Section #1 The main argument of the lecture is maltreatment occurs at multiple, complex levels within interconnected systems. Essentially, there are different contributing factors that can lead to different results. To support this argument, Cicchetti discusses research that he and his partners have done. Cicchetti begins by discussing probabilistic epigenesis (Greenfield, 2010, 533): he says that if a child is maltreated, they are put on a path where they are increasingly likely - but not certain - to fail in the successful accomplishment of following the normal developmental path. But they key is that it’s not just abuse that sets them on this path, there are other risk factors. Namely, poverty. The two work together to create a problematic
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Obviously, people are affected by the environment. Where you live, who your parents are, the school you go to - all of these environmental factors help to shape someone. But, within the constraints of an environment, a person can make decisions and choices that can have an influence on their environment. For example, a person might be likely to go to a certain college, but within that college they can choose to study a specific major, affecting their college experience. In that way, people and environments influence each other. This perspective works well with social work’s emphasis on empowerment - if a person can influence their environment, they can overcome challenges and take back control. (Greenfield, 2010, 532). The presentation touches upon this idea: for example, while discussing resilience, Cicchetti mentions that children who are maltreated adapt so that they are quiet in the household. This is an example of a child trying to affect their environment - by making it a quieter place, they hope to not draw attention and thus not get abused. An implication of this is that when working with children and families, it is important to empower children and give them skills to help themselves. However, it is also important to make them realize that any maltreatment they are experiencing is not their fault - thus, it is important to work with the families on parenting interventions and help them overcome environmental factors that might be leading them to mistreat their children. Both the environment and people must be
Obviously, people are affected by the environment. Where you live, who your parents are, the school you go to - all of these environmental factors help to shape someone. But, within the constraints of an environment, a person can make decisions and choices that can have an influence on their environment. For example, a person might be likely to go to a certain college, but within that college they can choose to study a specific major, affecting their college experience. In that way, people and environments influence each other. This perspective works well with social work’s emphasis on empowerment - if a person can influence their environment, they can overcome challenges and take back control. (Greenfield, 2010, 532). The presentation touches upon this idea: for example, while discussing resilience, Cicchetti mentions that children who are maltreated adapt so that they are quiet in the household. This is an example of a child trying to affect their environment - by making it a quieter place, they hope to not draw attention and thus not get abused. An implication of this is that when working with children and families, it is important to empower children and give them skills to help themselves. However, it is also important to make them realize that any maltreatment they are experiencing is not their fault - thus, it is important to work with the families on parenting interventions and help them overcome environmental factors that might be leading them to mistreat their children. Both the environment and people must be