Author: John Bryant

Abstract
This article will discuss the complex interaction of experience and biology in the formation of the violent mind. The practice of psychotherapy reflects the philosophical emphasis of hermeneutic phenomenology upon sensitivity and relationship to lived experience. Phenomenology searches for pre conscious experience. Hermeneutics shapes meaning and gives significance to such phenomena.

This commentary emphasises themes of shame, fathering and remorse as they arise from a series of insightful interviews with men about individual experiences of violence. The influences of neurobiology and attachment theory are used to understand the dynamic forces behind these themes and the role that neurobiology and attachment theory play in understanding violence.

(more…)

Negative experiences which can impact negatively on brain development include abuse, trauma and neglect.
 
When the developing brains of children in early childhood are controlled by experiences, it is no surprise that the results are negative when these experiences are of persistent fear and danger. When we face danger the brain releases hormones so that we can respond to that danger quickly. These hormones are for `fight or flight.’
 
The origins of the stress response take place in the brain stem - a bump at the base of the brain.  When the stress response is activated, the cerebral cortex - the area of the brain which allows us to think - shuts down. At least 30 hormones, or chemical neurotransmitters, are involved in brain functions. Catecholamines and cortisol in particular are most important in the damage aspects of brain development. (more…)

Every year thousands of New Zealand children are exposed to violence and abuse. This can take a number of forms; it can be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual, and it can be directly against the child or witnessed by him or her. To a large extent it will go undetected.

Trauma, neglect and under-stimulation do not allow the brain to develop in a normal, orderly way. The time parameters governing brain development mean that by the age of three a child who has been neglected or abused may have developed a brain structure with patterns which may be difficult, or in some cases almost impossible to change. This can result in lifelong learning difficulties and emotional and social problems, leading variously to difficulty in relationships, mental health problems, juvenile offending, alcohol abuse and at the extreme end, suicide.

(more…)

We know conclusively that:

A baby’s brain is only 15% formed at birth with the majority of the remaining 85% being formed in the first three years of life.

• A child’s early experiences are critical for their brains to form the connections they need to progress.
• The experiences in these early years have a direct impact on how a child’s brain develops.A child’s brain is actually more active than an adult’s brain.

We know that both genes and experience are important. Consistent nurturing and positive rich experiences result in flexible, responsible, empathetic and intelligent members of society. Neglect, chaotic environments, violence and abuse can result in aggressive, remorseless and intellectually starved members of society.

Many of New Zealand’s staggering crime, mental illness and unemployment figures are related to early childhood trauma or neglect.

It is recognised and now scientifically proven that the early childhood years profoundly affect adult life and in turn affect the society we live in.

This website contains information relevant to every person in New Zealand. We have provided targeted information for different groups of people interested in this information and committed to giving New Zealand’s children the best possible start in life.

Attachment is the very essential bonding process that takes place between a baby and initially his mother and later other caring family members and friends. The first year of life is the most valuable for attachment to begin and positive physical touch is the most important of the sensory experiences that build it.

This article is excerpted from ‘Relationships and the Developing Mind’ By Dr Daniel Siegel.

(more…)

Health status of New Zealand children in the Auckland and Waikato Regions

An important recent publication by researchers for the Waikato District Health Board, ‘The Top 10 Report’, provides the first significant overview of indicators of child and youth health in the Auckland and Waikato regions based on data from 1995-1999( ).

40% of New Zealanders under 25 live in this area which includes the most deprived (South Auckland) and least deprived (North Shore to Wellsford) regions of New Zealand. Not surprisingly its findings generally confirm the well-established relationship between poor health outcomes, poverty and inequality.

(more…)