Chapter Four

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in child psychology.

Clinical Assessment

A process used to systematically gather information on a child’s emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Developmental History

Information gathered about a child's milestones, behaviors, and family background to understand current issues.

Semistructured Interviews

Interviews that combine structured questions with the flexibility to explore areas of concern in-depth.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A treatment approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional and behavioral outcomes.

Cultural Compatibility Hypothesis

The idea that treatment is more effective when it aligns with the cultural values and beliefs of the child and family.

Evidence-Based Treatments (EBTs)

Therapeutic interventions that have been scientifically tested and proven effective through research.

Multimethod Assessment Approach

Utilizing multiple methods and sources of information (e.g., interviews, checklists, observations) to assess a child's mental health.

Functional Analysis of Behavior

A method for identifying the antecedents and consequences of behaviors to understand their causes.

Comorbidity

The presence of two or more disorders in the same individual.

Prognosis

A prediction about the future course and outcome of a child's disorder based on current understanding and treatment.

Taxonomic Diagnosis

A formal assignment of a case to a specific category, such as those outlined in the DSM.

Intervention

Planned actions taken to treat or prevent disorders, focusing on enhancing the child's well-being.

Idiographic Case Formulation

An approach that focuses on the unique aspects of an individual child's situation in assessment.

Nomothetic Formulation

An approach that looks for general principles and common patterns across multiple children with similar disorders.

Cultural Syndromes

Patterns of co-occurring symptoms that are recognized within specific cultural contexts.

Behavioral Assessment

An evaluation method that focuses on directly observing a child's behaviors in natural settings.

Taxonomic Diagnosis vs. Problem Solving Analysis

Taxonomic diagnosis involves assigning a label to a disorder, whereas problem-solving analysis focuses on understanding the nature and causes of issues.

Treatment Effectiveness

The degree to which an intervention produces desired change in a child’s symptoms and functioning.

Best Practice Guidelines

Systematically developed recommendations derived from research to help clinicians provide effective treatments.

Neuropsychological Assessment

An evaluation of the relationship between brain function and behavior to inform treatment strategies.

Behavioral Treatment

An intervention strategy that aims to modify maladaptive behaviors through learning principles.