Midwest Publishing Association Award of Excellence

Since its origin in the early 1980s, the field of developmental psychopathology has become a highly influential framework for approaching the clinical treatment of children.Until now there has been no effort to integrate this framework with a Christian understanding of psychopathology.

The essays in this volume break new ground by providing Christian mental health professionals with a theoretically and empirically sound basis for working with children, adolescents and families. Throughout the book, the authors explore three integrative themes, looking at children as divine gifts, as persons and as agents in their own development.

Given the deep biblical and theological interest in children and the "least of these," there is great potential in this integrative work for mutual enrichment. Christian insights help to prevent the scientific study of the developmental process from being reductive. At the same time, research into the biological, sociocultural and psychological dimensions of human development can serve to inform and guide Christian practices of care and hospitality toward children and families. Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology makes an important contribution to a conversation that is still in its infancy.

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.



Sarah E. Hall (PhD, Pennsylvania State University) is associate professor of psychology, counseling, and family therapy at Wheaton College. With Kelly S. Flanagan she is the coeditor of Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology.



Kelly S. Flanagan (PhD, Pennsylvania State University) is clinical director of a pediatric development center in northwestern Illinois. She previously worked as associate professor of psychology and PsyD program director at Wheaton College.



Introduction



1 Overview of Developmental Psychopathology and Integrative Themes



Kelly S. Flanagan and Sarah E. Hall



Section I: Intrapersonal Influences



2 Temperament



Amy Mezulis, Kaitlin A. Harding and Melissa R. Hudson



3 Emotion Regulation



Sarah E. Hall



Section II: Interpersonal Influences



4 The Parent-Child Relationship



Winston Seegobin



5 The Marital and Parental Dyad



Mari L. Clements, Tara A. Guarino and Laura C. Bartos



6 Peer Relationships



Kelly S. Flanagan, Sarah L. Kelly and Amy Peeler



Section III: Treatment and Prevention



7 Prevention and the Promotion of Thriving



Pamela Ebstyne King and Casey Erin Clardy



8 Intervention: Applying a Developmental Psychopathology Framework



Sally S. Canning, Kelly S. Flanagan, Jennifer Hailey and Emely de la O



Section IV: Application from Theoretical Orientations



9 Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Approaches to Treatment



Jana D. Pressley and Kristin K. Vanden Hoek



10 Behavioral Approaches to Treatment



Amanda M. Blackburn, Christine Weisgerber and Michelle Shelley



11 Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Treatment



Donald F. Walker, Katherine Partridge, Anastasia Whitesell, Brittany Montes and Sarah E. Hall



12 Family Systems Approaches to Treatment



Sandra Y. Rueger and David van Dyke



Appendix A: Case Formulation Worksheet



Appendix B: Developmental Trajectory Map



Appendix C: Select Examples of Evidence-Based Treatments



References



Subject Index



"What I really appreciate about this book—in addition to its excellent coverage of a range of issues in child psychology—is its unique incorporation of fresh theological views about children's value and voice, helping us see children anew in all their complexity and wonder. Children themselves will be among its many beneficiaries!"



"This book is among the greatest achievements in the integration literature in recent decades. Not only do the editors and authors address the importance of a developmental look at psychopathology, they do so in a way that honors the best of the integration tradition. Drs. Flanagan and Hall frame the conversation in a sophisticated theological context, and each chapter contributor offers religious and spiritual implications as well as practical suggestions."



"The editors should be commended for developing an edited work that generally reads like a single-authored book. . . . This book is highly appropriate to use as a textbook in graduate courses in either child psychology or child psychopathology in integrative clinical programs. It is also a must read for any practitioner working with children or adolescents, while many adult clinicians would find it useful, by increasing their understanding of normal and abnormal developmental trajectories. Insum, Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology is a substantial contribution to the Christian integration literature, by successfully providing 'a more nuanced view of children and families' and 'a more integrated approach to treatment' (p. 12)."



"Kelly S. Flanagan and Sarah E. Hall, in Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology, have pulled together an excellent resource for Christians who work with troubled children. The authors of the chapters are authoritative experts in their respective areas, and this book will more than repay the reading. If you want to understand troubled children and how to help them, this is required reading."