From Deseret News archives:
Wars affect child's moral center, U. study says
Psychology researchers at the University of Utah report in a new study published in the journal Child Development have found that not only is revenge a kind of ticket to carry out acts of violence, kids in war zones almost always expect anyone to behave violently in daily life.
The findings, based on interviews with 96 Colombian children, are strong indicators that war will ultimately encourage kids to steal when they feel physically threatened, and they will view acts of violence as an option under any circumstance threatening or not.
Most troubling about the study results, said co-author Cecilia Wainryb, a U. professor of psychology, is an abiding sense of distrust of others among children who live in war-torn areas.
The normal moral growth process seems to give in to a sense that violence and stealing that normally would not be an option becomes a alternative, especially the older the children are.
Talovic's neighbors here acknowledged that the war in Bosnia likely left its mark on the boy. During the war, the family lived for five years as refugees in Bosnia and spent almost a year in the mountains hiding from the Serb military forces, neighbors said.
Up to 200,000 people were killed and 1.8 million others lost their homes in Bosnia's 1992-95 war.
Children in about 50 countries worldwide are growing up in the midst of armed conflict. In Colombia, where almost 2 million children have been forcibly displaced from their homes over the past 15 years, the researchers sought to determine how living amid violence, lawlessness and deprivation affects the way children think about right and wrong.
"Overall, these findings unveil a reservoir of moral knowledge among war-affected children," Wainryb said. "Even the impoverished environments of war and displacement present youths with opportunities for reflecting on the intrinsic features of actions that harm others."
Recent comments
. from my experience I imagine that a person child or adult in...
Jim | July 22, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.
... and let me add any child growing up in a family who are members...
Anonymous | July 21, 2008 at 11:34 p.m.
The same holds for gang violence in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, New...
Agki | July 21, 2008 at 3:53 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 12:40 p.m.
- Shuttle, crews ready departure 12:37 p.m.
- CPSC: Swift action after crib recall 12:36 p.m.
- Pujols wins 2nd straight NL MVP 12:33 p.m.
- Stocks retreat on reports 12:17 p.m.
- Americans gloomy as holidays begin 12:16 p.m.
- Reports signal modest rebound 12:14 p.m.
- Britain wins 5 International Emmys 12:08 p.m.
- When Black Friday is worth effort 12:06 p.m.
- Susan Boyle focus of TV special 12:05 p.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Inmate dead following prison fight
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
219 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
200 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
151 - BYU would like friendlier rivalry
148 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
136 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
134 - BYU records with win
132 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103
Maybe this year we'll actually stop and reflect upon the meaning of the...
Black Friday should be a day of mourning over the loss of life suffered by...
To "1st Pagan | 11:26 a.m. " since you, and many others like you are not well...
CJ: 2008-09 season averaged 2.3 rebounds in 22.5 minute of playing time....
Everyone talks about how many points are scored or who's QB is better. The...
Shes my sister jdub and if yould like comments like that let me know I will...
I love your responses to comments such as at 10:46 - Either nothing or weak...
["First off, Jesus didn't support homosexuality. He loved them because that...
The Monticello temple was only 7,000 sq ft when first built
Re: Canton: I agree that wearing your colors at an opposing rival's home...


