Child Psychopathology Introduction What is abnormal child behavior? Historical views Material for today: Chapter 1

You ask a 12 year-old to draw a picture of their family. This is what they draw. What do you make of this?

What about this picture? Is it an abnormal one?

Is this child abuse?

Defining abnormality Impairment in adaptive functioning, dysfunctional behavior results Exaggerations of otherwise normal emotions, behaviors, or cognitive processes Poor adaptation to an environment Impairment in developmental progress Cultural context of behavior, e.g., how is bereavement dealt with in different cultures?

Historical views Physical punishment, banishment, death Mental retardation and psychological disorders were not distinguished <1900’s Disturbing behavior in children was seen as “moral insanity”, e.g., masturbatory insanity “Bad children” were then seen as having organic diseases, or requiring moral guidance and support during 1900’s Institutionalisation, children as “possessions” of parents, parents immune from criticism

Nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris and eleven-year-old Abigail Williams began to exhibit strange behavior, such as blasphemous screaming, convulsive seizures, trance-like states and mysterious spells. Within a short time, several other Salem girls began to demonstrate similar behavior. By what definitions was this abnormal behavior?

Prevalence of child mental health problems 3 million North American children receive services in a year this is only a fraction of children needing help – many more have “needs” at some point 20% have significant mental health problems and 10% meet diagnostic criteria what happens to the other children?

Risk factors in childhood Younger children and teens Low SES, disadvantaged homes, violent homes Low birth weight, poor prenatal care Parents with criminal or mental health histories Acute and chronically stressful situations

Resiliency: What factors “protect” your child? How does a child get a cold?? Self confidence, coping skills, avoiding risky situations, recovering from misfortune, dealing with stress Protective triad: Resources and health promoting events of child, family, and school/community At least one person is in tune with child needs Figure 1.2 of text

Differences between child and adult disorders With children, whose “problem” is it? Children may not show expected developmental progress many problem behaviors in childhood are not obviously “abnormal” interventions are designed to restore development rather than just previous level of functioning

CONCERN for children reflects current context of child mental health C = Child psychopathology is Common O = Ongoing difficulties throughout a life N = New pressures through rapid social change C = Costly outcomes throughout life E = Emergence into adolescence a critical time R = Resources and priorities are too limited N = Neglect and abuse of children is staggering