Theories & Causes Chapter 2

Outline Theoretical foundations of child psychopathology Theoretical perspectives Biological Emotional: Temperament Behavioral Cognitive (& CBT) Sociocultural

Theoretical Foundations & Key Terms Etiology = the cause of a disorder Abnormal development is multiply determined Many possible explanations Genetic factors, reinforcement/learning history, home & school environment Every disorder is the result of the interaction of environment & genetics Child & environment are interdependent Transaction = child (biology) influences environment AND environment influences child (biology) Nature and nurture work together & are interconnected Stress diathesis model

Biological Perspective Brain is the underlying cause of psychopathology Neurons = brain cells Carry electrical signals to other parts of the brain Connections between neurons = synapses During childhood, synapses multiply; selective pruning reduces number of connections Brain adapts to meet environmental needs = neural plasticity Brain’s anatomical differentiation is use dependent (“use it or lose it”) Neural connections that are used are strengthened & maintained. Those not used disappear Brain development occurs across lifespan

Biological Perspective Hormones released into bloodstream have implications for MH disorders E.g., epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline) produced in response to stress Neurotransmitters Chemicals in the brain Send messages throughout the brain Implicated (too much or too little) in many psychological disorders Related to treatment – psychoactive drugs work by increasing or decreasing particular NTs

Emotional Perspective: Temperament Organized style of behavior appearing early in development, shaping child’s approach to environment and vice versa Temperament is part of child’s personality 3 temperamental styles: Positive affect and approach: “Easy child” – approachable & adaptive to environment (flexible); possesses ability to regulate eating, sleeping, & toileting relatively smoothly Fearful or inhibited: “Slow to warm up child” – cautious in approach to novel, challenging situations. Variability in self regulation & adaptability; may show distress or negativity in some situations Negative affect or irritability: “Difficult child” – predominantly negative or intense in mood, arrhythmic, not very adaptable. Some show distress when faced with novel or challenging situations; others prone to general distress or irritability

Emotional Perspective: Temperament Connection between temperament and psychopathology? Some early temperamental styles are associated with particular mental health d/os Early temperamental style can interact with parenting in a way that can lead to later child psychopathology (fit between child, environment, & interaction)

Behavioral Perspective Learning shapes children’s behavior Change behavior by examining (and making changes to) situation or environment (this = behavior therapy)

Behavioral Perspective – Operant Conditioning (Reinforcement) (Punishment) Present Stimulus Positive Reinforcement (give candy) Positive Punishment (give chores) Remove Stimulus Negative Reinforcement (take away chores) Negative Punishment (take away money)

Behavioral Perspective – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Treatment application of operant conditioning Originated from B.F. Skinner Relationships between behavior and its antecedents and consequences positive and negative reinforcement increase target response extinction and punishment decrease target response

Behavioral Perspective – Classical Conditioning US Noise UR Fear US Noise Rat UR Fear + CS Rat CR Fear

Claire Claire used to enjoy school. She returns from summer break in 3rd grade and begins getting bullied every day at school. She feels afraid and sad. She begins dreading school, feels sick to her stomach in the mornings, and eventually starts telling her parents that she feels too sick to go to school. She stays at home several days a week over three months. Her stomach aches improve when she is at home, and when she is at home, she returns to her playful, curious, happy self.

Cognitive Perspective & CBT Cognitive theories focus on role of thoughts in understanding behavior “I’m the stupidest person in my class” “What if my mom never comes back to pick me up from school?” Cognitive therapy Change behavior by examining (and changing) thought patterns Most commonly – cognitive behavioral therapy Relationship between thoughts, behaviors, & feelings

Family, Social, & Cultural Perspective Environment is important in understanding child psychopathology Child’s environment is constantly changing Environment can be stressful Some stressors help children grow & develop Some stressors are toxic

Case: Amanda How would your theory explain the causes of the patient’s behaviors/symptoms? How might your theory think about approaching treatment? What questions do you have as a psychologist representing your theoretical perspective?