"This Is Psychology" Episode 2: Mental health of children
Updated: February 24, 2025
Summary
Dr. Norman Anderson discusses new research that challenges the belief that infants and toddlers can't suffer from serious mental health disorders. The study published in the APA journal American Psychologist emphasizes the impact of poor treatment and poverty on the mental well-being of children under 5. Recommendations from researchers include early screening, recognizing risk factors, integrating mental health consultations, and enhancing coverage for mental health issues in infants and toddlers.
Introduction
Dr. Norman Anderson, CEO of the American Psychological Association, discusses new research into the mental health of very young children, dispelling the myth that infants and toddlers can't suffer from serious mental health disorders.
Research Findings
Researchers in a special section of the APA journal American Psychologist explored the development of mental health problems in infants and children under age 5, highlighting the impact of poor treatment and poverty on their mental well-being.
Shift in Understanding
Past beliefs that young children didn't have a mental life and would naturally outgrow any issues have been challenged by recent research, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support.
Infant Mental Health Practitioners
Due to the scarcity of practitioners in infant mental health, parents often struggle to find appropriate help for their children, leading to challenges in accessing preventive services and treatments.
Recommendations
Recommendations from researchers include expanding early screening for infants, educating professionals to recognize risk factors, integrating infant mental health consultations into existing programs, and enhancing coverage for mental health issues in infants and toddlers.
FAQ
Q: What is the focus of the research discussed in the file?
A: The research focuses on the mental health of very young children, specifically infants and children under age 5.
Q: What is one key finding from the research?
A: The research challenges the belief that infants and toddlers cannot suffer from serious mental health disorders.
Q: How is the impact of poor treatment and poverty on the mental well-being of young children highlighted?
A: The research highlights the impact of poor treatment and poverty on the mental well-being of young children under age 5.
Q: What past beliefs have been challenged by recent research?
A: Past beliefs that young children didn't have a mental life and would naturally outgrow any issues have been challenged by recent research.
Q: Why is early intervention and support emphasized in the research?
A: Early intervention and support are emphasized in the research due to the importance of addressing mental health issues in very young children.
Q: What are the challenges faced by parents in accessing appropriate help for their children?
A: Parents often struggle to find appropriate help for their children due to the scarcity of practitioners in infant mental health.
Q: What are some recommendations provided by the researchers?
A: The recommendations include expanding early screening for infants, educating professionals to recognize risk factors, integrating infant mental health consultations into existing programs, and enhancing coverage for mental health issues in infants and toddlers.
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