Psychology

Many studies have been done regarding the behavior of children and the reasons why some interact with others in a negative andor disruptive way and why others do just the opposite.  In this research paper we looked at the different possibilities leading to negative behavior such as, parenting techniques, development of empathy, self-esteem and even such disorders as autism, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well.  At the conclusion we hope to have gained a valid perspective into the behavior of children as well as summed up several different theories involving this matter.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why some children behave negatively in social situations and why others do not.  Much research has been done on this matter and many theories have been developed.  Which ones are correct  How do we know exactly what causes children to be sensitive to social interaction when every child and situation is different  What about the lack of empathy, or even, too much empathy  Can diagnoses such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and its close cousin, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) be solely responsible for such behavior issues in some children.

In this paper we attempt to answer these questions by looking at the research surrounding the issue of child sensitivity to interaction.  Parenting models, development, or non-development, of empathy and self-esteem and even increased or decreased heart rate will all be analyzed as possible causes behind this issue at will be looked at in greater detail.  In summary, a general theory about the reason(s) why children behave in a positive or negative fashion will be introduced and supported through research of academic journal articles related to this matter.

Oppositional, aggressive children are characterized by a tendency to act on their negative impulses, often without apparent attention to any effects upon the well being of others (Hastings, 2000).
It has been discussed that lack of empathy is one of the main reasons why some children behave in a negative way toward others in social situations.  Children who do not understand the effects their behavior has on others, generally tend to not care when they act out or behave in a negative way.  They simply dont understand why others feel bad when they do so.  Some will even feed off of the others behavior, which can result in the inducement of more negative behavior and have a snow-ball effect. 

These children who lack in the empathy department also see attention given to others as being a threat to them.  They have a hard time understanding why people would feel bad or even good about someone else when they clearly dont have those feelings themselves.  This usually will result in either, negative behavior patterns, or total shutdown and seclusion from the social activity or interaction. 

Studies have been done showing a link between a childs lack of empathy and their upbringing.  Mainly two different parenting styles have been identified authoritative and authoritarian which pose as polar opposites of each other.  Authoritative parenting includes being warm, responsive, and supportiveauthoritarianism centers on harsh, restrictive, punitive and inappropriately controlling parenting (Hastings, 2000).  The latter being one of the main causes of lack of empathy in children.  The former usually results in socially appropriate behavior and children who are aware of others feelings. 

It appeared that the strongest connection to parenting styles and effects that it has on children happen around 2 to 3 years of age.  Even though it is eminently discernable to see empathy, lack there-of, and negative and positive behavior taking place beforehand as a result of parenting styles, a strong connection exists between those in the 2 to 3 age group and the influence their parents have on them.
Now that doesnt mean that how a parent treats a child at that age will ultimately determine how that child will behave in social situations.  Certainly there is a stronger correlation between parenting style over the course of the entire childhood and social behavior, however, according to studies that have been done, the ages of 2 to 3 are critical in establishing a baseline as to how sensitive a child will be in social interactions.

There have also been studies linking a childs heart rate and the correlation with empathy.  Those that have a lower resting heart rate are more likely to show less empathy toward others versus those that have a higher resting heart rate. 

How about those who have too much empathy  Not many studies have been done regarding this, however, is it possible that too much empathy could result in children who are withdrawn for fear of hurting other peoples feelings  Perhaps they are afraid of doing something that would cause others to not like them and probably over-analyze everything based upon what others would probably think or feel.  This could result in a distorted perception of reality and detachment from social interaction.

A child who is withdrawn, non-attentive to others, lacks in empathy, easily distracted or lazy, or suffers from low self-esteem can be diagnosed with ADHD-PI (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive) or commonly referred to simply as attention-deficit disorder or ADD.  These children are more susceptible to being overlooked, however, because they are not usually disruptive.  Instead, many will receive negative feedback from teachers stating that they are just not trying hard enough or are not participating and applying themselves.  Failure to diagnose and treat these children can have severely negative affects on their outcomes as students and therefore, as productive citizens later on in adulthood. 

ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 7 and is a bit easier to catch than ADD.  Children with ADHD have difficulty in pretty much any social situation in that they are generally disruptive and will act on impulse.  For these kids, the social filter simply is not present and there is seldom any resemblance of empathy.  They may display feelings of empathy toward others after the behavior took place, however, rarely will that affect them the next time they act out on their impulse.

Studies have been done regarding children diagnosed with ADHD implying a connection between their behaviors and lack of empathy and their working memory (WM) deficits.  This study shows that WM can be improved by training in children with ADHD.  (It) also improved response inhibition and reasoning and resulted in a reduction of the parent-rated inattentive symptoms of ADHD (Klingberg, 2009).  These were with children that were not on their normal medication for ADHD in order for real results to be exposed.  Although this is definitely good news in regards to the treatment of ADHD in children, there hasnt been anything done yet that implies long-term solvency.  Until then, medication will continue to be the proper treatment.

Autism continues to be somewhat of an enigma in the psychological and medical community as it is not clear as to what the causes of this disorder are.  The fact that the autism spectrum is so great poses a significant challenge as to determining the causes and treatment of those diagnosed.  There are those that display very low cognitive functioning and virtually no social awareness and then there are those with Asperger syndrome that display some of the attributes of autism, however, they are able to function at a fairly high level in society with some assistance.

Doctors are usually able to diagnose Autism within the first two years of a childs life through a screening process called the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers or CHAT.  The CHAT can be used to identify cases of Autism and related pervasive developmental disorders at 18 months of age.  It is emphasized that the CHAT is not a diagnostic instrument but can identify potential cases of autism spectrum disorders for a full diagnostic assessment (Baird, 2000).  Follow up is then done up to six years of age.

Socially, those that are diagnosed with Autism are impaired and show a lack of communication skills, obsession with certain interests and will repeat certain behaviors over and over again.  These traits generally continue through adulthood and constant supervision and support is needed for them to have their needs met.  Studies have shown that those afflicted with this disorder seldom have feelings for others.  They lack a concept of the effect that their behavior has on others.  Therefore, just like those in the above examples, they lack empathy. 

In conclusion, although there are many different reasons why some children act the way they do in social situations, one factor seems to dominate in all of the cases that were studied.  The lack of empathy seems to be the common denominator when looking at social impairments, whether they be negative, disruptive, withdrawal, or just inability to interact at all.  Those children that are unable to understand what others are feeling and be able to process that information in an appropriate way are generally susceptible to having a social behavior disorder of some sort.  Therefore it is imperative that parents, educators and those in the medical and psychological field properly adhere to the signs of social impairments so that proper treatment can be given.