Yoshikawa, Aber and Beardslee in the article, The Effects of Poverty on the Mental, Emotional, And Behavioral Health of Children and Youth: Implications for Prevention, that appeared in the fourth issue of American Psychologist Journal focus on effects of poverty levels on the health of children affect. The article majorly focuses on studies carried out in the United States that assess how a child’s mental, emotional and behavioral (M-E-B) well being is affected by poverty. The authors have also pointed out possible solutions that are used in preventing the M-E-B disorders. Poverty is classified in different categories and dimensions and some of these classifications as discussed in this article are absolute, relative, subjective and asset poverty. Absolute poverty is inability to afford basic needs while relative poverty refers decrease in income of the National Median House Income to levels below 50% or 60% (Yoshikawa, Aber & Beardslee, 2012). The article defines poverty in many other different ways that not only involve inadequate means but also other important human development assets like education and health.
Read more >