The Effects Of Parental Dysfunction On Children »

Ten contributions written by researchers and practitioners from the US, Canada, and Australia explore the current level of knowledge concerning the effect of parental dysfunctions on the development of children. Major topics include children growing up in families in which the parents suffer from major psychosocial difficulties including schizophrenia, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, anxiety disorders, intellectual disabilities, and antisocial personality disorders. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This book examines the various ways in which a number of parental dysfunctions, including but not limited to schizophrenia, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, and anxiety disorders, influence and affect the developmental stages and eventual outcomes of children.
Purpose:The purpose is to explore the current level of thinking regarding the developmental outcomes of children who have been affected by parental dysfunctions. This work is supported by numerous empirical research studies and expert contributing authors. The book is an interesting addition to the field.
Audience:The book will benefit clinical child and developmental psychologists as well as child and adolescent psychiatrists. The book has a strong potential to benefit graduate students as a teaching tool. The contributing authors are credible authorities in the field.
Features:The book is divided into two sections. The first section covers the genetic, biological, and environmental factors which play a key role in the transmission of the effects of parental dysfunction on development of the child. The second section is more detailed and focuses on specific parental dysfunctions such as substance use and psychopathology. The chapters on substance use and on internalizing disorders are well-written and will be of interest.
Assessment:Overall, the book is a sound addition to the field of psychology and sheds light on the most current thought and research involving parental dysfunctions and the developmental effects on children.