chapter 1 (science & practice of abnormal child psych) Flashcards
harmful dysfunction
a definition of abnormal behaviour characterized by:
1. a failure of some internal mechanism to perform a function for which it was naturally selected
2. the failure causes harm
mental disorder
“a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behaviour that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.” (DSM-5)
sign
observable feature of a disorder (ex: hyperactivity, sluggish movement).
symptom
a subjective experience associated with a disorder (ex: anxiety, depressed mood).
APA ethics code
common set of principles and standards upon which psychologists build their professional and scientific work; other professions (ex: school psychologists, social workers) have similar ethics codes.
assent
agreement to participate in treatment or research provided by a person who is unable to give consent because of his or her age or cognitive ability.
categorical classification
diagnostic approach in which disorders are divided into mutually exclusive groups based on sets of essential criteria.
comorbidity
the presentation of two of more disorders in the same person at the same time.
competence
the education, training, and professional experience mental health professionals use to deliver evidence-based services; professionals must practice within its boundaries.
confidentiality
the expectation that information that children and families provide during the course of treatment will not be disclosed to others without their consent.
consent
a person’s informed and free decision to participate in treatment.
culture
values, knowledge, and practices that people derive from membership in social groups.
diagnostic specifier
a label that describes a relatively homogenous subgroup of individuals with a given disorder.
dimensional classification
diagnostic approach in which the severity of the individual’s distress and/or impairment is described on a continuum.
ethical principles
broad ideals or aspirational goals for the professional practice of psychology.
ethical standards
specific rules that guide professional practice in psychology.
ethics
principles and standards of a profession that ensure high-quality care and protect the rights and dignity of others.
ethnicity
a culturally constructed identity that is used to define groups of people and communities; it can be rooted in a common history, geographic location, language, religion, or shared experience that distinguishes that person or group from others.
evidence-based practice
the integration of empirical research with clinical expertise to help children and families in the context of their characteristics, culture, and preferences.
evidence-based treatments
psychotherapies and medications that have been shown in well-designed research studies to reduce children’s symptoms and improve their functioning.
incidence
the percentage of new cases of a disorder in a discrete period of time, usually 1 year.
multiple relationship
occurs when a therapist, who is in a professional role with a client, enters into another relationship with the same individual or a person closely associated with that individual; it can impair the objectivity and quality of care.
prevalence
the percentage of individuals in a given population who have a medical or psychological condition.
prototypical classification
diagnostic approach that is based on the degree to which the individual’s signs and symptoms map onto the ideal picture of the disorder.
psychotropic medications
prescription drugs used to treat psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
race
a culturally constructed category that can be used to divide people into groups based on superficial physical traits.
research domain criteria (RDoC) initiative
a program supported by NIMH to create a new system of classifying mental disorders based on underlying genetic and biological causes.
socioeconomic status (SES)
a composite covariable that reflects three aspects of a child’s environment:
!. parent’s level education
2. parent’s employment
3. family income
stigma
negative beliefs that can lead to fear, avoidance, and discrimination by others or shame and low self-worth in oneself.
