Children, promises, and behavior therapy: Commentary on “behavior therapy's promise for child treatment: Where we've been, where we may be going”

Abstract

As Peterson (1997) observes, children are in a unique position. They represent a diverse and complex population that, at times, has been undervalued by the mainstream of psychology. Thus, child behavior therapy has often lagged behind developments in the adult area. However, somewhat ironically, the unique characteristics of children as a population may also serve as an advantage for the development of increasingly sophisticated behavioral techniques. Capitalizing on these unique qualities may be one important step toward fulfilling behavior therapy's promise.