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Diathesis stress heuristic. Heuristic = aid to learning100 units to become schizophrenicUnits come from 2 sourcesIndividual (diathesis)environment. Heuristic cont'. stressors can have cumulative effectStressors in childhood are often grouped togetherImplies that anyone may develop a disorder.
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1. Stress & Divorce Diathesis-Stress Model
Diathesis = predisposing vulnerabilities
Stress = environmental factors/stessors that can contribute to the development of a disorder
2. Diathesis stress heuristic Heuristic = aid to learning
100 units to become schizophrenic
Units come from 2 sources
Individual (diathesis)
environment
3. Heuristic cont’ stressors can have cumulative effect
Stressors in childhood are often grouped together
Implies that anyone may develop a disorder
4. Genetic Studies Twin studies
“Double-whammy” effect
Adopted children
5. Childhood stressors Mandatory school attendance
Required for all children
Majority of referrals
Age 6 peak for referrals
What makes school a stressor?
6. Implications Child referrals often involve school-related difficulties
Child interventions may need to take place in school
Clinicians may need to mediate
School environments are not the same
Need to know about legislation
7. Marital conflict and divorce Possible stresses associated with divorce:
8. Problems assoc. with divorce Increases in aggressive and noncompliant behavior (boys)
Girls – findings less clear. May have delayed problems
Gender differences – WHY?
Marital conflict is key, not just parental separation
9. Developmental status & divorce Preschoolers
Early school age
Older school age
Adolescents
remarriage
10. Child characteristics that may impact adjustment Temperament
Marital precursors
Block et al. study
Longitudinal study
Assessed kids at ages 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14
Interviewed mothers
Collected measures from teachers
Compared divorced and intact families at age 14
Cause & effect???
11. Cause & Effect Recent Gottman study
Babies & marital conflict
Possible hypotheses
12. Hetherington et al. (1988) What factors make a difference in divorce/marital transitions and child adjustment?
Individual risk & vulnerability
Child characteristics
Adult characteristics
Family composition
Parental stress and strain
Family process
13. What to say to children Set aside time to meet as family, tell together to reduce blame.
Tell child it is not their fault.
Tell child it is final (avoid false hopes)
Provide reassurance
Basic needs
Continuing relationship with both parents, siblings, etc.
14. How to help children through divorce Both parents stay involved
Stop fighting; get along
Support time with each parent
Communicate directly between parents
Say nice things about other parent
Self-care/address own mental health issues
15. Tasks for children of divorce Acknowledge marital disruption
Regain sense of direction and freedom to maintain routine
Deal with loss and feelings of rejection
Forgive parents, work through anger
Accept permanence of divorce
Resolve relationship issues