Exam 1 Flashcards
(57 cards)
What are Research Studies in abnormal child psych intended for?
- Define normal and abnormal bx for different ages, sexes, and ethnic/cultural backgrounds
- Identify the cases and correlates of abnormal bx.
- Make predictions about long-term bx.
- Develop and evaluate methods for treatment and/or prevention.
What shows that a child has a developmental disorder?
A failure to show expected developmental progress.
What does Competence have to do with Abnormal bx?
Defining Abnormal child behavior has to take the child’s Competence into account.
Explain Developmental Tasks-
Example for infant/pre-schooler:
Middle childhood:
Adolescence:
A Developmental Tasks are broad domains of competence.
Infant/Pre-schooler: Attachment to caregiver and language skills development.
Middle childhood: Self-control and compliance; academic achievement; peer interactions.
Adolescence: Successful transition to high school and academic achievement; peer interactions.
Explain Developmental Pathways:
Development can occur in different ways-
Multifinality: Various outcomes that stem from similar beginnings. E.g.- Child abuse –> Eating/Mood/Conduct disorder.
Equifinality: Similar outcomes can stem from different beginnings. E.g.- Family Difficulties/Environmental features –> Conduct disorder.
What’s up with Defining an abnormal behavior?
Terms used to describe abnormal behavior are meant to define the behavior, not to describe the individual themself.
What is a Protective Factor?
A variable that Reduces the Risk for the child to Develop a Disorder.
Explain Resilience-
Children who survive risky environments by using their strong Self-confidence, Coping Skills, and Abilities to Avoid Risk.
What kind of children are disproportionately afflicted with mental health problems?
- Children from disadvantaged families and neighborhoods.
- Children from abusive or neglectful families.
- Children receiving inadequate child care or suffering from chronic forms of stress.
What does it look like for both boys and girls to Internalize problems? What are some example problems?
Boys and girls internalize about the same amount in early childhood, but girls grow over time while boys slightly increase until about age 12, then decrease creating a curved pattern.
E.g. problems: Anxiety and Depression.
What does it look like for both boys and girls to Externalize problems? What are some example problems?
Rates start out higher for boys during early childhood. Both genders decrease with boys slightly steeper than girls until they almost converge at 18.
Patterns of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or physical symptoms linked with one or more of-
- Distress
- Disability
- Increased risk for further suffering or harm.
Culture and circumstance matter.
What is the significance of Mental Health Problems among children?
- 1/8 children have a mental health issue.
- Others at risk.
- Indicators for adult disorders.
- Fewer than 10% get appropriate care.
- The need expected to double over next decade.
What are some types of environments that produce resilience in-
Boys?
Girls?
Boys-
- Male role model.
- Structure.
- Encouragement of emotional expression.
Girls-
- Combination of risk taking and independence in support from a female caregiver.
What affect does cultural issues have on development?
- Affect the reaction to child’s problems.
- Affect how problems are expressed and their outcomes.
What is a Risk Factor?
Examples-
A risk factor is a variable that precedes a negative outcome of interest.
Examples: Chronic poverty, care-giving deficits, death of a parent, disasters.
What are some reasons that children may be under-diagnosed?
- Lack of parental supervision.
- Poverty
Environmental Stressors may-
- Bring about poor adaptation or the onset of a disorder.
What impact does poverty have on children?
- More conduct problems, illness, emotional disorders.
What do Social and Cultural beliefs/values influence?
- The meaning given to behaviors.
- The way in which behaviors are responded to.
- The forms of expression and their outcomes
Give an example of a Risk Factor-
- Severe Poverty
- Maltreatment
- Death of a family member
What is on factor that promotes Resilience in the face of adversity?
Close relationship to a caring parent figure.
What is Multifinality?
Example-
Various outcomes that stem from one similar beginning.
Example: Severe poverty –> conduct disorder/depression/eating disorder.
What is one difference between externalizing and internalizing problems?
Externalizing is observable, internalizing is not.
Externalizing is more common in boys at early childhood.
