Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology: Foundations and Approaches (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)

Review "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. In sum, 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)." -- Keri L. Barnett, Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Sprin 2016 (Vol. 35, No. 1) Midwest Publishing Association Award of ExcellenceSince 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. Review "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." -- Mark R. McMinn, professor of psychology, George Fox University, and coauthor of Integrative Psychotherapy About the Author Kelly Flanagan (PhD, Penn State University) is professor of psychology and PsyD program director at Wheaton College. Her areas of interest and research include: developmental psychopathology, social development, peer relationships, and school-based mental health.Sarah Elizabeth Hall (PhD, Penn State University) is assistant professor of psychology at Wheaton College. Her research interests are in the area of emotion regulation in children, specifically the development of emotion regulation in early childhood and relations between emotion regulation and psychopathology.