PSY 602 Chapter 1: Developmental Psych Chapter 1
21 Nov 2016
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Developmental Psychopathology Chapter One Textbook Notes
Introduction to Developmental Psychopathology
Defining and Identifying Abnormality
- Criteria for abnormality are primarily based on how a person is acting or what they are saying
- Psychological problems are viewed as atypical or abnormal, implying they deviate from the average,
however not all odd people have psychopathological problems; psychopathy is viewed as interfering with
adaptation and prevents people from negotiating developmental tasks
- Judgments about behavior rely on developmental norms which describe the typical rates of growth and
forms of physical, language, cognitive, social and emotional behaviors; delayed development says something
is wrong, as well as frequency, intensity or duration of behavior, and display of behavior in inappropriate
situations
- Many disorders are found across cultures but have cross-cultural differences, relating to rates and
expression, which create cultural norms about how disorders are viewed
- Ex. anxiety is expressed more physically in Asians and Latinos than in European Americans
- Ex. mothers in Israel believed in religious reasons as well as treatments for developmental delays
(demons, God punishing, use of praying or getting help from a rabbi)
- Ex. Asian American families view disabled children as less successful and hold lower expectations
- Gender norms have an influence, as males are expected to be aggressive and strong while females are
expected to be emotional and sensitive; less worried about an emotional girl than an emotional boy
- Referral of youth to mental health professionals has more to do wit the characteristics of
parents/doctors/teachers than the youth themselves, as they do not usually refer themselves for evaluation
- Enhanced knowledge and transitions in cultural beliefs have lead to changing views of abnormality
How Common Are Psychological Problems?
- Prevalence rates depend on who is reporting (ex. youth themselves vs. teachers), age, gender, etc
- Prevalence of disorders in 4-18 year olds was from 5.4-35.5%
- Societal change in the past century could account for increased risk for youth
- 2/3-3/4 of youth diagnosed do not receive adequate treatment
- Many disorders that carry the heaviest burden of adult death and disability are related to mental health and
are often first observed in youth; half of all adults with mental illness report symptoms starting at 14
How Are Developmental Level and Disorder Related?
- Chronological age is correlated with developmental level that makes some disorders more likely than
others; ex. developmental speech problems occur when children are first acquiring language skills but other
signs may appear gradually
- Knowing the typical age of onset can provide insight into the severity and outcome of a disorder, can lead to
prevention or help for the child, and can point to etiology (genetics/environment)
How Are Gender and Disorder Related?
- Males are more frequently affected with the exception of anxiety, depression and eating disorders
- Males are vulnerable to early onset disorders while females are prone to adolescent disorders (ED,
depression)
- Males tend to display physical aggression while females display relational aggression (gossip)
- Research can be biased as many clinical samples are biased towards boys as they are more disruptive and
are seen more in mental health facilities
- If only boys are studied then girls may not fit into the symptom criteria of a certain disorder even if she has
it
- Biological maturity occurs later in boys and the X and Y chromosomes are related to specific disorders
(nature), and girls and boys both have different sexual, emotional and social problems (nurture)
Historical Influences
- By the 17th century children were viewed as having physical, psychological and educational needs that
needed to be nurtured; by the 18th century they were seen as a product of sin, needy or as a blank slate; and
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