The advancement in developmental neurobiology allowed scientists to establish the influence of early childhood experiences on violent behavior in adulthood. Brain imaging demonstrated that diminished fear response was present in those children who had an increased tendency for criminal behavior (Sterzer, 2010). The experimental studies demonstrated that exposure to chronic stress early in life results in abnormal changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex responsible for fear response, memory, and decision making, respectively (Shonkoff et al., 2012). Prolonged exposure to child abuse or parental substance use led to chronically elevated cortisol levels in children and impaired brain functions (Shonkoff et al., 2012). Mild stress with appropriate parental support enables children’s development and growth. The stress of a greater magnitude may have negative consequences on cognitive and behavioral functions, causing anti-social behavior in adulthood (Shonkoff et al., 2012). The supportive environment reduces the negative effect of stress on the brain. It also reduces future morbidities, indicating the importance of protective factors to mitigate the risk factors’ proximal and distant effects (Shonkoff et al., 2012). These risk and supportive factors should be used for timely intervention to prevent adverse outcomes.
Early developmental factors that cause or prevent violent behavior can be used to assess future risks and avoid adverse effects in the future. A safe environment, proper nutrition, and responsive relationships with caregivers are protective factors against the physiologic effects of stress on brain development (Shonkoff et al., 2012). Whereas unhealthy nutrition, child abuse, and parental mental illness aggravate damage from stress and may lead to violent behavior in the future (Shonkoff et al., 2012). I was able to see how the home environment influences children’s development and behavior during my volunteer work with illicit drug users. The majority of them experience abuse and neglect during childhood and lacked emotional support from their parents. This example showed me that early intervention of social workers in families struggling to provide appropriate care and support for their children is essential. The prevention of early brain damage from physiologic and social stressors can reduce violent behavior in society and improve nations’ health. Therefore, the governments need to encourage cooperation between pediatricians and social workers to decrease risk factors affecting early childhood development and enhance protective factors.
References
Shonkoff, J. P., Garner, A. S., Siegel, B. S., Dobbins, M. I., Earls, M. F., Garner, A. S., McGuinn, L., Pascoe, J., & Wood, D. L. (2012). The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress. Pediatrics, 129(1), e232–e246. Web.
Sterzer, P. (2010). Born to be criminal? What to make of early biological risk factors for criminal behavior. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 1–3. Web.