Psychology 2042A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Clinical Formulation, Nomothetic, Critical Role
30 Apr 2018
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Chapter 4- Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment (pg. 83-90):
Clinical issues:
The decision-making process:
• Mental health clinicians have to systematically consider many important qs understand
child’s basic prob(s) and ake diagnoses and devise treatment plans= sort through factors
bring to attention prof and check alt hyps
• Ongoing decision-making process aimed finding answers immediate and long-term qs
about nature and course child’s disorder and optimal treatment
• Clinical assessment- use systematic prob-solving strats understand children w
disturbances and fam and school envs (typ beginning decision-making process)
• Strategies- should be based sci evidence and clinical expertise- form basis flexible and
ongoing process hyp testing regarding nature prob, causes and likely outcomes if prob
treated as opposed leaving untreated
• Ultimate goal assessment achieve effective solutions probs kids and fams face and
promote and enhance well-being- close and cont partnership b/w ass and intervention
vital, shouldn’t be viewed as separate processes
• Idiographic case formulation- obtain detailed understanding individual child/ fam as
unique entity
• Nomothetic formulation- emph broad gen inferences apply large groups individs (ex: kids
w depressive disorder)
• Begin decision making w assessment, can range from clinical interview w child and
parents to more structured behav assessments and psych testing= collaborative process
• Adults play critical role def child’s prob and providing info, part imp est rapport w them
and active fam and techer involve important assessment and intervention
Developmental considerations:
Age, gender and culture:
• Age has implications not only judgements
about deviancy but also selecting most approp
assessment and treatment methods
• Gender difs rates and expression childhood
disorders
• Most childhood disorders ident and def by
adults, usually b/c find symptoms part salient/
troublesome- overactivity and aggression
more common boys than girls, girls tend
express probs less observable ways such as
sadness, fear and shame so boys may receive
excess referrals and girls may be overlooked
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