Transactional Model

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To what extent can transactional models help in understanding the origin and development of disturbed behaviour? This essay will look at the factors underlying disturbing behaviour in children and whether a transactional model best describes how disturbed behaviour develops. We will begin by looking at what constitutes “disturbing behaviour” and then look at the two traditional explanations for its development, discussing the different factors involved. From there we will then look at how the inadequacies of these models can be resolved with the transactional model. Disturbed behaviour is not always an easy thing to describe. It is normatively defined, meaning we recognise culturally what is normal and everything outside of that we…show more content…
The ‘medical’ model looks at the child for a diagnosis such as ADHD or depression. It sees the problem as being inherent to the child. Medication or behavioural therapy may be prescribed to modify the child’s behaviour [Woodhead, M et al 2005]. Alternatively there is the ‘social environment’ perspective. In this model the causes of the child’s disturbed behaviour are sought in their daily surroundings- poor or abusive parenting, neglect or lack of discipline in school. Intervention focuses on factors outside of the child, such as training for the parents, and in severe cases taking the child into care [Woodhead, M et al…show more content…
Many studies have looked at the link between maternal depression, attachment and disturbed behaviour. One study of 18 month old infants who’s mothers had suffered from post natal depression were found to be much more likely to be assessed as ‘insecurely attached’ in the ‘Strange Situation Test’ [Woodhead, M et al 2005]. The Strange Situation Test is designed to assess the child’s attachment to their caregiver. It is usually performed on infants 1 – 2 years old. The test consists of ‘a series of separations and reunions of child, caregiver and a stranger’ [Oates et al, 2005]. The child’s behaviour is assessed during these episodes and given an attachment classification of secure or insecure – insecure attachment can be either ‘avoidant’ or ‘ambivalent’ [Oates et al, 2005]. Insecure attachment has been frequently linked with psychological problems and could be considered another ‘risk

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