Poetry from Christina Chin

Winter’s Edge

raw bonito 

the chef’s knife trembles 

with last year’s debt 

a helping hand

on the slippery slopes

winter mountain

frostbites

her withered hands

warms his

waiting alone—

good company around

the winter fountain

Poetry from Shafkat Aziz Hajam

Young South Asian guy with dark glasses and a plaid collared shirt.

MY CHILDHOOD

Of my world, in my childhood,  

I was the king.  

I could enjoy freely everything.  

I was the king without a crown.  

I would wander around the village or the town.  

I knew no right and wrong;

 For my pleasure I would sing any familiar song.  

I would laugh at everyone’s grief,  

As long as I wished.  I would sleep  

Wherever I wished, I would play  

In the kitchen or on the way.  

I didn’t know It was bad.  

If I was stopped, I felt sad.  

Now I am grown up and I know 

What to do and where to go.

Shafkat Aziz Hajam is a children’s poet. He writes for little children and adult children. He is the author of two children poetry books titled as The Cuckoo’s Voice and Tawheed Islamic Rhymes. He has also authored one adult poetry book titled as The Unknown Wounded Heart. His poems have appeared in international magazines and anthologies like Wheel song anthology UK based, Prodigy, digital literary magazines based in the USA, Inner Child Press International USA and translated works in a Lebanese anthology.

Essay from Maftuna Sultonova

Young Central Asian woman with long dark hair in a ponytail, brown eyes, small earrings, and a white sweater.

Human Dignity

One of the most pressing global issues today is human dignity. Whether viewed from a religious perspective or from the standpoint of science, a human being is a conscious and intellectually developed entity. The difference between humans and animals does not lie in appearance or the ability to speak. Humans possess qualities that no other living being on Earth has—wisdom, intellect, perception, thinking, and memory. From a religious point of view as well, sacred scriptures state that humans are the most perfected creation of God.

Without straying from our topic, let us reflect on how human dignity is measured today. What is human dignity? In my opinion, human dignity means that in every society individuals—people—respect one another, refrain from various conflicts, stay away from insulting words, extend a helping hand to each other selflessly, and do not use this help for personal gain.

Among the worst vices that trample on human dignity are human trafficking, the trade in human organs, the violence and aggressive acts currently being committed against innocent young girls, and the deaths of innocent people in wars caused by conflicts between states. Human dignity stands above everything else. Just as many people measure happiness with money, they also measure human worth with money—this is degradation. Human dignity is reflected in every good deed, in selfless charity, and in a sincere smile.

Never trample on your own dignity or the values of others for the sake of mere paper money! After all, all the problems in society stem from this.

Poetry from Scott C. Holstad

5 poems from my haiCU series (haiku Cut-Up series)

 

no remorse no joke

mixed reactions die          

American bombing love  

no remorse no joke

newly mopped bar wax

chemicaled beer swag     

putting dance moves on carnage 

newly mopped bar wax   

bangtail bubblegum

arrested archives   

faux intelligentsia 

bangtail bubblegum

happy lips gob smacked

in the frozen weeds

surgical chocolate drinks 

happy lips gob smacked

homeless city bones

nighttime is brutal 

haunted by what could have been – 

homeless city bones

Poet/Author Scott C. Holstad’s newest book of poems, Surviving Immortality Again, was released in 2025 by Alien Buddha Press. His haiku, fragments, found poetry, Cut-Up works and other experiments, as well as more traditional works, have recently appeared in dadakuku, Five Fleas, Misfit, Libre, Cosmic Daffodil Journal, Synchronized Chaos, haiQu fOO, miniMAG, smols, Mad Swirl and Blood+Honey. He lives in Pennsylvania.

https://hankrules2011.com

X@tangledscott 

IG: @scottsmusicshak 

Poetry from Shakespeare Okuni

Here Do the Ceremonies

Here do the ceremonies.
Here comes my messenger.
He is a kind of chameleon.
He has some meaning in his mad attire.
Here in this island we arrived and here –
Here is a box. I had it from the queen.
Here is a ring. I had it from the king.
Here, where you are, they are coming to perform it.
Herbwoman. Linguist. Soldieress.
Here come the clusters.
Here do the ceremonies.

This poem is from Shakespeare Okuni’s new poetry collection A Twist of Rotten Silk, available here.

Essay from Nurboboyeva Dilshoda Nodir qizi

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair up in a bun. Small earrings, white collared top, black vest.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EMOTIONAL STATE OF CHILDREN FROM DIVORCED FAMILIES

Turon University

Department of Psychology

3rd-year Student

Nurboboyeva Dilshoda Nodir qizi

ABSTRACT

This article provides a psychological analysis of the emotional states observed in children from divorced families. During the divorce process, children often experience various emotional reactions such as grief, fear, anger, anxiety, and difficulties in social relationships. The article examines age-related differences in these reactions, including low self-esteem, changes in parental interactions, deficiencies in personal coping mechanisms, and failures in social relationships. Additionally, the study explores methods of psychological adaptation and stress management for children through parental involvement and professional psychological support. The findings indicate that appropriate psychological approaches help enhance children’s emotional stability and contribute to the formation of healthy social relationships in the future.

KEYWORDS

Divorce, children, emotional state, psychological analysis, mental health, parents, stress management.

INTRODUCTION

A stable family environment plays a crucial role in every child’s emotional and psychological development. However, the process of divorce fundamentally alters the family system and introduces significant stress and emotional difficulties into children’s lives. Research shows that children from divorced families often experience various psychological reactions, including grief, fear, anger, anxiety, and difficulties in social interactions.

These reactions vary depending on the child’s age. Younger children tend to experience anxiety and uncertainty, middle school-aged children often face social difficulties and low self-esteem, while older children may struggle with personal conflicts and stress-related behaviors. In addition, changes in parental relationships, lack of family support, and negative environmental factors significantly affect children’s psychological stability.

This article aims to psychologically analyze the emotional states of children from divorced families, identify age-specific psychological characteristics, and explore ways to improve stress management and emotional adaptation. The findings demonstrate that proper psychological approaches enhance emotional stability and support the development of healthy social relationships.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE AND JUSTIFICATION

The main objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth psychological analysis of the emotional states experienced by children from divorced families, identifying their emotional reactions, sensitivity to stress, and social and psychological adaptation characteristics. The research seeks to determine how the divorce process affects children’s mental well-being, examine age- and gender-related differences in these effects, and identify effective directions for psychological support.

Modern psychological research indicates that family separation significantly impacts children’s psychological development, leading to increased difficulties in the following areas:

1. Emotional Uncertainty and Grief

Children from divorced families often experience heightened anxiety, grief, and feelings of loneliness due to parental conflict, tension during the divorce process, and changes in family relationships.

In younger children, these emotions primarily manifest as anxiety and sadness.

In middle school-aged children, depressive moods, low self-esteem, and loneliness are more common.

In older children, emotional struggles and internal conflicts are frequently observed.

2. Difficulties in Social Adaptation

Children may experience challenges in communicating with peers, classmates, and teachers. Family-related stress and uncertainty can cause social withdrawal or increased irritability, negatively affecting academic performance and social success.

3. Stress and Behavioral Changes

When experiencing psychological discomfort, children develop various stress-coping mechanisms, such as displaying anger, withdrawing into sadness, or engaging in attention-seeking behaviors. These behaviors directly affect psychological stability and require continuous support throughout development.

4. Age- and Gender-Specific Differences

Younger children often struggle to verbalize their emotions, leading stress and grief to manifest through behavior. Middle school-aged children commonly exhibit depressive symptoms and low self-esteem, negatively affecting school performance and social adjustment. Older children may face internal conflicts, emotional struggles, and difficulties in independent decision-making.

5. Necessity of Psychological Support

The research findings provide parents, educators, and psychologists with practical recommendations for improving children’s emotional well-being. Such support enhances emotional stability, improves social adaptation, and reduces the negative impact of divorce.

Thus, the psychological analysis of emotional states in children from divorced families holds not only scientific but also practical significance. It enables the identification of developmental challenges, analysis of age- and gender-specific characteristics, and formulation of strategies to reduce stress and emotional discomfort.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM AND ITS SOLUTION

In contemporary society, the increasing rate of family divorce has become a pressing social and psychological issue. Emotional changes in children from divorced families negatively affect not only their personal development but also their social adaptation. Psychological studies indicate that children’s emotional well-being is influenced by several factors:

1. Changes in Parental Relationships

Parental separation affects children’s worldview, sense of security, and trust. Some children experience heightened anxiety and depression, while others develop emotional withdrawal.

2. Emotional and Psychological Stress

Divorce serves as a major source of stress for children. The duration and intensity of stress depend on the child’s age, gender, and the circumstances of the divorce.

3. Social and School Environment Challenges

Children may face difficulties interacting with classmates, withdraw socially, or become passive. In some cases, anger and aggressive behavior emerge, negatively affecting social integration.

4. Decreased Psychological Resilience

Divorce negatively influences children’s emotional responses, behavior regulation, and stress tolerance, potentially leading to long-term consequences for mental health and personal development.

A key scientific problem lies in the lack of systematic and evidence-based approaches to analyzing the emotional states of children from divorced families. Many existing studies are limited to individual cases or lack statistical generalization, highlighting the need for comprehensive and in-depth psychological analysis.

WAYS TO ADDRESS THE SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM

1. Psychological Assessment and Monitoring

Specialized tests, observational methods, and interviews are used to assess children’s emotional states, including stress, grief, anger, anxiety, and social adaptation. Diagnostic approaches are tailored to age and gender differences.

2. Consideration of Age and Individual Characteristics

Children respond emotionally in different ways depending on their developmental stage. Younger children may not understand divorce and experience intense anxiety, while older children may feel loneliness or emotional isolation. This approach is essential for individualized psychological support.

3. Development of Social and Psychological Support Programs

Based on research findings, individual and group counseling sessions, psychological training, and therapy programs can be implemented to enhance emotional stability, self-regulation, and social adaptation.

4. Recommendations for Parents and Educators

Parents and educators should better understand children’s emotional states and apply supportive strategies such as regular communication, emotional support, positive reinforcement, and stress-reducing activities.

5. Generalization of Scientific and Practical Findings

Research outcomes can be used to develop academic articles, methodological guidelines, and practical recommendations, systematizing psychological approaches for working with children from divorced families.

Studying the emotional states of children from divorced families and establishing psychological support systems is a crucial scientific and practical task. The results contribute to improving emotional resilience, reducing stress, enhancing social adaptation, and mitigating the negative impact of family separation.

CONCLUSION

Psychological analysis of the emotional states of children from divorced families is a highly relevant and important issue. Family separation significantly affects children’s emotional and psychological development. Research indicates that children from divorced families frequently experience anxiety, grief, anger, and emotional withdrawal, and in some cases exhibit social aggression.

Age and individual characteristics play a critical role in this process. Younger children may experience greater stress due to limited understanding of divorce, while older children often face loneliness, emotional isolation, and academic difficulties. Therefore, psychological interventions must be tailored to individual needs.

The findings show that psychological training, group activities, and individual counseling are effective in supporting children, while parental and educator involvement significantly enhances emotional stability. This study holds both scientific and practical value, offering a systematic framework for psychological support and intervention.

Overall, the research highlights the importance of analyzing emotional states, providing targeted support, and developing appropriate psychological programs to ensure healthy emotional and social development. It contributes to reducing the negative psychological effects of divorce, improving stress management, and promoting social adaptation in children from divorced families.

REFERENCES

Ahmadaliev, S. (2018). Child Psychology and Family Influence. Tashkent: Fan va Tekhnika.

Boboev, R. (2016). Family Divorce and Emotional Development of Children. Tashkent: Yoshlar Publishing House.

Kaplan, H., Sadock, B. (2012). Psychiatry and Psychology. Moscow: Mir.

Petrova, E. V. (2015). Children in Divorce: Psychological Consequences. Saint Petersburg: Piter.

Amato, P. R. (2000). The consequences of divorce for adults and children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 1269–1287.

Kelly, J. B., Emery, R. E. (2003). Children’s adjustment following divorce: Risk and resilience perspectives. Family Relations, 52(4), 352–362.

Sun, Y., Li, Y. (2009). Effects of family structure and parental involvement on children’s well-being. Social Indicators Research, 94(1), 105–120.

Cherlin, A. J. (2009). The Marriage-Go-Round: The State of Marriage and the Family in America Today. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Mamedova, G. (2017). Psychological Support for Children from Single-Parent Families. Baku: Elm.

Johnson, R. (2010). Children of Divorced Families: Emotional and Social Adjustment. London: Routledge.

Essay from Sevinch Farxodova  

Young Central Asian woman in a black coat and black pants standing on a road near a park with lots of trees on a sunny day.

Sevinch Farxodova   Buxoro davlat pedagogika instituti Xorijiy til va adabiyoti ta’lim yo‘nalishi  1-kurs talabasi

Annotation: This article highlights the importance of gender equality in social development, the challenges to achieving it, and the reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan. It also proposes measures to promote gender equality.

Keywords: Gender equality, human rights, education, women’s rights, economic opportunities, legislation, Uzbekistan.
Gender Equality: The Foundation of Social Development

One of the key factors in societal development is gender equality. Gender equality means that men and women have equal rights, opportunities, and conditions in all aspects of life. It is not only a matter of human rights but also an essential part of social, economic, and cultural progress. Unfortunately, many countries around the world have yet to achieve full gender equality. In Uzbekistan, while changes are taking place, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.

The Importance of Gender Equality Gender equality is not just about protecting women’s rights; it also contributes to the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole. Countries where women actively participate in the economy develop more rapidly because half of the population is engaged in social and economic processes. Moreover, societies that promote gender equality tend to have better education systems, more stable families, and lower levels of violence.

Research has shown that companies led by both men and women perform more efficiently, as diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making. Therefore, gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a factor that drives progress and productivity.

Challenges and Causes of Gender Inequality

One of the biggest obstacles to gender equality is deep-rooted historical and cultural traditions. In many societies, women have traditionally been expected to take care of household duties and raise children, while men have been seen as the primary breadwinners. These stereotypes still persist in many places today.

Another major challenge is limited access to education for women. In some families, girls are still not given the same educational opportunities as boys, and early marriage is often prioritized over their academic and career growth. As a result, women are unable to fully develop their potential in fields such as science, business, and politics.

Gender inequality is also evident in the workplace. Women often receive lower salaries than men, have fewer opportunities for promotion, and face discrimination throughout their careers. These issues remain major barriers to achieving full gender equality.

Gender Equality in Uzbekistan: Current Situation and Achievements

In recent years, Uzbekistan has made significant progress in promoting gender equality. More attention is being given to female education, programs supporting women entrepreneurs have been introduced, and gender-related legislation is being improved. Schools are encouraging girls to pursue education, and various initiatives aim to increase female participation in the workforce.

Additionally, the government has launched financial support programs for women entrepreneurs, and the number of women in public service is steadily increasing. These developments are important steps toward achieving gender equality in the country.

However, full gender equality has not yet been reached. In rural areas, many women still have limited social and economic opportunities. Domestic violence and gender discrimination remain pressing issues that require further action.

What Needs to Be Done to Achieve Gender Equality?

To achieve gender equality, societal attitudes must change. This transformation should start with education. From an early age, both boys and girls should be given equal opportunities to explore different fields and pursue their dreams.

Laws protecting women’s rights should be strengthened, and effective mechanisms for enforcing gender equality must be put in place. Employers should ensure fair working conditions for both men and women, providing equal pay and opportunities for career advancement.

Furthermore, respect for women should be promoted within families and society as a whole. Women should be encouraged to participate in economic and social activities, and they should believe in their own potential, seeking education and career development.

Conclusion:

Gender equality is not just a human rights issue; it is also a driving force for social progress. Ensuring equal rights for men and women contributes to the overall development of society, leading to stability and prosperity. Each of us has a role to play in this process—whether in education, the workplace, or within our families. Only by working together can we achieve true equality and build a fair and just society for future generations.

References:

1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025. New York: UNDP.

2. World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Geneva: WEF.

3. **Uzbekistan National Statistics Committee.

4. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025. New York: UNDP.

5. World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Geneva: WEF.

6. Uzbekistan National Statistics Committee. (2022). Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Uzbekistan: Progress and Challenges. Tashkent.