NCJ Number
19404
Date Published
1973
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAILING TO MEET THE BASIC EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF VANDALISM AND VIOLENCE EXHIBITED BY THESE CHILDREN IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR OUTLINES FOUR BASIC EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN. THEY ARE THE NEED FOR LOVE AND SECURITY, THE NEED FOR NEW EXPERIENCES, THE NEED FOR PRAISE AND RECOGNITION, AND THE NEED FOR RESPONSIBILITY. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FULFILLING EACH OF THESE NEEDS ARE THEN REVIEWED. IT IS STATED THAT ANGER, HATE, AND LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHERS ARE COMMON REACTIONS TO BEING UNLOVED AND REJECTED, AND THAT THESE FEELINGS MAY LEAD TO VANDALISM OR VIOLENCE. BOREDOM RESULTING FROM A LACK OF NEW EXPERIENCES MAY ALSO LEAD THE YOUTH TO SEEK EXCITEMENT IN FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES. SIMILARLY THESE YOUTHS WHO RECEIVE LITTLE PRAISE OR RECOGNITION MAY SEEK SUCH RECOGNITION IN GANGS AND DESTRUCTIVE GANG ACTIVITIES. FINALLY, A CHILD WHO IS DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP RESPONSIBILITY MAY BE CONTEMPTOUS OF THE RIGHTS AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS. SEVERAL OTHER REASONS ARE SUGGESTED FOR THE INCREASING RATE OF VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM, AND MEASURES TO REDUCE THESE PROBLEMS BY FULFILLING THE FOUR BASIC EMOTIONAL NEEDS ARE PROPOSED.