3. Introduction
Ethiopian constitution, Article 36 (FDRE Constitution, 1995)
Rights of children
1. Every child has the right:
a. Not to be subject to exploitative practices neither to be required nor permitted to perform
work which may be hazardous or harmful to his/her education, health or well-being.
b. To be free of corporal punishment or cruel & inhuman treatment in schools or other
institutions responsible for the care of the child.
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4. Definition
Child maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill treatment,
sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, or commercial or other exploitation
results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or
potential harm to dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power
Abuse is defined as acts of commission and
Neglect as acts of omission resulting in actual or potential harm.
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5. cont...
They are pervasive problems worldwide, with short and long term physical and mental health
and social consequences.
Children may be subjected to more than one type of maltreatment in their childhood.
It occurs in different settings:
Parents and other family members, caregivers, friends, acquaintances, strangers.
In authority or by other children.
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6. Prevalence
Child abuse and neglect are not rare and occur worldwide.
Based on international studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that:
18% of girls and 8% of boys experience sexual abuse as children,
23% of children report being physically abused
Survey done by UNICEF has indicated that 30% of children had been beaten or tied up by
parents in middle east (2015).
WHO estimates the rate of homicide of children is approximately 2-fold higher in low income
compared to high income countries (2.58 vs 1.21 per 100,000 population)
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7. Local data
Descriptive survey done on 321 students (age 7-17yr) in 2014 in selected elementary schools in
North Gondar showed that:
most children faced physical abuse in the form of kick with an object (73.8%), pinching
(78.5%) and slapping on head (70.73%).
psychological abuse, threatening with severe punishment (64.8%) and threatening to
leave home (57%) were also reported
In a cross-sectional study conducted among Jiren high school on 323 female students in April
2005:
68.7% of them revealed sexual abuse; verbal harassment (51.4%), sexual intercourse
(18.0%) and unwelcome kissing (17.1%).
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9. Classification
Four major types of child maltreatment are:-
1. Physical abuse
2. Neglect
3. Sexual abuse and
4. Emotional abuse
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10. Physical abuse
Is a non accidental physical injury to a child
Caused by a parent, caregiver, or other person responsible for a child
Includes beating, shaking, burning, and biting
Acts of serious violence should be seen as abusive even if no injury ensues;
e.g. throwing a hard object, slapping an infant's face)
While some child healthcare professionals think that hitting is acceptable under limited
conditions,
almost all know that more constructive approaches to discipline are preferable.
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11. Signs of Physical Abuse
Has unexplained injuries, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Has fading bruises or other noticeable marks after an absence from school
Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
Seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or
Cries when it is time to go home, shrinks at the approach of adults
Shows changes in eating and sleeping habits
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
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18. physical abuse cont...
Abdominal trauma
Accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in abused children.
Young children are especially vulnerable
A forceful blow or kick can cause hematomas of solid organs as well as hematoma or rupture
of hollow organs.
The manifestations are often subtle, even with severe injuries.
Bruising of the abdominal wall is unusual, and symptoms may evolve slowly.
Delayed perforation may occur days after the injury;
Bilious vomiting without fever or peritoneal irritation suggests a duodenal hematoma
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19. From total of 227 children enrolled to study, 183 (80.6%) encountered some form of physical
punishment
21.0% of these had abusive punishment with evidence of bruises, lacerations or swelling
Abusers were mainly teachers 118 (40.7%) and parents 90 (31.0%)
verbal maltreatment in 179 (78.9%) (insult, curse, harassment or threat to harm)
no report of sexual abuse
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20. Corporal punishment
Is any punishment in which physical force is used & intended to cause some degree of pain or
discomfort, however light.
The threshold for defining corporal punishment as abuse is unclear.
One can consider any injury beyond transient redness as abuse.
Most involve hitting (‘smacking’, ‘slapping’, ‘spanking’) children, with the hand or with
an implement – whip, stick, belt, shoe, wooden spoon, etc
UNICEF report in 2015, children’s self-reports of teacher’s use of physical punishment shows,
Ethiopia is second highest with the prevalence of corporal punishment out of four countries,
4 in 10 children in school at the age of 8 and 1 in 8 at age 15 experienced corporal
punishment
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21. cont...
US- corporal punishment in the home is lawful in all states, but 31 states have banned corporal
punishment in public.
The American Academy of Pediatrics clearly opposed the use of corporal punishment in a recent
policy statement.
In Ethiopia, Corporal punishment in the family is not explicitly prohibited by law
While the constitution remains silent on corporal punishment against children in the home
setting, the family code allows it (Save the Children & ACPF, 2005).
The criminal code claims to punish maltreatment of children, however, it does not consider
corporal punishment at home as maltreatment (GIEACPC, 2018; Save the Children, 2011)
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22. Home setting corporal punishment in Ethiopia...
Article 258 of the revised family code, concerning the upbringing of children, clearly states that “the
guardian may take the necessary disciplinary measures for the purpose of ensuring [the child’s] up
bringing” (FDRE, 2000: 41).
under international law, legalizing/ practicing corporal punishment is a violation of children’s
fundamental human rights to human dignity, physical integrity, and equal protection under the law
(GIEACPC, 2013).
Domestic laws explicitly allow ‘responsible’ punishment by parents/guardians in the home setting,
specifically violated article 19(1) of CRC (international law), which requires states to protect
children from corporal punishment.
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23. Neglect
Refers to omissions in care, resulting in actual or potential harm.
Is the most prevalent form of child abuse
Is failure to provide the basic physical, emotional, educational support or
Inadequate medical needs, supervision, protection from hazards in the environment
A child whose health is jeopardized or harmed by not receiving necessary care experiences
medical neglect
leads to potentially severe and lasting sequelae.
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24. Signs of child neglect
A child who:
frequently absent from school
Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical care (including immunizations, dental care)
consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
Impaired growth
States that there is no one at home to provide care
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25. Sexual abuse
any sexual behavior or action toward a child that is unwanted or exploitative.
involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children and adolescents in sexual activities:
which they do not fully comprehend, to which they are unable to give consent, or
that violate the social taboos of family roles
Includes exposure to sexually explicit materials:
oral-genital contact, genital-to-genital contact, genital-to-anal contact, and genital fondling
any touching of private parts by parents or caregivers in a context other than necessary care
Showing pornography to a child, filming or photographing a child in sexually explicit
poses, and
encouraging or forcing one child to perform sex acts on another
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26. Signs of sexual abuse
Social withdrawal, acting out, increased clinginess or fearfulness,
Distractibility, and learning difficulties, running away from home
Has difficulty walking or sitting
Has bleeding, bruising, vaginal discharge or swelling in their private parts
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
sexually explicit behaviors like excessive masturbation, sexualized behaviors,
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27. Out of 354 students enrolled to study, 113 (31.9%) were sexually assaulted
in the form of exposing adolescent to verbal sexual advances (32.4%)
kissing adolescent in a socially unacceptable manner (29.1%)
the combination of touching and fondling adolescent sexually (25.9%)
making adolescent to look at somebody's genitals (22.7%)
forcing to expose their genitals (18.3%)
discussing about sexual practices (16.5%)
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28. Out of a total of 45, 834 out patient visits, 275 (0.6%) children presented for alleged child abuse and
sexual abuse
sexual abuse covers 267(97.1%) and most of them were female (75.7%).
Among all the reports of child abuse and neglect, severe physical abuse identified in 8 (2.7%) of
children and one child died
The abusers were: male (98.8%), teachers (7.9%), relatives (13.4%) and neighbors (38.95%)
The median length of time taken to present to hospital after the abuse was 4 days (range: 2 hours to 3
years)
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29. Emotional maltreatment
The most elusive and difficult to define of all types of child abuse.
Results in impaired psychological growth and development.
Is a repeated pattern of damaging interactions between parent(s) or caregiver(s) and
the child that becomes typical of the relationship and
conveys to the child that he or she is flawed, unloved, or unwanted.
The pattern may be chronic or triggered by alcohol or other potentiating factors
May be active or passive, and may occur with or without conscious intent to harm the child
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30. Signs of emotional abuse
Shows extremes in behavior
Is either inappropriately adult or inappropriately infantile.
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Shows signs of depression or suicidal thoughts
Reports an inability to develop emotional bonds with others
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31. General principles for assessing possible abuse and neglect
An interdisciplinary assessment is optimal, with input from all involved professionals
A thorough history should be obtained from the parent(s) optimally via separate interviews.
A thorough physical examination including anogenital area are necessary.
Verbal children should be interviewed separately, in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Open-ended questions (e.g., “Tell me what happened”) are the best
Some children need more directed questioning (e.g., “How did you get that bruise?”)
Others need multiple-choice questions
Leading questions must be avoided (e.g., “Did your daddy hit you?”)
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32. Gross work up (lab, imaging)
X-ray, CT scan, abdominal Ultrasound, Fundoscopy
CBC and coagulation test if bleeding disorder suspected.
Forensic evidence collection:- prepubertal child - if abuse <72 hr and direct contact
postpubertal females- up to 120 hr following the abuse
STI screening- penetration, stranger, known/high risk, symptoms, already dxed, parent/child
worry:-
NAAT- Immediately and repeat within 2 weeks of first test
HIV testing, syphilis (VDRL,RPR) and Hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc)
Immediately, at 6 wks, 3 months and 6 months.
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33. General management of child maltreatment
Six steps required:-
1. appropriate communication with the family about the child’s condition
2. appropriate medical care for the child;
3. ensuring the child’s safety
4. assess child’s medical, developmental, emotional and educational needs so that appropriate
services can be provided.
5. family’s needs must be evaluated so that adequate parenting can be ensured
6. siblings should be assessed carefully to determine whether they have been maltreated.
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34. cont...
Advanced Trauma Life Support.
STI prophylaxis- N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis
Prepubertal children who have no symptoms of STI and not receive antibiotic
prophylaxis give if there is excessive concern by the caregiver or child.
Post-pubertal children- The CDC recommends
Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM in a single dose + Azithromycin 1 gram orally in a single
dose + Metronidazole 2 grams orally in a single dose
Antiretroviral prophylaxis- during significant risk of exposure within 1 to 2 hours of
exposure and not more than 72 hrs.
Exposure of vagina/rectum to semen, source likely to be infected
TDF + 3TC + Doluteglavir (DGT) for 28 days
TDF + 3TC + EFV or Kaletra or boosted Atanazavir as alternative
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35. cont..
postexposure vaccination for HPV- starting at 9 years of age
at initial examination, 1 to 2 months and 6 months after the first dose
Postexposure prophylaxis and vaccination for hepatitis B:-
If the hepatitis status of the assailant is unknown, the survivor has not been previously
vaccinated and vaccination is incomplete-
hepatitis B vaccination (without HBIG) at initial examination, 1 to 2 and 4 to 6 months
If the alleged offender is known to be HBsAg-positive, unvaccinated patients or those with
potentially incomplete vaccination-
both the hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG at initial examination,
hepatitis B vaccine at 1 to 2 and 4 to 6 months
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36. Outcomes of child maltreatment
Physical Health Consequences- may occur immediately or after months or years
Psychological Consequences:
Poor mental and emotional health
educational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression
trouble forming and maintaining relationships
post traumatic stress disorder
Diminished executive functioning and cognitive skills.
Behavioral Consequences- unhealthy sexual practices, alcohol and other drug use, future
perpetration of maltreatment
Societal Consequences- social and relationship deficits, physically aggressive and antisocial
personality
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37. Take home messages
Bruising in children is NOT normal.
Abusive Head Trauma is the most dangerous and deadly form of child physical abuse.
A thorough medical evaluation is crucial in child maltreatment.
Long term effects of child abuse vary from subtle learning and behavioral issues to complete
dependence for all care.
Physicians play a vital role in observation, documentation, and intervention in child
maltreatment
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38. Reference
1. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Country Response to the Questionnaire on Violence Against
Children By The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Submitted to : The UN Secretary General ’ s
Independent Expert on the Study on Violence Against Children. 2005;(May):1–47.
2. Howard Dubowitz WGL. Abused and Neglected Children, Vol. 1, 1005-1031, Nelson Textbook of
Pediatrics 21st Edition.
4. Girgira T, Tilahun B, Bacha T. Time to presentation , pattern and immediate health effects of alleged child
sexual abuse at two tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia. 2014;
6. American A, Native A, Race M, Only N, Only PA, Only SA, et al. Child Maltreatment. 2018;1–9.
7. Jacobi G, Dettmeyer R, Banaschak S, Brosig B, Herrmann B. Child Abuse and Neglect : Diagnosis and
Management. 2010;107(13).
8. Bekele I, Zewde W, Neme A. iMedPub Journals Assessment of Prevalence , Types and Factors Associated
with Adolescent Sexual Abuse in High School in Limmu Gnet High School. 2017;1–7.
9. Karen J. Farst, MD, MPH, FAAP, and Rachel A. Clingenpeel, MD, FAAP, Sexually Transmitted Infections
in Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault and Abuse , A PRACTICAL GUIDE 4th Edition.
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Bruises can be found in typical sites for falls (the
forehead, tip of the nose or chin, extensor surfaces of
the elbows and knees, shins, wrists, hips) or else in
typical sites for blows to the body (scalp above the
“hatband line”), eyes, mouth, ears, chest, back, buttocks,
back of the legs, extensor surfaces of the forearms
[self-defense injuries], dorsum of the hand).
A, . B,. C, . D,.
FIG. 16.4 Marks from heated objects cause burns in a pattern that duplicates that of the object. Familiarity with the common heated objects that are used to traumatize children facilitates recognition of possible intentional injuries. The location of the burn is important in determining its cause. Children tend to explore surfaces with the palmar surface of the hand and rarely touch a heated object repeatedly for long.
Cigarette burns are usually 7-10 mm across, whereas impetigo has lesions of varying size. Noninflicted cigarette burns are usually oval and superficial.
FIG. 16.7 A, Metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia in a 3 mo old infant admitted to the hospital with severe head injury. There is also periosteal new bone formation of the tibia, perhaps from previous injury. B, Bone scan
of same infant. Initial chest radiograph showed a single fracture of the right posterior 4th rib. A radionuclide bone scan performed 2 days later revealed multiple previously unrecognized fractures of the posterior and lateral ribs. C, Follow-up radiographs 2 wk later showed multiple healing rib fractures. This pattern of fracture is highly specific for child abuse. The mechanism of these injuries is usually violent squeezing of the chest.
Abusive head trauma (AHT)
results in the most significant morbidity and mortality
may be caused by direct impact, asphyxia, or shaking
subdural hematomas, retinal hemorrhages,
especially when extensive and involving multiple layers and diffuse axonal injury strongly suggest AHT
The poor neck muscle tone and relatively large heads of infants make them vulnerable to acceleration- deceleration forces associated with shaking
signs and symptoms may be nonspecific
when AHT is suspected, injuries elsewhere, skeletal and abdominal should be ruled out.
Retinal hemorrhages
are important markers of AHT
hemorrhages that are multiple, involve >1 layer of the retina, and extend to the periphery are very suspicious for abuse.
The mechanism is likely repeated acceleration-deceleration from shaking.
Traumatic retinoschisis points strongly to abuse.
Severe, non-inflicted, direct crush injury to the head can rarely cause an extensive hemorrhagic retinopathy.
Young children are especially vulnerable because of their relatively large abdomens and lax abdominal musculature
In relation to this, a country-wide study by Save the Children and ACPF (2005) reported that 98.6% of children in Ethiopia experienced violent punishment in the home setting.
UN, Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989, Article 19,
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.
Corporal punishment is widely used by caregivers around the world. In one study of parents’ use of corporal
punishment with 2- to 4-year-old children in 30,470 families from 24 developing countries, 63% of primary
caregivers reported that someone in their household had corporally punished their child in the last month.
2 Across these 24 countries, 29% of caregivers reported that they believe it is necessary to use corporal punishment to rear a child properly.
In a study of 1,417 families with 7- to 9-year-old children in 9 countries, over half of the children had been corporally punished in the last month.3
Even with this older sample, 17% of parents across countries believed it was necessary to use corporal punishment to rear their child.
Article 576(3) of the Criminal Code of Ethiopia (2005) states “The taking by parents or other persons having similar responsibilities; of a disciplinary measure that does not contravene the law, for the purpose of proper upbringing, is not subject to this provision.”
Revised Family Code (2000) states that, “The guardian may take the necessary disciplinary measures for the of ensuring the upbringing of the minor” (article 258).
The perpetrators of corporal punishment in the home setting in Ethiopia are those people who are responsible to
protect children. Perpetrators include mothers, fathers, step-parents/adoptive parents, older brothers, older sisters
Contrary to international laws and recommendations, corporal punishment against children in the home setting in Ethiopia is a legally and culturally accepted, widely practiced phenomenon. Domestic laws explicitly allow ‘responsible’ punishment by parents/guardians. As a result, the human right of children in Ethiopia has been violated by both parents and the state that failed to protect children from physical violence/abuse. The widespread practice of corporal punishment and the failure of the government to ban it in the home setting is largely due to cultural values and beliefs that consider corporal punishment beneficial for children and society. Whatever the case, from a human rights perspective, corporal punishment against any human being, including children, is unacceptable. Therefore, the government of Ethiopia should strive to criminalize corporal punishment in the home setting.
"Corporal punishment is physical force by someone in a position of authority against someone in his or her care with the intention of causing some degree of pain or discomfort. This can take the form of hitting children with a hand, or with a cane, strap or other objects; kicking, shaking or throwing
12
children; scratching, pinching, biting or pulling hair; forcing them to stay in uncomfortable position; locking or tying them up; burning, scalding or forced ingestion – for example washing mouths out with soap" (Plan, 2008, p.12; SCS and African Child Policy Forum, 2005, p.6).
According to the provisions of the law,
Police may receive accusation either from the victim child or from any person acting on
behalf of the child. Police may also be informed of the commission of the offence by any
other means. In offences that depend upon a formal complaint however, it is indicated
above that investigation and prosecution can proceed only if the aggrieved person
himself/herself or person/s acting on his/her behalf institutes a formal complaint.
Some legal definitions distinguish sexual abuse from sexual assault : abuse being committed by a caregiver or household member, and
assault being committed by someone with a noncustodial relationship or no relationship with the child
It is important to note that sexual abuse does not have to involve direct touching or contact by the perpetrator. Showing pornography to a child, filming or photographing a child in sexually explicit poses, and encouraging or forcing one child to perform sex acts on another all constitute sexual abuse.
She was an 8 month old female from
a neighboring region who was diagnosed to have shaken
baby syndrome after she presented with intra-ventricular
hemorrhage and acute subdural hematoma. Six of the
children were female. The physical abusers were mentioned
in six cases: father, 2; teacher, 2; neighbor, 1; and relative, 1.
History/witnessed event of genital penetration of the mouth, genitalia, or anusa
Abuse/assault by a stranger
Abuse/assault by someone known to have an STI or at high risk for STI
Child shares same household/caregivers of another child with an STI from abuse/assault
Child has signs or symptoms of possible STI (burning, discharge, lesions)
Child already diagnosed with an STI (should be tested for all types of STIs)
Parent or child has concerns of exposure to an STI
The CDC recommends
■ Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM in a single dose (covers N gonorrhoeae) PLUS
■ Azithromycin 1 gram orally in a single dose (covers C trachomatis) PLUS
■ Metronidazole 2 grams orally in a single dose (covers T vaginalis) OR
■ Tinidazole 2 grams orally in a single dose (alternate for T vaginalis
Following acute sexual assault, if initial tests are negative and prophylaxis/
treatment was not provided, examination for STIs can be repeated approximately 2 weeks after the initial evaluation.
This would include repeat testing
for N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, and T vaginalis and visual inspection for
newly developing lesions.
Patients who are treated during the initial visit, regardless of whether
testing was performed, typically do not need repeat testing at 2 weeks post_x0002_assault, but still may benefit from follow-up examination to directly inquire
about symptoms and inspect for development of lesions. If the patient has
been sexually active following the assault, follow-up laboratory testing
could be considered.32
Child abuse and neglect also has been associated with
certain regions of the brain failing to form, function, or
grow properly. For example, a history of maltreatment
may be correlated with reduced volume in overall brain
size and may affect the size and/or functioning of the
following brain regions (Bick & Nelson, 2016):
The amygdala, which is key to processing emotions
The hippocampus, which is central to learning and
memory
The orbitofrontal cortex, which is responsible for
reinforcement-based decision-making and emotion
regulation
The cerebellum, which helps coordinate motor
behavior and executive functioning
The corpus callosum, which is responsible for left
brain/right brain communication and other processes
(e.g., arousal, emotion, higher cognitive abilities)