This text investigates the foundational principles of child psychopathology to provide a framework for identifying and understanding behavioral disorders in youth. The authors, Donna M. Gelfand, William R. Jenson, and Clifford J. Drew, utilize clinical research and developmental psychology to categorize various behavioral issues. They argue that effective intervention requires a comprehensive understanding of both the biological and environmental factors influencing a child's development.

Experts and educators frequently cite this work as a foundational introductory text for students entering the fields of school psychology and child development. Readers note the clarity of the prose, which balances academic rigor with accessible explanations of complex behavioral phenomena.