Advances in Clinical Child Psychology

Advances in Clinical Child Psychology is a serial publication designed to bring together original summaries of the most important new develop­ ments in the field of clinical psychology and its related disciplines. Each chapter is written by a key figure in an innovative area of research or by an individual who is particularly well qualified to comment on a topic of major contemporary importance. These chapters provide convenient, concise explorations of empirical and clinical advances in the field. The contents of Volume 7 reflect the broad changes that are occur­ ring within the field. The continuing growth of research emphasis on etiology is seen in two chapters on the causative role played by chemical substances, one chapter on the effects of divorce on children, and one on the influence of televised violence. The difficult issue of suicide by children and adolescents is dealt with, the role of cognition in behavior disorders is explored, and the clinical applications of direct behavioral observation are evaluated. Although the fields of pediatric psychology and prevention have been treated in earlier volumes in the series, pro­ gress in these fields has been so rapid that chapters on each topic have been included in the present volume. We appreciate the roles played by the advisory editors in suggesting excellent topics and thoughtfully editing the chapters. As always, our strongest thanks go to the volume''s authors for their outstanding contributions.