title: Family-focused behavioral pediatrics: clinical techniques for primary care.
abstract: Whenever a behavioral or psychosocial problem presents in a child, all members of the family are affected. Conversely, when the problem lies within the family, the child is affected and often presents as the symptomatic patient. The goals of family-focused pediatrics are to: 1) determine the need for a family intervention; 2) conduct a family interview-assessment; 3) clarify the issues; 4) teach healthy communication skills and interactions; and 5) facilitate generation of family goals and solutions. Family-focused strategies provide an effective, brief, and timely approach that can aid the pediatrician in helping children and their families function in more healthy and satisfying ways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Howard
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010372:Pediatrics