Applying developmental theory to the assessment and treatment of childhood disorders: Does it make a difference?

In this paper, we examine the role of developmental theory in the assessment and treatment of child behaviour disorders, with special reference to the anxiety disorders. Following a brief review of the tenets of developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology, we illustrate the role of developmental theory in clinical research and practice. We suggest that developmental theory guides us in the selection and use of developmentally sensitive assessment strategies. Moreover, we indicate that use of developmental theory assists us in the treatment of children and adolescents by helping us determine when a behaviour problem is significant and when to initiate treatment, how to determine the goals of treatment and to select targets for treatment outcome, which treatment strategies to select for intervention, and how to determine the context of intervention. We conclude that the importance of developmental theory is axiomatic when working with children and adolescents. Still, considerable more work is needed before we can conclude that we have fully integrated developmental theory into our ongoing clinical research and practice with children. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.