Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues: Evidence-Based Approaches to Prevention and Treatment

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the mental health field, particularly related to strategies that foster the positive behavior and healthy mental state of children. As the Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues indicates, however, the causes of childhood behavioral, physical, and mental health problems are multi-dimensional and cannot be treated with a uniform approach. Rather than focus solely on theory, this book offers evidence of effective interventions as well as extensive bio-psychosocial methods of preventative practices. The research confirms the impact that environment has on children and offers new approaches to address physical, mental health, and behavioral issues in children. This volume is broken down into chapters that concentrate on a specific behavior or disorder, which not only makes the information comprehensible, but also allows for in-depth coverage of a particular issue.

In addition to considering the genetic and psychological factors that trigger childhood mental health problems, the handbook also investigates the significant impact that family members and the surrounding community have on a child’s life. It is a book uniquely designed to include both the current perspectives on childhood development and the most effective treatment and prevention options. The result is a book that provides a deeper understanding of the variety of factors that contribute to a child’s behavior along with important information on the progress of evidence-based practices.

Thomas P. Gullotta, M.A., M.S.W. is C.E.O. of Child and Family Agency and is a member of the psychology and education departments at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the senior author of the 4th edition of The Adolescent Experience, co-editor of The Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion, and editor emeritus of the Journal of Primary Prevention.

Gary Blau, Ph.D. is the Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services. Blau has received several awards including the Governor's Service Award, the Phoebe Bennet Award for outstanding contribution to children's mental health in Connecticut, and the Making a Difference Award presented by Connecticut's Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He currently holds a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale Child Study Center.