Showing papers by "Michael Rutter published in 1985"
TL;DR: This article found that negative life experiences and stressful happenings may serve to precipitate mental disorders, and that a variety of stressors may play a role in the genesis of psychiatric disorder.
Abstract: Almost since the beginnings of psychiatric practice, there has been a recognition that negative life experiences and stressful happenings may serve to precipitate mental disorders (Garmezy & Rutter, 1985). Nearly 200 years ago, Pinel wrote about the psychiatric risks associated with unexpected reverses or adverse circumstances, and it is reported that his initial question to newly admitted psychiatric patients was: “Have you suffered vexation, grief or reverse of fortune?” Nevertheless, although an appreciation that a variety of stressors may play a role in the genesis of psychiatric disorder has a long history, the systematic study of such effects is much more recent.
3,248 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that environmental effects on IQ are relatively modest within the normal range of environments, but that the effects of markedly disadvantageous circumstances are very substantial.
Abstract: Family and school influences on cognitive development are reviewed in terms of the empirical research findings on (i) variations within the ordinary environment; (ii) family intervention studies; (iii) the effects of abnormal environments; (iv) extreme environmental conditions; (v) variations within the ordinary school environment; and (vi) preschool and school intervention studies. It is concluded that environmental effects on IQ are relatively modest within the normal range of environments, but that the effects of markedly disadvantageous circumstances are very substantial. Cognitive development is influenced both by direct effects on cognition and by indirect effects through alterations in self-concept, aspirations, attitudes to learning and styles of interaction with other people.
244 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that statistical associations between environmental variables and children's disorders represent causal connections is considered and it is concluded that long-term effects are far from independent from intervening circumstances.
Abstract: Research findings are reviewed with respect to possible family and school influences on behavioural development, but with special reference to socially disapproved conduct. The hypothesis that statistical associations between environmental variables and children's disorders represent causal connections is considered in terms of the three main alternatives--hereditary influences, the effect of children on their parents, and the operation of some third variable. It is concluded that each has some validity but that nevertheless there are true environmental effects. The mechanisms underlying their operation are discussed with respect to parental criminality, family discord, weak family relationships, ineffective discipline, and peer group influences. Individual differences in response to adversity are discussed in terms of age, sex, temperament, genetic factors, coping processes, patterning of stressors, compensatory good experiences and catalytic factors. The various ways in which environmental effects may persist over time are considered in terms of linkages within the environment as well as within the child. It is concluded that long-term effects are far from independent from intervening circumstances.
216 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a home-based therapeutic program for children with autism based on a full diagnostic appraisal, special educational provision and a homebased program for the family.
Abstract: The goals of treatment need to be decided on the basis of knowledge on the nature of autism. As with any developmental disorder, the first goal must be to foster normal development; with autistic children this involves a focus on intellectual, language and social development. The further goals include: the reduction of rigidity/stereotypy; the elimination of non-specific maladaptive behaviours; and alleviation of family distress. Research findings are used to translate these goals into a practical overall therapeutic programme with three main elements: a full diagnostic appraisal, special educational provision and a home-based programme for the family. Finally, the research findings are drawn together to derive inferences on the lessons to be learned and the questions that remain to be answered.
170 citations
TL;DR: The implications of the frequent overlap between reading and behavioural disorders in childhood are explored using follow-up findings on the secondary school progress and early work histories of four groups of boys, with an without reading retardation, and with and without behavioural disturbance.
Abstract: The implications of the frequent overlap between reading and behavioural disorders in childhood are explored using follow-up findings on the secondary school progress and early work histories of four groups of boys, with an without reading retardation, and with and without behavioural disturbance. While the prognosis for the majority of the retarded readers appeared poor, certain particular features-high rates of early school leaving, unstable work records and especially depressed skill levels-characterized those with associated behavioural problems. The importance of separating out the effects of additional associated disorders and disadvantages in assessing the long-term prognosis for children with learning problems is discussed.
111 citations
TL;DR: Ex-care women were relatively less sensitive to their children's cues and, in response to their demands and opposition, exercised control by confrontation rather than by circumvention.
Abstract: A repeated pattern of difficulties in parenting is often found in successive generations of the same families. That finding, together with a concern to identify potential adverse influences upon child behaviour and development, was the focus of this study into the parenting provided by women who were raised within institutions. Relationships with their 2- to 3-year-old infants were assessed using complementary interview and naturalistic observational techniques. Differences in parenting styles between the case and comparison groups were on the whole subtle. Ex-care women were relatively less sensitive to their children's cues and, in response to their demands and opposition, exercised control by confrontation rather than by circumvention.
59 citations
TL;DR: Key conceptual and substantive issues in child psychiatric epidemiology are reviewed using mainly European studies in terms of methodological problems and causal mechanisms.
Abstract: Key conceptual and substantive issues in child psychiatric epidemiology are reviewed using mainly European studies in terms of methodological problems and causal mechanisms. Attention is paid to issues in the measurement and categorization of disorder, case definition, case identification and classification. Research into causal processes is discussed in relation to organic brain dysfunction, temperamental risk, parental mental disorder and stress associated with multiple hospital admission.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, follow-up findings on the reading progress of black and white children from an inner London sample between the ages of 10 and 14 were presented, showing that at 10, mean scores for black children of West Indian origin were well below those of whites.
Abstract: This study presents follow-up findings on the reading progress of black and white children from an inner London sample between the ages of 10 and 14. At 10, mean scores for black children of West Indian origin were well below those of whites. By 14, black girls had maintained comparable levels of progress with white girls, but there was some evidence of slower progress among black boys. These findings differ from the results of previous British longitudinal research in this area. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.
10 citations
4 citations