Farquhar College Professor Published in Child Development Journal

Madhavi Menon, Ph.D., a new assistant professor in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, published a paper titled “The Developmental Costs of High Self-Esteem for Antisocial Children” in the November/December 2007 edition of Child Development. Child Development is the flagship journal of the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD).

Menon conducted two studies with preadolescent children, investigating the role of high self-esteem in justifying aggressive behavior and the avoidance of interacting with their mothers. Her research found that high self-esteem leads antisocial children to rationalize their negative conduct, by blaming it on others and by thinking it is rewarding and acceptable behavior.

Research is an important component of the academic experience that the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences offers, as it facilitates collaboration between faculty members and students and encourages the creative pursuit of new knowledge. To read Menon’s article, visit www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/cdev/78/6 .