Hardly a week goes by in the United States (and to varying degrees, in the rest of the world) that the word "terrorism" does not appear in the collective consciousness, as represented, channeled, and shaped by the mass media in its many print, broadcast, and internet manifestations. While relatively few children worldwide (and even fewer…

Previous research suggests that social--cognitive factors mediate the association between social--environmental risk and aggression in high-risk samples, but less is known about the relation among these factors in suburban youth. The present study examined whether such an association occurred for suburban youth exposed to low levels of social…

There is increased awareness that exposure to violence in the community can influence students' aggressive behavior at school; however, less is known about the mechanisms that mediate this process. Having an enhanced understanding of how community violence exposure relates to students' aggressive behavior at school may inform the use of preventive…

States that without spiritual depth to an intervention program for violently traumatized children, there is very little hope of their recovery. Describes the three dark secrets that traumatized children have learned and the three voices that can guide them in finding meaning in their lives once again. One of these voices is the spiritual voice of…

Reflects on the moral world of children who have committed acts of lethal violence. Young killers do not see any positive alternatives at the moment of violence. When they kill, they are seeking justice--as they see it. Emphasizes the importance of adults stimulating the development of empathy and spirituality. (SLD)

Discusses the developmental challenges faced by children in wartime and similar circumstances. Reviews studies made in several scenes of conflict from World War II to the present. Adults' political ideologies can be sustaining and supportive but may prolong communal violence and curtail moral development. (DM)

The author shares five basic conclusions about why boys turn to violence, and provides suggestions parents and professionals can use in their efforts to save them and make schools and communities safer places for all youth. (Author)

Explores ways in which mothers in two Chicago neighborhoods share the possibility of danger with their children. Ten mothers in public housing and 10 in a nearby community were interviewed. Findings raise critical issues for those concerned with children's mental health and development. (SKC)

This analysis of psychological and cultural issues faced by professionals in child abuse dealing with children exposed to war zones stresses the importance of recognizing that the "war" is so powerfully loaded in subjective and ideological meanings for all adults that self-reflection and cultural criticism is a necessary condition of dealing…

This essay reviews the last two decades in the field of child abuse and neglect and notes progress in societal attitudes. It urges making the case against hitting children and suggests the use of scientific evidence, personal testimony, and demonstration of "a better way." Major issues of language and the setting of standards in caregiving are…

This activity book provides a direct, hands-on educational tool to help children ages 7-11 process their feelings, thoughts, and experiences as they relate to violence. The workbook is designed to: (1) foster a dialogue between child and adult as well as among children in group settings, while acknowledging the child's desire for privacy; (2) help…

Interviewed 150 Palestinian mothers and their children living amidst the Intifada uprising in what was then the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Found that the number of risks present in a child's life was significantly correlated with the number of behavioral problems the child exhibited. Under conditions of high accumulated risk, boys evidenced more…

Presents four conclusions about why boys turn violent and how parents and teachers can save them: violence prevention is everybody's business; education for parents and teachers is crucial; child abuse prevention is the cornerstone of preventing lethal youth violence; and detoxifying the social environment of children and youth is essential to…

This book examines the threat to childhood development posed by living amid chronic community violence and the link between a child's response to growing up in an atmosphere of violence and danger and the social context established for that child by community and caregivers. The 11 chapters in the book are as follows: (1) "The Meaning of…

Reviews research dealing with the intersection of the developmental psychology of trauma and spirituality. Examines the role of religion in spiritual development and asserts the need to study life paths of violent youth to see role of spirituality in preventing social problems. Uses research with street children and children in war zones. (BGC)