Psy 355 Childhood And Adolescent Psychologycritical Issues In Childho ✓ Solved

PSY-355: Childhood and Adolescent Psychology Critical Issues in Childhood Table Directions: Each member of the group must choose one critical issue associated with childhood and complete the fields listed in the table below for the chosen issue. Issue Description (50 – 100 words) Impact on the child (psychological, cognitive, and/or physical) (50 – 100 words) Risk factors (50 – 100 words) Interventions and Support Available (50 – 100 words) Example: Childhood obesity Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that occurs when a child is above the normal weight for their height. Obesity is a major issue for preschool-aged children. Between % of 2- to 5-year-olds had a body mass index above the 95th percentile (Ogden, Carroll, & Flegal, 2008).

There are many physical impacts associated with childhood obesity. They include early onset of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer. Psychological impacts of childhood obesity may include low self-esteem and depression. Risk factors include: Family history of obesity; or Psychological problems that may cause the child to eat to deal with emotional issues. Socioeconomic factors since it is more affordable to buy less healthy food options An increase in sedentary hours children spend in front of the television or computer.

Decrease in active play at school and home. Decrease in family mealtimes. Some interventions that may assist in reducing childhood obesity are to improve diet and exercise habits of the entire family. Don’t just focus on the child. It is also important to incorporate healthy options into school meals and increase opportunities for active play for children at school and at home.

The best treatment is prevention in early childhood. When children are overweight early, and have overweight parents they tend to grow into obese adults. References Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M.D., & Flegal, K.M. (2008). High body mass index for age among U.S. children and adolescents, .

Journal of the American Medical Association, 299, . © 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. © 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.

Paper for above instructions

Critical Issue: Childhood Mental Health

Issue Description
Childhood mental health encompasses a range of psychological, emotional, and social well-being issues affecting children and adolescents. Mental health disorders in these age groups include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2023), approximately one in six children aged 2-8 years have a diagnosed mental health condition. These issues often begin early in life, affecting a child's ability to learn, interact with peers, and manage their emotions effectively. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to help these children lead healthy lives.
Impact on the Child
The impact of mental health issues on children is profound and often long-lasting. Psychologically, children with untreated mental health disorders may experience heightened feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and hopelessness, significantly affecting self-esteem and overall quality of life (Zero to Three, 2022). Cognitively, these children may struggle with attention, focus, and learning in school, resulting in lower academic performance. Physically, stress and anxiety can manifest in somatic symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or sleep disturbances (American Psychological Association, 2020). Furthermore, children with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of substance abuse in adolescence and adulthood (Merikangas et al., 2010).
Risk Factors
Risk factors for childhood mental health issues are multifaceted and can be categorized into biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Biological factors may include a family history of mental health disorders, as genetic predispositions play a crucial role in developing various mental health conditions (Faraone et al., 2000). Psychologically, children with low self-esteem or negative coping mechanisms are at an increased risk. Environmentally, exposure to trauma, neglect, or family dysfunction (such as parental mental illness or substance abuse) can greatly influence a child's mental health (Haller et al., 2016). Socioeconomic factors, including poverty and lack of access to resources, also contribute significantly to mental health challenges (McLeod & Kaiser, 2004).
Interventions and Support Available
Interventions for childhood mental health issues are varied and can include therapeutic approaches, medication, and community support programs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used method that helps children identify and modify negative thinking patterns (Weisz et al., 2017). School-based mental health programs can provide timely support and resources for children facing mental health challenges, making mental health services more accessible (Hoagwood et al., 2018). Additionally, family therapy can be beneficial in addressing dynamics that contribute to a child's mental health issues. Support groups and peer interventions can provide social support for children to build resilience. Community programs focusing on mental health education and stigma reduction can also improve perceived accessibility and encourage families to seek help (Gonzalez et al., 2018).

References

- American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America: A national mental health crisis. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
- Faraone, S.V., Biederman, J., & Monuteaux, M.C. (2000). Gender differences in the age of onset of ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 3(4), 168-176.
- Gonzalez, A., et al. (2018). A community-based participatory approach to reduce stigma and promote mental health in Latino youth. Health Education Research, 33(3), 223-234.
- Haller, H., et al. (2016). The interplay of environmental stressors, brain development, and mental health in children: A review of the evidence. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 619.
- Hoagwood, K., et al. (2018). School-based mental health services: A research agenda. Psychiatric Services, 69(2), 187-193.
- McLeod, J.D., & Kaiser, K. (2004). Childhood emotional and behavioral problems in early adolescence: The role of family structure and family process. Journal of Family Issues, 25(5), 731-759.
- Merikangas, K.R., et al. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in U.S. adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980-989.
- Weisz, J.R., et al. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents: An evidence-based approach. Annual Review of Psychology, 68, 165-192.
- Zero to Three. (2022). The importance of mental health in early childhood. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/mental-health-in-early-childhood
This completed assignment provides a comprehensive overview of childhood mental health, its impact on children, associated risk factors, and available interventions. It serves as a resource for understanding critical issues in childhood psychology.