Developmental Psychopathology and Attachment Theory

Vocabulary flashcards covering developmental psychopathology, diagnostic systems, theoretical models, and attachment theory based on lecture notes.

Psychology

The multi-theoretical study of human behavior, focused inter-psychically on assisting patients experiencing suffering.

Syndrome

A collection of at least 4 to 5 observable symptoms that characterize a specific condition, such as schizophrenia.

Symptom

An observable phenomenon or sign indicative of a disorder or psychological condition.

Etiology

The origin, cause, or history of a specific disorder.

Prevalence

The frequency or rate with which a disorder occurs within a population.

Non-scientific or Spiritual Integrative Approach

An approach that is totally rejected in clinical practice because it is not deontologically correct.

Integrative Approach

A scientific methodology combining various theoretical models that takes into account the biological, psychological, and social dimensions (bio-psycho-social model) of an individual.

Theoretical Models Mnemonic

"Dapi A Posé Son Roller en Mode Cognitif !!!", representing Development, Attachment, Psychodynamic, Systemic, Relational, Regulation mode (temperament), and Cognitive/behavioral models.

0 to 3 Classification System

A diagnostic system designed for infants and young children structured across 5 axes: Axis 1 (primary diagnosis/relationship quality), Axis 2 (relationship disorder classification), Axis 3 (physical/neurological/developmental conditions), Axis 4 (psychosocial stress), and Axis 5 (emotional developmental functioning level).

Eclectic Approach

The practice of using components of various theoretical models side by side without modifying them or constructing a new combined theory.

Attachment Theory

An integrative meta-theory formulated by Bowlby to explain how early separations, emotional deprivation, and relational experiences shape a child's psychological and social development.

Harlow's Monkey Experiments

Studies demonstrating that physical proximity and comfort contact take priority over feeding when establishing an attachment bond during times of stress.

Attachment System

A binary (present or absent) neuro-physiological system constructed throughout life that functions to protect the human being and enable social and emotional survival.

Bonding

The parent-to-baby bond driven by oxytocin during early interactions, distinct from the child's attachment bond toward the caregiver.

Developmental Perspective (Bosma & Kunnen)

A framework combining attachment theory, psychoanalysis, and systemic approaches to evaluate how vulnerability, risk, and protective factors direct developmental trajectories.

Cumulative Risk Hypothesis

A concept by Rutter and Sameroff postulating that an accumulation of multiple risk factors heavily impairs developmental trajectories and causes attachment dysfunctions similar to maltreatment.

Primary Attachment Figure

The principal caregiver to whom a child turns for physical proximity and distress reduction, particularly under severe stress.