Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence

Robin Karr-Morse; Meredith S. Wiley

ISBN 10: 0871137038 / ISBN 13: 9780871137036

Published by Atlantic Monthly Pr, 1997

Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0871137038I3N10

Synopsis:

Connects the increase in teen violence to abuse and neglect during the first two years of a child's life.

Review: Hardly a week goes by without a headline screaming out the details of another heinous crime committed by an adolescent or young child. A 14-year-old massacres his classmates at a school prayer circle, two even younger boys fire into a crowd of middle school children killing five people, a student kills his teacher at the school prom. There is no doubt that crimes committed by children are increasing at an alarming rate and the big question is why? The authors of Ghosts from the Nursery produce compelling if not controversial evidence that violent behavior is learned and cultivated in the first few months of childhood development. Even more startling, the authors Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith S. Wiley believe that a predisposition to violent behavior can be learned before birth. A "chemical wash" of toxins such as drugs and alcohol, combined with a mother's stress hormones generated from rage or fear can directly effect the babies brain development. Illustrative case studies and anecdotes make for a fascinating and factually "fat" read. Lacking in the book is an acknowledgment of the larger picture--not all children raised in violent homes will become violent, and on an even larger scale, there is no mention of other contributing factors leading to teen violence. Would crimes be cut if guns weren't so readily available? Still, Ghosts from the Nursery is an engrossing book, which is bound to generate hot debate in the scientific world. --Naomi Gesinger

Bibliographic Details

Title: Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots ...
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Pr
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket