The medicolegal aspects of undernurturance: exploding generations of violent kids
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Authors
Farrell, Melinda H.
Issue Date
2002
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper documents the recent dramatic changes in the fabric of American society which, from colonial times to the twentieth century, was relatively uniform and characterized by stable families, low crime rates and unremarkable juvenile violence, all in stark contrast to the tattered shreds of our twenty-first century society. In particular, the deadly crimes nowadays are so pervasive and prevalent that they undermine the domestic tranquility of our nation and jeopardize the future of her well being.
Next, it analyzes the neurological consequences of damage to, or the twisted development of, a baby's limbic brain, the seat of impulse and emotion control, caused by stress, toxicity, physical trauma, or inadequate nurturing during the crucial interval from conception to the twenty-fourth month of postnatal life. The conclusion drawn, from the analysis is that such damage to the brain permanently alters the child's personality, laying the foundation for psychosis, psychopathy and other gross abnormalities of the emotional system. In conclusion, it recommends intervention from gestation to the second birthday in order to facilitate the normal development of the infant's brain thus enhancing maturation of an empathetic, compassionate and loving child unlikely to hurt others.