Advances in Clinical Child Psychology

A decade ago, Advances in Clinical Child Psychology was conceived to provide approximately annual updates on the forward edge of research and practice in this rapidly growing field. A look back at the 56 chapters published in previous volumes provides a broad overview of the direc­ tion of advancement in clinical child psychology, at least as viewed by one collection of editors, consulting editors, and authors. The trends are clear: There have been decreasing numbers of advances in modes and methods of therapy, an increasing emphasis on the family, a renewed interest in experimental psychopathology (studies of classification, etiol­ ogy, and prognosis), a growing rapprochement between biological and psychological perspectives, and continued strong interest in cognition and social relationships. The current volume clearly shows these directions in the growth of the field. One chapter discusses etiology, four are concerned with the psychopathology of specific diagnostic categories, one takes an ex­ panded cognitive approach to social competence, and two look at the family system by examining the effects of male parents and children on other members of the family. A final chapter opens discussion on the important topic of the nature of excellence in the training of clinical child psychologists. It is hoped that this chapter will initiate a national di­ alogue on this multifaceted and often neglected topic.