional bond between the caregiver and the infant which is believed to influence further relationships along the lifespan into adulthood (Berk, 2000). The laboratory based assumption that adult attachment styles evolve from childhood experiences is challenged within this paper and methodological limitations visited within contemporary studies. Difficulties within naturalistic observation is also addressed and cross-cultural validity examined.

From the Paper
"Attachment theory began in 1969 with a student of the psychoanalytic discipline, John Bowlby (Berk, 2000). He hypothesized that emotional development stemmed from early childhood bonds formed between the primary caregiver and the infant. From an evolutionary perspective attachment is a human survival mechanism; innately built into infants? genotype to provide protection and safety. Subsequent to birth infants perform behaviours that initiate the first stage of attachment (eg. crying, smiling or making eye contact), these behaviours are innate biological mechanisms that aim to keep the primary caregiver in close proximity. Reinforcement is then given by the caregiver in response to these behaviours initiating the most important reinforcement schedule of the child's life (Lyddon & Sherry, 2001)."

Tags:adulthood, lover

Abstract
This paper contrasts the two fundamental theories of Jean Piaget and his student Lawrence Kohlberg regarding the development of a child's mind. The paper explains that Jean Piaget's theory relates an age factor and the child's learning and comprehension abilities; whereas, Lawrence Kohlberg's theory deals with the value building and image forming processes of a child in various stages while a child is growing into an adult. The author presents both theories in detail.

From the Paper
"The first level of Kohlberg's theory is referred to as "Pre-Conventional Morality" (Developmental Theories) with two stages. One stage is called "Obedience and Punishment" and Stage Two is titled as "Individualism, Instrumentalism and Exchange" or "Naive Hedonism" (Developmental Theories). The authoritative figures in this level pose either threat or reward for the young learners thereby compelling them to conform to more "socially acceptable" behaviors. However, the second stage of Level One engenders a moral behavior that is not so ethical nature but rather introvert, inducing actions wherein a child performs keeping mind his needs and desires rather than what is morally accurate or inaccurate."

Tags:stage, age, fundamental, learning, process