CHILD ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
CONTENT
For each disorder you have to know for exam:
1. Diagnostic criteria and match it to case study
2. Possible differential diagnosis
3. Developmental considerations (Typical development &
Developmental theories in children and teens that explains or
is interrupted by the disorder) eg) attachment style, eriksons
development
4. Aetiology/Causes: Use the 4Ps (Predisposing, Precipitating,
Perpetuating, and Protective) or the Biopsychosocial model
to case study aetiology/causes of disorder
5. Treatment approach best suited for the case and the disorder,
and take into consideration the SA context, and try to
substantiate your answer.
Table of Contents
1. Main Psychological Theories of Development
Page 2
2. Typical Development
Page 6
, 3. The 4Ps and Aetiology
Page 8
Developmental Theories
1. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
Erikson’s theory outlines eight stages of psychosocial development from infancy to late adulthood.
Each stage presents a crisis or conflict that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality.
Stage Age Range Crisis Virtue
1. Trust vs. 0-1 year Developing trust Hope A sense of security and trust in the world develops.
Inconsistent care or neglect leads to mistrust, anxiety, and
Mistrust when caregivers suspicion towards the environment.
provide reliable
care
2. Autonomy 1-3 years Asserting Will
vs. independence; Success in this stage leads to autonomy and self-confidence.
Shame/Doubt failure leads to Overly restrictive or critical caregivers may cause children to feel
shame and doubt their abilities.
shame
3. Initiative vs. 3-6 years Initiating Purpose
Children assert power and control through directing play and
Guilt activities; other social interactions.
exploring the Successful outcomes foster initiative, leadership, and decision-
making skills.
world Criticism or discouragement results in feelings of guilt, inhibiting
4. Industry vs. 6-12 years Mastering social Competence their initiative and causing self-doubt.
Inferiority and academic
skills achieving competence in school and social activities.
Encouragement = industry, pride, and accomplishment. Failure,
5. Identity vs. 12-18 years Developing a Fidelity criticism, = inferiority and a lack of confidence.
Role Confusion strong sense of
identity Adolescents explore their sense of self, values, beliefs, and future
roles.
Successful navigation of this stage leads to a strong personal
identity and sense of direction.
Failure to develop a clear identity results in role confusion,
insecurity, and uncertainty about one’s place in society.
6. Intimacy vs. Young Forming intimate Love
Isolation adulthood relationships
7. Generativity Middle Contributing to Care
vs. Stagnation adulthood society through
work/family
8. Integrity vs. Late Reflecting on life Wisdom
Despair adulthood with satisfaction
or regret
Key Concepts:
Ego identity: How individuals see themselves in relation to the social world.
Psychosocial crises: Developmental challenges specific to each life stage.
CONTENT
For each disorder you have to know for exam:
1. Diagnostic criteria and match it to case study
2. Possible differential diagnosis
3. Developmental considerations (Typical development &
Developmental theories in children and teens that explains or
is interrupted by the disorder) eg) attachment style, eriksons
development
4. Aetiology/Causes: Use the 4Ps (Predisposing, Precipitating,
Perpetuating, and Protective) or the Biopsychosocial model
to case study aetiology/causes of disorder
5. Treatment approach best suited for the case and the disorder,
and take into consideration the SA context, and try to
substantiate your answer.
Table of Contents
1. Main Psychological Theories of Development
Page 2
2. Typical Development
Page 6
, 3. The 4Ps and Aetiology
Page 8
Developmental Theories
1. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
Erikson’s theory outlines eight stages of psychosocial development from infancy to late adulthood.
Each stage presents a crisis or conflict that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality.
Stage Age Range Crisis Virtue
1. Trust vs. 0-1 year Developing trust Hope A sense of security and trust in the world develops.
Inconsistent care or neglect leads to mistrust, anxiety, and
Mistrust when caregivers suspicion towards the environment.
provide reliable
care
2. Autonomy 1-3 years Asserting Will
vs. independence; Success in this stage leads to autonomy and self-confidence.
Shame/Doubt failure leads to Overly restrictive or critical caregivers may cause children to feel
shame and doubt their abilities.
shame
3. Initiative vs. 3-6 years Initiating Purpose
Children assert power and control through directing play and
Guilt activities; other social interactions.
exploring the Successful outcomes foster initiative, leadership, and decision-
making skills.
world Criticism or discouragement results in feelings of guilt, inhibiting
4. Industry vs. 6-12 years Mastering social Competence their initiative and causing self-doubt.
Inferiority and academic
skills achieving competence in school and social activities.
Encouragement = industry, pride, and accomplishment. Failure,
5. Identity vs. 12-18 years Developing a Fidelity criticism, = inferiority and a lack of confidence.
Role Confusion strong sense of
identity Adolescents explore their sense of self, values, beliefs, and future
roles.
Successful navigation of this stage leads to a strong personal
identity and sense of direction.
Failure to develop a clear identity results in role confusion,
insecurity, and uncertainty about one’s place in society.
6. Intimacy vs. Young Forming intimate Love
Isolation adulthood relationships
7. Generativity Middle Contributing to Care
vs. Stagnation adulthood society through
work/family
8. Integrity vs. Late Reflecting on life Wisdom
Despair adulthood with satisfaction
or regret
Key Concepts:
Ego identity: How individuals see themselves in relation to the social world.
Psychosocial crises: Developmental challenges specific to each life stage.
