Publication Date

1-1-2002

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Kalkman, Deborah Lynn

Degree Name

B.S.Ed. (Bachelor of Science in Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Special and Early Education

Abstract

As boys enter into the beginning years of adolescence, they begin a journey into a completely different world. The onset of puberty results in physical and cognitive changes that are often unexpected and challenging. As the biological changes begin, adolescents transition into middle school, with more expectations and responsibilities from the adults in their lives. Unfortunately for boys, there are no outlets for all the frustration, fear, embarrassment, anger, or other intense emotions caused by these transitions. The purpose of this essay is to suggest a new way to examine the aggression and violence of boys. I propose that boys in early adolescence are not simply "being boys," but in fact do not know of another way to express themselves safely in today's society. I am studying to be a middle school teacher, so I have focused on boys aged 10 to 14 years old. The essay is a literature review, pulling from the recent literature on emotional awareness and boys .. Literature used includes works by authors James Garabarino, Ph.D.; William S. Pollack, Ph.D.; Dan Kindlon, Ph.D. and Michael Thompson, Ph.D.; and Cynthia Mee. The majority ofthe research used focuses on boys in the United States. Various secondary sources are cited as well. By using the findings of this recent research, those involved in the lives of boys can help boys explore their true selves. Many of the authors mentioned outline ways of allowing boys to express themselves in safe and healthy ways, instead of using aggression or violence to cover up their needs. The final implications of this research can be used in homes and classrooms.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

55 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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