Child Psychopathology Midterm Review

Flashcard set for reviewing child psychopathology midterm study topics including developmental pathways, perspectives, and clinical concepts.

What is the biological concept of Harmful Dysfunction?

The biological idea that distress/disability results from the failure of an internal mechanism (such as frontal lobe function, serotonin levels, etc.).

What does the IDEA legislation of 1975 require?

It requires free and appropriate education for children with special needs in the least restrictive, culturally appropriate environment and assessments.

What is the core principle of "Person first" language?

Placing the individual ahead of the disability.

What is an equifinality developmental pathway?

A pathway where similar outcomes stem from different early experiences and developmental pathways (equal, one final outcome; e.g., genetic predisposition, parenting approach, and environment all contributing to conduct disorder).

What is multifinality in child psychopathology?

Various outcomes stemming from similar beginnings (multiple outcomes; e.g., early childhood maltreatment leading to an eating disorder, mood disorder, conduct disorder, or normal adjustment).

How is a risk factor defined, and what are common examples?

A variable that makes one vulnerable for an outcome of interest (e.g., poverty, homelessness, discrimination, abuse, parental mental illness, disasters, divorce).

What is resilience, and what qualities is it associated with?

The ability to fight off or recover from misfortune; associated with strong self-confidence, coping skills, and avoiding risky situations.

What are externalizing problems, and what are their developmental/gender patterns?

Acting out behaviors (e.g., aggression, delinquency) that decrease with age and are more common in younger boys.

What are internalizing problems, and what are their developmental/gender patterns?

Internal feelings that are harder to see (e.g., anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms) that increase with age and are more common in girls.

How is a Theory defined in psychological science?

A language of science that allows us to assemble and communicate existing knowledge, as well as make educated guesses and predictions about behavior.

What three conditions indicate that a psychological disorder is present if 1 or more are present?

Distress, impairment/disability, or increased risk of further suffering/harm.

What is Etiology?

The study of the causes of disorders: biological, psychological, and environmental processes and interactions.

What is the Neurobiological perspective (biological perspective)?

Views the brain as the underlying cause of disorders plus experiences that play a critical role in brain development (e.g., prenatal environment, childhood illness, abuse).

What is the view on genetic influence & heredity in the biological perspective?

Genes contain genetic info from both parents; genes are malleable and responsive to the social environment.

How does brain structure influence mental illness in the biological perspective?

Impairment (e.g., frontal lobe impaired) or traumatic brain injuries can cause mental illness.

What is the role of the Endocrine system according to the biological perspective?

It produces hormones and is linked to anxiety and mood disorders (e.g., high cortisol = high stress).

How do Neurotransmitters relate to mood in the biological perspective?

They affect mood, but can be blocked with medications.

What did Freud theorize regarding Little Hans (1909)?

Freud theorized that Hans was afraid of horses because he was attracted to his mother, afraid of his father castrating him for it, and horses symbolized his father.

What are the characteristics of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) in the psychodynamic perspective?

Short-term and focused on improving relationships for 12-16 weeks; addresses developmental issues; effective for adolescent depression.

What is the foundational concept of the Behavioral perspective?

Abnormal (and normal) behavior is learned; it uses research, interventions, and assessments.

What is Classical Conditioning?

Learning by association; contingency between neutral and unconditioned stimuli where learning occurs automatically (e.g., Pavlov; Watson's Little Albert; UCS & UCR --> CS & CR).

What is Operant Conditioning, and how do reinforcement and punishment work?

Voluntary behavior is controlled by consequences (basis for parent training, behavior modification, and ABA). Positive adds something; negative removes something. Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases behavior.

What are examples for each of the four operant conditioning strategies?

Positive reinforcement: praise for good work, prize box. Negative reinforcement: take away homework for good behavior. Positive punishment: give extra homework for bad behavior. Negative punishment: take recess time away.

What is vicarious conditioning?

Modeling and observational learning where we learn by watching others; consequences do not need to be applied to ourselves as long as we watch someone else face consequences.

What is the Cognitive approach to psychopathology?

Abnormal behavior is caused by dysfunctional thoughts (e.g., catastrophizing, all-or-nothing, exaggerating, self-sabotage, overthinking); therapy focuses on replacing dysfunctional thoughts with healthier ones, often combined with behavioral approach (CBT).

What is Family systems therapy?

Examines the relationships between family members to understand and change a child's behavior; looks at dynamics and what is going on in the family; helps parents learn how to give effective commands.

What are Attachment styles in the family approach?

Working models of relationships, formed early on based on one's relationship with caregivers; insecure and disorganized attachment are associated with many disorders.

What is the Integrative Approach?

Considers relations between all factors and uses all perspectives to explain events.