Developmental Psychopathology and Family Process

Developmental psychopathology seeks to unravel the complex connections among biological, psychological, and social-contextual aspects of normal and abnormal development. This volume presents the principles of the field in an integrative, accessible manner. The investigatory lens is focused on the primary context in which children develop the family. Reviewing research in such areas as attachment and parenting styles, marital functioning, and parental depression, the volume examines how these variables may influence developmental processes across a range of domains and, in turn, predict the emergence of clinical problems. Illuminated are the interplay of risk and protective factors, biological and contextual influences, and continuous and discontinuous patterns of development in childhood and adolescence. Also considered in depth are the ways in which the developmental psychopathology perspective points to new directions in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of child emotional and behavioural disorders. The volume features a wealth of figures, tables, and illustrative vignettes.

A remarkable achievement. I know of few books in the psychopathology field that do such a good job of integrating current theory with up-to-the-minute, state-of-the-art research, and none that does such a good job with a family systems approach. Exceptionally well written, the book breaks new ground in creating new and complex dynamic models of the mechanisms linking risks and outcomes. Many new studies are incorporated that I had not yet come across. All of my graduate students will have to read this book, and I will be using it frequently as a reference text.--Philip A. Cowan, PhD, Director, Institute of Human Development, University of California, BerkeleyThis book provides a rich analysis of extant theory and research on family influences and child development, including both psychopathology and resilience. The reader is helped to navigate a theoretically rich framework, challenged to grapple with difficult issues related to methodology, and provided with the 'state-of-the-art' knowledge derived from empirical research. The incorporation of a section on the clinical implications of this body of work serves to realize the full potential inherent in a developmental psychopathology perspective.--from the Foreword by Dante Cicchetti, PhD, Mt. Hope Family Center, University of RochesterThis superb volume is the best integration of material on the topic of developmental psychopathology that I have seen. It is a highly valuable introduction to the perspective and will be widely used and cited by students, scholars, and practitioners. New and exciting issues are highlighted throughout. In particular, the chapter on research methodology should be required reading for all graduate students in developmental psychology as well as clinical psychology.--Ross D. Parke, PhD, University of California, Riverside, Presidential Chair and Distinguished Professor in Psychology and Director, Center for Family Studies. -

E. Mark Cummings, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at West Virginia University. His numerous publications focus on the functioning of children in the family, and the significance of the family for children's adjustment and development. He is particularly concerned with the importance of emotional relationships and expressions. His work has been featured on 20/20, USA Today, CNN, and in the Washington Post and Parent's Magazine, among other media.