A new study revealed that people who experienced frequent hunger in their childhood are more than twice likely to display impulsiveness and violence to others as adolescents and adults. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Nature World News reports researchers asked several questions to participants such as how often they experienced hunger during childhood and whether they have problems controlling their temper, and if they have ever displayed impulsive behavior and even inflicted physical injury to a person on purpose. The results showed 37 percent of the participants admitted they had been involved in violence against people they're related to. Of those who experienced little to no childhood hunger, 15 percent answered they got into fights interpersonally. The findings were strongest among whites, Hispanics, and males.
There were earlier studies that childhood hunger contributes to a variety of other negative outcomes including poor academic performance. There are few studies though correlating childhood hunger to impulsivity and violence or even juvenile delinquency.
Dr. Alex Piquero, an Ashbel Smith Professor of Criminology agreed that maintaining good nutrition in children is not only for the purpose of academic success but for them to have better behavioral patterns in future. But he also noted the effects of children's performance in school to other parts of life, according to Psych Central.
Data shows more than 15 million U.S. children encounter anxiety towards food access and not having adequate daily nutrition. In line with the findings, researchers advise organizations and community groups to develop strategies to address hunger, especially in areas with little access to healthy foods or even grocery stores. Both researcher and experts believe we could do something now to reduce violence and impulsivie behavior by alleviating childhood hunger.
It wouldn't be that difficult, isn't it? Tell us your thoughts below.
