Review of The Clinical Treatment of the Problem Child

Abstract

Reviews the book, The Clinical Treatment of the Problem Child by Carl R. Rogers (1939). This book is divided into 4 parts. Part I presents ways of understanding the child, with emphasis upon a component-factor method, in which are considered heredity, mentality, family influences, economic and cultural factors, etc. In Part II the author comes to "grips" with his subject. In a forceful manner he discusses the foster home and institutional placement as methods of treatment; but he admits that the criteria for the removal of a child from his home are too subjective. If a child is kept in the home (Part III), treatment often involves changing parental attitudes, alleviating marital friction, and perhaps arousing new motives. Part IV sets forth the qualifications of a therapist, the techniques which are effective, and finishes with a discussion of integrating treatment "factors" in order to secure results. The material of the book is drawn from a wide experience and a sound point of view. It is well organised, and the style of writing is easy and pleasing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)