BEHS 343 QUIZ 3

1. Psychological abuse is the most difficult form of child abuse to detect. True or False?
   (2 points).
   True
2. Stressors experienced by a pregnant mother can be passed on to a new born child. True or
   False? Explain your response (2 points).
   True. Prenatal stress can affect the development of an infant. Studies suggest that
   environmental stressors can greatly affect the health of an unborn child. Animal studies
   suggest that stress can greatly affect the long-term health of an offspring (Coussons-Read,
   2013).
   3 Would you be in support of having a universal definition of what constitutes child abuse?
   Explain your response in no less than 150 words, and provide at least 1 scholarly reference
   (4 points).
   I would support a universal definition of what constitutes child abuse. Child abuse is broad,
   and there lacks clarity on the definition of child abuse. Different child welfare organizations
   have different definitions of child abuse. At the federal level, Child Support is defined by the
   Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (U.S. Department of Health and
   Human Services., 2020). CAPTA defines child abuse as any harm that is perpetrated by a
   child or a caregiver and results in serious physical or emotional harm. CAPTA also states
   that sexual abuse constitutes child abuse. On the other hand, state civil laws have different
   definitions of child abuse (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services., 2020). There is
   a difference in how different states define child abuse. All states include sexual abuse in the

definition of child abuse. Some states, however, use general terms while some use specific
terms. A universal definition would help in eliminating all ambiguities (U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services., 2020). A clear definition would help ensure that violators are
jailed, and all loopholes in the law are sealed. The welfare of children can be improved
through a universal definition.
4 If you were asked to conduct research on any child development related issue, what would it
be and why? Explain in no less than 200 words and include a scholarly reference (5 points).
I would choose mental health issues. There are many children that suffer from various
mental health issues. About a quarter of the population of children suffer from various
mental health issues (Pescosolido et al., 2008). The issues include anxiety disorders and
depression. However, society has created a lot of stigma around mental health issues. Parents
whose children have mental health issues chose to hide them in fear of being judged by
society. In addition, I feel that children with mental health issues are not given a fair chance
of succeeding. There is a reluctance to find solutions to mental health issues that children
face (Pescosolido et al., 2008). I would like to contribute to the body of research on how to
overcome the stigma and the solutions to the mental health issues affecting children. I would
like to see a society that addresses the challenges of children with mental health issues
without fear. I feel that solving the challenges is one way of ensuring that all children get a
fair chance of succeeding in future. I am attracted to the plight of children with mental
health issues. These children are prone to child abuse and neglect. I feel that I can be change
I want to see in society by conducting research and coming up with solutions that can be
implemented both at the state level and individual level.

5 16 year old Isabel used to be a very social and happy child. Over the past month, she has
been withdrawn and has expressed a lack of interest in going to school. She is suddenly
overly anxious, terrified of the darkness and does not want to be touched or hugged by
anyone. She spends most of her time in her room by herself whenever she is home.
Assuming you were her parent, what appropriate steps would you take in trying to help your
daughter? (3 points).
The first step I would take is to talk to Isabel. I would want to get the problems confronting
Isabel. While Isabel may not be willing to speak, I would take her to a therapist in an attempt to
address the case of suspected bullying or sexual harassment. The next step would investigate
based on Isabel’s feedback. I would want to ensure that the case is investigated fully, and the
perpetrators of bullying or any form of harassment are brought to book. I would take time and
ensure that I talk to the school’s administration on how we can help Isabel. I would ensure that I
transfer Isabel from her current school and take her to a school that I believe addresses her
needs and interests. I would not shy away from taking drastic measures, including suing the
school for a hostile environment if I believe that they have neglected their core duty of
protecting learners. I would also ensure that the relevant authorities are alerted to the case.
6 Out of the 4 types of parenting styles we have discussed during this course, which form of
parenting style is more likely to result in child abuse? Explain your response (4 points).
Authoritarian parenting style is more likely to result in child abuse. The parenting style is
characterized by high parental expectations. Parents who embrace this parenting style expect a
lot from their children. The parents also do not provide constructive feedback and are generally
quarrelsome. When children make mistakes, they are punished severely. Parents often give

children negative feedback instead of correcting them in a nurturing way. Yelling and corporal
punishment is a key characteristic of authoritarian parents. Parents have to be warm and
nurturing when bringing up their children. However, this parental style is the direct opposite.
Unrealistic expectations may result in a parent punishing their children harshly. Corporal
punishment may be abused by parents, and this means that it may result in child abuse. There is
no bond between parents and children, and this means that children may be traumatized and
emotionally neglected. The parenting style is not accommodating with little tolerance for
misbehavior. Children are thus not free to make decisions, and parents do not care about the
feelings of their children. Children who have authoritarian parents are thus prone to abuse.

References

Coussons-Read, M. E. (2013). Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development:
mechanisms and pathways. Obstetric medicine, 6(2), 52-57.
Pescosolido, B. A., Jensen, P. S., Martin, J. K., Perry, B. L., Olafsdottir, S., & Fettes, D. (2008).
Public knowledge and assessment of child mental health problems: Findings from the
National Stigma Study-Children. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry, 47(3), 339-349.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Definitions of child abuse and neglect.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/define/