Developmental Perspective children with psychological disorders vary in symptoms and causes But all have experienced some problem in development

Assumptions: Developmental processes are important Context is important Multiple factors interact in shaping adaptive and maladaptive development i.e. causal factors are COMPLEX

Developmental Pathways Refers to the sequence and timing of behaviors, and the relationship between them over time Two types of developmental pathways: multifinality: similar early experiences lead to different outcomes equifinality: different early experiences lead to a similar outcome

Developmental Pathways (cont.) Figure 1.1 (a) Multifinality: Similar early experiences lead to different outcomes; (b) Equifinality: Different factors lead to a similar outcome

A general developmental framework Biological context – organic influences Individual context – variables within the person Family context – parent/child relationships, family system, parenting strategies, etc. Social context – broad social relationships e.g. peer relationships, school Cultural context – larger social and cultural factors e.g. social class, ethnicity, nationality, etc.

Insert developmental framework picture here

What is the first question to ask? vignettes

Developmental psychopathology

Domains of development Biological Genetics – interactions between genes and environment “niche-picking” – children increasingly shape their own environments temperament types “goodness of fit” – meshing of temperament & demands of the environment

Domains of Development cont’ Cognitive magical thinking e.g. play shark/am a shark? understanding of causality cognitive distortions

Domains of Development cont’ Emotional Development emotion expression – influenced by caregivers social referencing – a way to judge meaning emotion understanding emotional regulation

Domains of Development cont’ Attachment patterns of attachment – quality of caregive/infant relationship secure insecure – ambivalent (resistant) - avoidant

To save this image, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Macintosh). Close window                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Thought Questions related to development How do you think family and social influences change over the course of development? What is your opinion of the macro model presented? Is there anything missing from the model or anything that you might remove?

Readings