General principles in nature and nurture General Issues: 1.Individual differences in reactivity to environment 2.Two-way interplay between people and their environments (i.e. each impacts the other) 3.Need for ecological framework (look at broader context) 4.People are reactive rather than just passive 5.People are active/evocative on their environments 6.Individual characteristics change over time

Key Genetic Effects Substantially influential Most mental disorders are multi- determined Most mental disorders will involve multiple genes Genetic influences may apply to dimensional risk factors rather than specific disorders

Key Environmental Effects Substantially influential Hard to know about which environmental factors carry risk Some environmental effects are probably mediated by genetics

Family Issues/Interactions One common dilemma faced by child psychologists is determining who the “client” is. Given that children are typically brought to treatment by their parents, how would you handle a child who confides in you some illicit behavior and asks you not to tell his or her parents?

Family issues/interactions Given our growing awareness of the importance of cultural values and norms, how can we reconcile the parenting practices of parents from various cultures living in North America (e.g. spanking, using shame as discipline, alternative medical approaches)