Separation Anxiety Disorder

This work presents a new theory of personality development for males, one that emphasizes gender differences in biological maturation and in socialization practices that pressure boys to become emotionally independent too soon. Stevens and Gardner believe that in extreme cases males grow up harboring a primitive, unconscious dread of being abandoned that prevents them from handling separation experiences successfully. As women become more assertive in relationships, there are more female-terminated relationships, especially divorces. As psychologists, Stevens and Gardner noticed that rejected husbands were often more at risk than their estranged wives because most men are victims of the traditional socialization techniques that deny them easy access to emotional expression and support groups. Drawing from a range of disciplines, including sociology, primatology, anthropology, and psychology, the authors draw portraits of common male personality types, many of which are ill-equipped for self-fulfilling independent adult life.

This comprehensive, interdisciplinary guidebook is designed for the mental health practitioner seeking to utilize proven and effective interventions with children and adolescents suffering from significant anxiety and phobic disorders. Each chapter is co-authored by a clinical child psychologist and a child psychiatrist, the basis of the volume's unique and balanced perspective. In addition, each chapter presents state-of-the-art assessment and treatment strategies for a panoply of phobic and anxiety disorders, including both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. Moreover, the volume addresses important conceptual, epidemiological, and ethical issues in working with children and adolescents. All in all, this guide will help address the wide chasm between clinical research and clinical practice, uniting the forces intrinsic to child psychiatry and clinical child psychology.