CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DYSFUNCTION AND PATHS TOWARD MALADJUSTMENT - TARGETS FOR INTERVENTION

This article discusses a range of conditions that reflect maladjustment or untoward functioning of children and adolescents. The scope of psychological dysfunctions, at-risk behaviors, and untoward conditions that affect children and adolescents are highlighted. Clinical dysfunctions that emerge in early development, the importance of considering development in identifying dysfunction, and changing patterns of dysfunction are discussed. Examples of at-risk behaviors (e.g., substance use and abuse, sexual activity, delinquent and antisocial acts) and conditions to which youths are exposed (eg., physical and sexual abuse and neglect, changes in family constellations, and homelessness) are illustrated to convey the breadth of threats to child and adolescent development. The article ends with a discussion of the critical role of bask research to understand mechanisms underlying dysfunction and adjustment, and of evaluation (assessment) in clinical, treatment, and service programs designed to help youth and their families.