The relationship between childhood neglect and later Essay Example for Free

The relationship between childhood neglect and later Essay In examining the relationship between childhood neglect and later use of illicit drugs, the following variables will have to be taken into account: Childhood – It is the time or state of being a child which is the period between infancy and pubescence. It is a crucial period in a person’s life since it is at this stage where most of the physical and mental development of a child takes place.   It is also at this stage where the child learns the difference between good and bad behavior. Later use – this pertains to a reaction. The principle is that for every action there is a corresponding reaction.   For purpose of this research childhood neglect is considered as an action and the use of illicit drugs during the later stages of the child’s life is considered as the reaction. Illicit drugs – these are drugs the use of which is rendered illegal by existing laws because of their harmful effects to the user. These drugs include cannabis such as marijuana and hashish, opiates such as heroin, stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines and hallucinogens. Parental neglect – an act or omission of a parent or any person exercising substitute parental authority which is classified as a crime because it endangers the health and life of a child. It includes failure to provide for the child’s food, clothing and medical needs.   It also includes the act of leaving the child alone without anyone that can provide for the needs previously mentioned.   It its extreme form it may also include subjecting the child to physical and emotional abuse.   For purpose of this research, the following variables will be operationally defined as follows: Childhood – The participants of this research will be persons between the ages of 13-25.   They will be asked to recollect and reveal whether they are presently using illicit drugs and whether they experienced parental neglect during their childhood years.   For this purpose, they will be asked to make a recollection whether they experienced neglect between the ages of 5 to 12. Later use – The participants of this research will be asked whether they are presently using illicit drugs and the reasons why they use illicit drugs.   Their present problems involving drug use will then be connected to the participants’ past history of parental neglect.   For this purpose the subjects of this research will be limited to ages between 13-25. Illicit drugs – This concept will have same definition as the above.   For purpose of this research, the respondents will be asked to identify the kind of drugs they use and the age when they started using these illicit drugs.   The respondents will be asked to determine the reason/s why they started using illegal drugs. Parental neglect – The respondents will be asked whether they experienced neglect during their childhood and to describe the kind of relationship they have with their parents or whether they have positive or negative relationship with their parents.   If they have negative relationship with their parents, a follow up question will be asked whether the participants have been subjected to physical, verbal or sexual abuse.