Family Factors in Childhood Psychology

摘要: The weaknesses of psychiatric diagnosis in terms reliability, validity, and treatment implications have been spelled out the behavioral literature (e.g., Kanfer Saslow, 1969). Even recent refinements most widely used diagnostic system (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980) found wanting, particularly reference to childhood psychopathology (Cantwell, Russell, Mattison, Will, 1979). Simply stated, there are serious concerns about utility this classification as it is applied troubled children. These reflect not only obvious problem interrater agreement classifying child behaviors but also questions how proceed helping once a has made. That is, does any implication for treatment? Suppose that reliable valid diagnoses were available therapist. Although these would then permit designation targets, other important still remain unanswered: (a) If category encompasses multiple response excesses deficits, some components more crucial change targets than others? For example, particular skill deficit phobic children might prove be “keystone” component its category—keystone sense improvements reliably followed by components. (b) Do categories differ consequences environment control them? This question addresses stability behaviors, or prognosis behaviors. same behavior two likelihood they can changed, depending on environmental contexts maintaining contingencies. Thus, similarly aggressive living quite different environments, strategies may necessary.