Background
James Garbarino was born on April 7, 1947, in New York, United States. He is the son of Raymond and Joyce Mary Garbarino.
2014
3400 Broadway, Gary, Indiana 46408, United States
James Garbarino speaks during the Annual Youth Violence Prevention Conference at Indiana University Northwest in Gary.
2015
James Garbarino onstage with his speech "Aggression Leads to Violence."
23 Romoda Dr, Canton, New York 13617, United States
James Garbarino graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968.
Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
James Garbarino graduated from Cornell University with a Master of Arts in 1970 and received a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies in 1973.
James Garbarino
(This edition of a classic in the field of child abuse and...)
This edition of a classic in the field of child abuse and neglect presents effective guidelines for prevention, protection, and rehabilitation. Compelling and compassionate, this book explores why and how families become abusive. It then offers both the wisdom and specific clinical interventions that will aid in the understanding of abuser and victim. Understanding Abusive Families offers cutting-edge information and prescriptions for change regarding the patterns of incidence and prevalence, the community context of child abuse and the issue of social support, psychological and sexual maltreatment, child abuse in institutional families, the special issues involved in adolescent maltreatment.
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Abusive-Families-Ecological-Approach/dp/0787910058
1980
(Emphasizing how forces in the environment influence child...)
Emphasizing how forces in the environment influence children's behavior, Garbarino has staked out an intermediate position between the psychoanalytic and the systems approach to human development. Taking cognizance of new research and of changes in American society, Garbarino has once again carefully analyzed the importance of children's social relationships. For this edition, he has incorporated a greater emphasis on ethnic, cultural, and racial issues.
https://www.amazon.com/Children-Families-Social-Environment-Applications/dp/0202360792
1982
(This book offers for the first time a clear conception of...)
This book offers for the first time a clear conception of what social support networks are, why they are important, how they are identified and sustained, where they fit in an overall framework of human services, and their limits and potential in selected fields of practice. Individual chapters explore: child, adolescent, and family services; daycare and early childhood development; divorced and stepfamilies; schools; delinquency prevention and treatment; mental health; service to the elderly; development disabilities; healthcare and health promotion; and drug treatment. The use of social support networks, extended family, friends, neighbors, and other "informal" helpers is an idea whose time has come in the human services field.
https://www.amazon.com/Social-Support-Networks-Informal-Services/dp/0202360326
1983
(This volume provides guidelines for those who are investi...)
This volume provides guidelines for those who are investigating, identifying, preventing, and treating the psychological maltreatment of children and adolescents. It also offers a comprehensive explanation of psychological child abuse and clearly defines different types of psychological maltreatment.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychologically-Battered-Child-Identification-Intervention/dp/1555420028
1986
(How does one investigate a child maltreatment case when t...)
How does one investigate a child maltreatment case when the victim is blind, mute, deaf, mentally retarded, or confined to an institution? Special Children, Special Risks presents analysis, recommendations, and related research from social work, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and education essential for establishing and maintaining safe environments for handicapped children. This book brings together a diverse group of experts to pool their knowledge and share their concerns about the risks of abuse faced by handicapped children. The contributors' perspectives come from the fields of medicine, social work, developmental psychology, psychiatry, clinical psychology, education, child welfare, law, public policy, and journalism.
https://www.amazon.com/Special-Children-Risks-Maltreatment-Disabilities/dp/1138533386
1987
(The author argues that our society has become based on co...)
The author argues that our society has become based on consumer-oriented living, suggests that the family should be the focal point of human development, and discusses possible changes.
https://www.amazon.com/Future-As-If-Really-Mattered/dp/0917665171
1988
(This wise, insightful book helps adults make sense of wha...)
This wise, insightful book helps adults make sense of what children tell them. It provides an authoritative guide to obtaining and evaluating information from children about abuse and other stressful situations and helps adults communicate with children in a variety of settings.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Children-Can-Tell-Us/dp/1555424651
1989
(Explore the lifelong psychological impact of war and viol...)
Explore the lifelong psychological impact of war and violence on children This book should stab the conscience of the world. No one can read this gripping account of the terrifying impact on children of modern war and remain unchanged.
https://www.amazon.com/No-Place-Be-Child-Growing/dp/0669244414
1991
(This superb guide to the prevention of childhood injury i...)
This superb guide to the prevention of childhood injury is concise, carefully organized, clearly written, authoritative, and realistic. It adopts a developmental approach to understanding the causes of injury and planning intervention, whether in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school children, or young adolescents. Detailed information on specific injury is presented under an environmental rubric: the roadway, the home, the school, and the recreational area. Each chapter summarizes facts about the specific type of injury being considered, discusses developmental issues that affect its occurrence, and then offers guidelines to prevention. Not only accidents but intentional injuries are covered.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saving-Children-Guide-Injury-Prevention/dp/0195061152
1991
(Childhood is ideally a time of safety, marked by freedom ...)
Childhood is ideally a time of safety, marked by freedom from the economic, sexual, and political demands that later become part of adult life. For many children, however, particularly those who live in our inner cities, childhood is increasingly a time of danger. In the urban war zones of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, District of Columbia, children grow up with firsthand knowledge of terror and violence. This book examines the threat to childhood development posed by living amid chronic community violence. Most importantly, it shows caregiving adults such as teachers, psychologists, social workers, and counselors how they can work together to help children while they are still children before they become angry, aggressive adults.
https://www.amazon.com/Children-Danger-Consequences-Jossey-Bass-Behavioral/dp/0787946540
1992
(School violence, drugs, AIDS, poverty, uncaring communiti...)
School violence, drugs, AIDS, poverty, uncaring communities, abusive families, and custody battles are just some of the dangers that children face daily. In this timely book, renowned child development expert James Garbarinoexplains how we can make choices and decisions that strengthen children and strike a blow against the social toxicity that surrounds us.
https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Children-Socially-Toxic-Environment/dp/0787950424
1995
(Our national consciousness has been altered by haunting i...)
Our national consciousness has been altered by haunting images of mass slaughters in American high schools, carried out by troubled young boys with guns. It's now clear that no matter where we live or how hard we try as parents, our children are likely to be going to school with boys who are capable of getting guns and pulling triggers. What has caused teen violence to spread from the urban war-zones of large cities right into the country's heartland? And what can we do to stop this terrifying trend? James Garbarino professor and nationally noted psychologist insists that there are things that we, both as individuals and as a society, can do. In a richly anecdotal style, he outlines warning signs that parents and teachers can recognize, and suggests steps that can be taken to turn angry and unhappy boys away from violent action. Full of insight, vivid individual portraits, practical advice and considered hope, this is one of the most important and original books ever written about boys.
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Boys-Sons-Turn-Violent/dp/0385499329
1999
(Is it always a parent's fault if a child grows up to beco...)
Is it always a parent's fault if a child grows up to become unruly, disruptive, or even destructive? Are parents always to blame for children growing up wrong? Is it possible that good parents can raise bad kids? Is it always a parent's fault if a child grows up to become unruly, disruptive, or even destructive? Nationally recognized psychologist James Garbarino and child advocate Claire Bedard present tough-minded yet compassionate tactics for parents of children who don't make headlines-but who are exceptionally difficult and disruptive of normal family life.
https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Under-Siege-Solution-Problem/dp/0743223837
2001
(In this groundbreaking work, James Garbarino and Ellen de...)
In this groundbreaking work, James Garbarino and Ellen deLara uncover the staggering extent of emotional cruelty and its ramifications and counter the nursery rhyme that words don't hurt. In this groundbreaking work, James Garbarino and Ellen deLara uncover the staggering extent and consequences of schoolyard bullying and classroom hostility, flat-out contradicting the nursery rhyme that words can never hurt you. The authors then present evidence that teenagers, hundreds of whom they interviewed, have the solution to school violence if only adults would listen. Bullying has long been regarded as a way of life. Ever since Columbine, however, student reactions to harassment and intimidation are, finally, driving parents to consider this phenomenon seriously. And Words Can Hurt Forever teaches parents to accept reality (bullying occurs daily), challenge old beliefs: "kids will be kids," or "If I lived through it, so can they," and ally with other parents to take on the school system. Revelatory and ultimately uplifting, And Words Can Hurt Forever doesn't just highlight the problem, but offers steps that can be taken must be taken to solve it.
https://www.amazon.com/Words-Can-Hurt-Forever/dp/0743228995
2002
(This guide discusses various ways that schools intervene ...)
This guide discusses various ways that schools intervene to address specific problems faced by students and their families, with an emphasis on the role of classroom teachers in these interventions. Particular attention is given to those interventions required by law, such as cases of child abuse and neglect.
https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Guide-School-Based-Interventions/dp/0618299963
2003
(From one of America's leading authorities on juvenile vio...)
From one of America's leading authorities on juvenile violence comes to a groundbreaking investigation of the explosion of violent behavior in girls With Lost Boys, James Garbarino became our foremost explicator of violent behavior in boys. Now he turns his attention to its increasing incidence in girls. Twenty-five years ago, ten boys were arrested for assault for every one girl. Now that ratio is four-to-one and dropping. Combining clinical experience with incisive analyses of social trends, Garbarino traces the factors, many of them essentially positive behind the epidemic: girls increased participation in sports and greater comfort with their physicality, but also their lack of training in handling aggression. See Jane Hit goes beyond diagnosing the problem to outline a clear-eyed, compassionate solution.
https://www.amazon.com/See-Jane-Hit-Growing-Violent/dp/0143038680
2006
(In his important book, The Positive Psychology of Persona...)
In his important book, The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation, Dr. Garbarino reveals the social basis for moral development in adversity and the mental and physical benefits of psychological and spiritual growth. Drawing widely on his years as a healing professional and his own experience of personal crisis as well as on decades of resilience and happiness literature, the author traces the evolution of the moral sense that affects all human relationships, including the one with the Earth itself. In these compelling pages, Dr. Garbarino: Examines how humans' deep bonds with dogs can model positive human relationships. Compares the risks and benefits of the "oblivious" versus the self-aware life. Analyzes the role of trauma in heightening our sense of the meaning of life and defines the experience of transformational grace in adversity.
https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Psychology-Personal-Transformation-Leveraging/dp/1441977430
2011
(Listening to Killers offers an inside look at twenty year...)
Listening to Killers offers an inside look at twenty years' worth of murder files from Dr. James Garbarino, a leading expert psychological witness who listens to killers so that he can testify in court. The author offers detailed accounts of how killers travel a path that leads from childhood innocence to lethal violence in adolescence or adulthood. He places the emotional and moral damage of each individual killer within a larger scientific framework of social, psychological, anthropological, and biological research on human development. By linking individual cases to broad social and cultural issues and illustrating the social toxicity and unresolved trauma that drive some people to kill, Dr. Garbarino highlights the humanity we share with killers and the role of understanding and empathy in breaking the cycle of violence.
https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Killers-Lessons-Learned-Psychological/dp/0520282876
2015
(Psychological expert witness, James Garbarino shares his ...)
Psychological expert witness, James Garbarino shares his fieldwork in more than forty resentencing cases of juveniles affected by the Miller decision. Providing a wide-ranging review of current research on human development in adolescence and early adulthood, he shows how studies reveal the adolescent mind’s keen ability for malleability, suggesting the true potential for rehabilitation. Garbarino focuses on how and why some convicted teenage murderers have been able to accomplish dramatic rehabilitation and transformation, emphasizing the role of education, reflection, mentoring, and spiritual development. With a deft hand, he shows us the prisoners’ world that is filled, first and foremost, with stories of hope amid despair, and moral and psychological recovery in the face of developmental insult and damage.
https://www.amazon.com/Millers-Children-Teenage-Killers-Matters/dp/0520295684
2018
educator consultant psychologist writer
James Garbarino was born on April 7, 1947, in New York, United States. He is the son of Raymond and Joyce Mary Garbarino.
James Garbarino graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968, Cornell University with a Master of Arts in 1970, and received a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies in 1973.
James Garbarino is a writer, psychologist, consultant, and educator. In 1973 he was hired as a professor at Empire State College, New York, where he worked for three years (1976). From 1979 to 1985 Garbarino was a professor of human development at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and from 1985 to 1994 he held the post of a president at Erikson Institute for Advanced Study in Child Development, Chicago.
In 1995, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by St. Lawrence University. James also worked at Cornell University, Ithaca as Elizabeth Lee Vincent Professor of Human Development and co-director of Family Life Development Center, 1994-2005, then at Loyola University, Chicago as Maude C. Clarke Chair in Humanistic Psychology, from 2005, and a founding director of the Center for the Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago from 2006. In 1991 James Garbarino undertook missions for UNICEF to assess the impact of the Gulf War upon children in Kuwait and Iraq and has served as a consultant for programs serving Vietnamese, Bosnian and Croatian children, as well as became a fellow and was elected as a president (1987-1989) of the American Psychological Association's Division (37) on Child, Youth and Family Services.
He also served as a scientific expert witness in criminal and civil cases involving issues of trauma, violence, and children. Garbarino has served as consultant or advisor to a wide range of organizations including the American Medical Association, the Institute for Mental Health, the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the National Black Child Development Institute, the National Science Foundation, the National Resource Center for Children in Poverty, Child-watch International, the United States Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). James has been a consultant and a contributor to television, magazine, and newspaper reporters, journalists, and news organizations, and in 1981 received the Silver Award at the International Film and Television Festival of New York for co-writing Don't Get Stuck There: A Film on Adolescent Abuse. In 1985, he collaborated with John Merrow to produce Assault on the Psyche, a videotaped program dealing with psychological abuse. Garbarino's published books and works include Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect: Developing and Maintaining Effective Support Systems for Families (1980), Successful Schools and Competent Students (1981), No Place to Be a Child: Growing up in a War Zone (1991), Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them (1999), and his recent work Listening to Killers: Lessons Learned from My Twenty Years as a Psychological Expert Witness in Murder Cases (2015), and Miller's Children: Why Giving Teenage Killers a Second Chance Matters for All of Us (2018). He currently works on a project dealing with childhood in the face of the terrorist threat.
(Is it always a parent's fault if a child grows up to beco...)
2001(How does one investigate a child maltreatment case when t...)
1987(This book offers for the first time a clear conception of...)
1983(From one of America's leading authorities on juvenile vio...)
2006(This guide discusses various ways that schools intervene ...)
2003(Emphasizing how forces in the environment influence child...)
1982(In this groundbreaking work, James Garbarino and Ellen de...)
2002(The author argues that our society has become based on co...)
1988(This volume provides guidelines for those who are investi...)
1986(School violence, drugs, AIDS, poverty, uncaring communiti...)
1995(Our national consciousness has been altered by haunting i...)
1999(Psychological expert witness, James Garbarino shares his ...)
2018(This edition of a classic in the field of child abuse and...)
1980(Childhood is ideally a time of safety, marked by freedom ...)
1992(This superb guide to the prevention of childhood injury i...)
1991(Explore the lifelong psychological impact of war and viol...)
1991(Listening to Killers offers an inside look at twenty year...)
2015(This wise, insightful book helps adults make sense of wha...)
1989(In his important book, The Positive Psychology of Persona...)
2011Garbarino's work is distinguished by a willingness to engage directly with his subjects, to hear their stories firsthand.
The extensive use of interviews gives a detailed portrait of teens' daily existence, which, James discovered, is much at variance with the assumptions of the students' parents. He argues that the current surge of violence in high school is not attributable to the generally accepted factors such as adult indifference, "bad kids," and poor teachers, but rather the unique social environment that is the American high school. Garbarino theorizes that violence is not a predetermined condition, but instead is the result of a combination of a number of factors including poverty, media mayhem, firearms, and racism. Particular attention James pays to media portrayals of violence, the fragility of family life, and the feelings of insecurity these portrayals foster. In his works, Garbarino noted some of the failings of the American social service system and contended that helping abuse victims and their families requires more than simply expecting them to develop independence. In Garbarino's view, it is more productive to see children as individuals exposed to a multitude of negative situations without any protection rather than as irredeemably bad. James Garbarino advocates a move away from the tough conditions imposed by juvenile detention centers and toward a calm, safe place designed more along the lines of institutions for children who have suffered severe trauma. He also suggests that techniques that protect younger children from bullies are ineffective for adolescents. Garbarino asserts that it is necessary to ask students what they need to feel safe, rather than simply impose something upon them.
Garbarino also examined a number of social and cultural forces that he saw as contributing to the rise in aggressive, violent behavior among young females. Among the factors he cited are increased participation in sports, where aggression is not only accepted but encouraged; the continued depiction of violence in the media, especially those cartoons, movies, and other programs that depict women behaving violently; and greater overall acceptance and encouragement of violence and aggression in society at large. James also considered the effects of biology, early childhood development, family life, and other elements. As a solution, he suggested educational programs that teach and encourage social assertiveness rather than actual violence.
James Garbarino advocates programs that provide assistance to young at-risk children and parents, including a home visiting program that provides home visitors to young mothers at risk to help with child care and provide advice about child-rearing. Children who have benefited from this program have reduced drop out and delinquency rates. He has also advised intervention when there are problems in school at a young age with advice and counseling rather than punishment when possible. He believes this is often less expensive and more productive than waiting for problems to get worse.
Quotations:
"Having good intentions is not enough."
"Inside almost every violent teenager is an untreated traumatized child."
American Psychological Association , United States
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children , United States
Society for Research in Child Development , United States
United States Association for the Club of Rome , United States
International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Quotes from others about the person
"Garbarino is a master storyteller and a graceful, elegant writer who brings the complex science to life in dramatically rendered personal histories." - Dan Clayton.
"Garbarino is one of developmental psychology's most insightful thinkers and most articulate voices." - Gary Melton.
James Garbarino married Anne Coventry Bell on May 28, 1969. Garbarino has two children: Joshua and Joanna.