The actions of Michael who is the father to James may have had a great impact on James because he is mimicking his father’s abusive behaviour he had on his mother. Since he saw his mother being disrespected and used as a punching bag by his father, James does not also have respect for his mother. The theory of social learning explains James' condition since his actions are learned from the father. The reason why James is violent against his mother could also be due to the subordinate status of women in relation to how his father treated her and also gender role stereotyping. He learned that violence is the best way to solve an issue. A study shows that more than 60% of sons who witnessed father to mother violence were violent to their mother. Studies show that when sons are exposed to violence against their mothers, they may learn to react aggressively when they are exposed directly to violence or in ordinary situations either verbally or physically (Ulman &Straus, 2003). When they are witnessing violence, they can be aggressive and interfere in a fight just like James did on one occasion in which he intervened in the abuse.
I would ask James’ mother whether he has seen any evidence of James abusing drugs and whether James is stealing money from her. Children who are exposed to domestic violence have a high chance of abusing drugs because they have low-self-esteem, feel ashamed have a poor-self-image, and feel isolated from other people. Since James is 12 years old, he does not have any source of income and therefore he will steal to buy drugs.
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To address James’ problem, I would discuss with him on how to handle anger. I would explain to him that although anger is appropriate, it is inappropriate to act in an aggressive manner. I would also teach him ways of expressing emotions through anger management activities (Ulman &Straus, 2003). Additionally, I would teach him how to communicate his feelings and emotions effectively without resorting to violence
References
Ulman, A., & Straus, M. A. (2003). Violence by children against mothers in relation to violence between parents and corporal punishment by parents. Journal of comparative family studies , 34 (1), 41-60.
