Assignment Code: MCFTE-002/TMA-8(2)/ASST-8(2)/2023-24

Course Code: MCFTE-002

Assignment Name: Child and Adolescent Counselling and Family Therapy

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Note: (i) Answer all the questions in both sections.

(ii) Answers to questions of Section “A” should not exceed 300 words each.

Section A - Descriptive Questions

Q1) “Peer pressure during adolescence is immense”. Critically discuss.

Ans) Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by the desire for social acceptance and identity formation. Peer pressure, both positive and negative, becomes a powerful force during this period. Positive peer pressure may encourage healthy behaviours, fostering academic achievement or participation in constructive activities. However, the negative aspects are particularly notable.

a)    Negative Influences:

Adolescents often face pressure to conform to societal norms and peer expectations, leading to risky behaviours such as substance abuse, delinquency, or early sexual activity. The fear of rejection or exclusion prompts many to engage in activities they might not otherwise consider. Social media exacerbates this pressure, creating a virtual environment where validation and acceptance are sought through conforming to online trends.

b)   Identity Formation:

Peer relationships have a vital role in the creation of identities. It's possible for adolescents to adopt behaviours, clothing styles, or attitudes in order to conform to the standards of their peer group. This may lead to a loss of identity or engagement in activities that are counter to personal ideals, despite the fact that it may be beneficial to the process of self-discovery.

c)    Navigating Peer Pressure:

When it comes to dealing with the effects of peer pressure, building resilience, and communicating effectively are both vital. Helping adolescents acquire assertiveness and the ability to make independent judgments is something that they require. The presence of supportive surroundings, whether they are found at home or in schools, is an essential component in the fight against negative influences.

The conclusion is that although the influence of peers can have a good impact on adolescents, the negative aspects of this influence provide substantial obstacles. The development of uniqueness, the encouragement of open communication, and the establishment of circumstances that enable teenagers to resist harmful influences and make decisions based on accurate information are all necessary steps in addressing these issues.

Q2) Analyse the impact of media on thinking and learning abilities among children. Give examples to substantiate your answer.

Ans)

Impact of Media on Thinking Abilities among Children: The impact of media on children's thinking and learning abilities is multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative aspects that shape cognitive development.

Positive Impact

Media, when used appropriately, can enhance learning and cognitive skills among children:

a)     Educational Content: Platforms like PBS Kids, educational apps, or interactive learning programs offer engaging, informative content that stimulates children's cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and language skills.

b)     Visual Learning Aids: Well-designed educational videos or multimedia resources aid in visual learning, making complex concepts more accessible and fostering better understanding.

c)     Cultural Exposure: Media exposes children to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives, broadening their knowledge base and enhancing cognitive flexibility and cultural understanding.

Negative Impact

However, excessive, or inappropriate media exposure can hinder cognitive development:

a)     Reduced Attention Span: Excessive screen time, especially with fast-paced or fragmented content, can contribute to shorter attention spans, affecting sustained focus and concentration necessary for learning.

b)     Information Overload: Children who have unrestricted access to information on the internet may experience feelings of being overwhelmed, which may limit their ability to identify reputable sources or critically evaluate information.

c)     Negative Influences: Inappropriate or violent content can negatively impact children's behaviour, attitudes, and emotional well-being, potentially affecting their cognitive processing and learning abilities.

Example

a)     Positive Impact: Educational apps like Duolingo Kids or Khan Academy Kids offer interactive learning experiences that enhance language skills, mathematical understanding, and problem-solving abilities.

b)     Negative Impact: There is a correlation between children's concentration problems and decreased cognitive capacities and excessive exposure to fast-paced cartoons or other forms of media content, according to studies.

Balancing media exposure, selecting age-appropriate and educational content, and encouraging interactive, supervised media usage can optimize the positive impacts of media on children's cognitive development while mitigating potential negative effects.

Q3) Discuss any four causes of child abuse in India.

Ans)

a)    Societal Norms and Gender Inequality:

1)      Deep-rooted Patriarchy: Traditional societal norms and gender biases contribute to the prevalence of child abuse. Girls, in particular, face higher risks due to the prevailing preference for male children, leading to neglect, discrimination, or even violence against girls.

2)     Cultural Acceptance of Corporal Punishment: The acceptance of physical discipline as a means of upbringing can lead to excessive or abusive forms of punishment, blurring the line between discipline and abuse.

b)   Socioeconomic Factors:

1)      Poverty and Vulnerability: Families living in poverty face increased stressors, limited resources, and lack of access to education or healthcare, creating an environment conducive to abuse due to heightened stress and frustrations.

2)     Child Labor and Trafficking: Because of their fragility and lack of protection, children who are engaged in labour or who are trafficked for the purpose of providing labour or sexual exploitation are at a greater risk of being abused.

c)    Lack of Awareness and Education:

1)      Low Awareness: As a result of a lack of understanding of child rights, child protection legislation, and routes for reporting abuse, there is a lack of reporting, which then leads to the continuation of abuse.

2)     Lack of Education: Low literacy levels and limited access to education hinder parents or caregivers' understanding of child development, parenting techniques, and the impact of abuse on children.

d)   Psychological and Emotional Factors:

1)      Cycle of Abuse: Because they lack the knowledge and abilities necessary to stop the pattern of abuse, those who were victims of abuse throughout their own childhood may continue to perpetuate the cycle of violence.

2)     Mental Health Issues: The mental health difficulties, stress, or drug addiction problems of caregivers can be a contributing factor in the neglect or abuse of children who are living in the household.

Addressing child abuse in India requires multifaceted approaches, including advocacy for gender equality, poverty alleviation, widespread education on child rights, strengthening child protection laws, and mental health support for families.

Section B - Short Answer Type Questions

Q1) Write short notes (in about 150 words each) on the following:

Q1 i) Imagery

Ans) Imagery is the use of language that is particularly vivid and detailed, with the intention of appealing to the senses, so invoking sensory experiences for the reader and forming mental images for them. In order to improve the reader's comprehension and emotional connection to the material, writers employ imagery. This is accomplished by painting a picture that can be perceived visually, aurally, olfactorily, gustatorily, or tactilely. It gives literary works additional depth, vividness, and emotional resonance, which makes the descriptions more immersive and interesting for the one reading them. For example, if you were to describe a peaceful landscape with phrases such as "the golden sun gently kissing the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, while the tranquil waves whispered against the shore," you would be able to conjure up a vivid mental image that would engage the reader's senses and emotions. Words like poetry, prose, and other types of literature all benefit greatly from the use of imagery since it enhances the storytelling process and enables readers to have a more profound experience with the tale being told.

Q1 ii) Peer tutoring

Ans) Peer Tutoring involves students teaching and supporting one another in an academic setting. It creates an atmosphere conducive to collaborative learning, in which peers with greater expertise coach and assist others in comprehending concepts, resolving issues, or improving abilities. By taking this method, not only does the student who is being tutored gain, but the tutor also strengthens their own comprehension of the subject matter. The use of peer tutoring has been shown to improve academic achievement, increase self-confidence, and encourage active participation in the learning process. Students develop a sense of responsibility and the ability to work together, which contributes to the formation of a supportive learning community in which individuals are able to benefit from each other's areas of knowledge and abilities. To foster a more comprehensive understanding of the topic for both parties involved, this method encourages communication skills, critical thinking, and empathy. Tutors adapt their explanations to suit the needs of their peers, which results in a more comprehensive understanding of the subject for both parties.

Q1 iii) Projective tests

Ans) Projective Tests are psychological assessments designed to reveal an individual's unconscious thoughts, emotions, motivations, or personality traits through their responses to ambiguous stimuli. These tests are based on the psychoanalytic theory, assuming that individuals project their inner thoughts or feelings onto the ambiguous stimuli, providing insights into their unconscious mind.

a)    Rorschach Inkblot Test: This test presents individuals with symmetrical inkblots, prompting them to describe what they see. Responses are analysed for patterns, themes, or recurring elements, providing interpretations of the individual's personality, emotions, or thought processes.

b)   Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Participants are shown ambiguous pictures and asked to create stories about the scenes depicted. The narratives shed light on the individual's perspectives, motivations, and underlying personality traits based on the themes, conflicts, or emotions expressed in their stories.

c)    Use and Criticism: Projective tests are used in clinical settings for personality assessment, therapy, or diagnosis of psychological disorders. However, they have faced criticism due to their subjective nature, lack of standardized scoring, and reliability concerns, as interpretations heavily rely on the examiner's judgment. Additionally, cultural biases and individual differences in responses pose challenges in accurate interpretation, limiting the tests' validity and reliability.

Q1 iv) Content of parent training

Ans) Parent Training Content encompasses a range of strategies, skills, and knowledge imparted to parents to enhance their parenting abilities and address various challenges associated with child-rearing. The content focuses on fostering healthy child development, effective discipline, and building positive parent-child relationships.

a)    Effective Communication: Parent training emphasizes communication skills, teaching parents how to listen actively, express empathy, and communicate effectively with their children. It includes strategies for clear and constructive communication to build trust and understanding.

b)   Positive Discipline: Parents are guided on implementing positive discipline techniques that focus on setting boundaries, reinforcing positive behaviours, and using non-punitive approaches to manage challenging behaviours. This includes techniques like setting limits, offering choices, and using consequences as teaching opportunities.

c)    Child Development: Training programs educate parents about child development stages, milestones, and age-appropriate expectations. Understanding developmental needs helps parents provide appropriate support, guidance, and stimulation for their children.

d)   Problem-Solving and Coping Skills: Parents learn problem-solving techniques to address conflicts, manage stress, and model effective coping strategies. This includes stress management, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation techniques that benefit both parents and children.

e)    Building Healthy Relationships: Parent training content often emphasizes the importance of nurturing positive parent-child relationships, promoting attachment, trust, and emotional connection. It focuses on fostering a secure and supportive environment for children's emotional well-being.