1. Theories & Causes
Chapter 2

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. Behavioral Perspective – Classical ConditioningUS
Noise UR
Fear US
Noise
Rat UR
Fear + CS
Rat CR
Fear

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

16. 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?