A new client reports concerns that her child frequently talks about his imaginary friend and all of the wonderful adventures they have together.A psychologist using a developmental psychopathology approach would first:

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A developmental psychopathology approach would first consider the typical age range for children to have imaginary friends and the types of behaviors that are considered developmentally appropriate. By asking the son's age, the psychologist can determine if the behavior is within the normal range or if it may be indicative of a potential developmental issue or disorder. Asking about familial history and birth complications may also be helpful, but determining the age-appropriateness of the behavior is the first step. Recommending therapy may be premature without first understanding the developmental context of the behavior.

A New Client Reports Concerns That Her Child Frequently Talks