Child Interview
Definition of Child Psychology
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), child psychology is defined as:
“A branch of psychology concerned with the development of infants and children. The field is
sometimes subdivided into developmental psychology, pediatric psychology, and school
psychology.”
(American Psychological Association, 2023)
Procedure of Case Intake in Child Interview
The case intake process is the initial and critical stage of psychological assessment. It involves
gathering preliminary information about the child from parents, caregivers, or teachers before
conducting the actual interview. The intake procedure includes:
1. Scheduling and Consent:
Appointments are scheduled, and informed consent is taken from the parent or legal
guardian.
2. Initial Observation:
The psychologist observes the child's behavior, interaction and emotional responses during the
first meeting.
3. Parent/Caregiver Interview:
Psychologist interviews the caregiver to gather developmental history, medical history,
behavioral concerns, academic records, and family dynamics.
4. Review of Records:
Any previous medical, school, or counseling records are reviewed to understand the child's
background.
Information Taken During the Interview
During a child interview, a psychologist gathers data in the following areas:
Presenting Problem:
The main reason the child is referred (e.g., aggression, anxiety, poor academic performance).
Developmental History:
Information on motor, speech, and cognitive milestones.
Medical History:
Past and present physical and mental health issues.
Family Structure:
Information about family members, home environment, parenting style.
Academic and Social History:
School performance, peer relations, teacher feedback.
Behavioral Observations:
Child's body language, eye contact, speech, and emotional expression.
Domains Explored in Child Interview
A child interview covers the following key domains:
1. Cognitive Functioning
Example: Asking the child to solve puzzles or recall simple sequences.
2. Emotional Regulation
Example: "What do you do when you feel really angry or sad?"
3. Behavioral Patterns
Example: "Has anyone told you that you hit or push others often?"
4. Social Skills
Example: "Do you have friends at school? What do you like to do with them?"
5. Family Dynamics
Example: "Who do you live with at home? What do you do together?"
6. Academic Functioning
Example: "Do you like school? What's your favorite subject?"
7. Self-Perception
Example: "Can you tell me three things you like about yourself?"
APA Child Interview Sheet
Psychologists use structured tools or sheets to guide the interview
CHILD INTERVIEW SHEET (Adapted for APA Practice)
Domain Sample Questions
Identifying Data Name, Age, Grade, School, Referred by
Presenting Problem "Why do you think you are here today?"
Family Information "Who lives at home with you?"
School Experience "Do you enjoy going to school? What’s the hardest part?"
Domain Sample Questions
Peer Relationships "Who are your friends? Do you play with them every day?"
Emotional Concerns "What makes you happy/sad/angry?"
"Do you ever get into trouble at school/home? What happens
Behavior Patterns
then?"
Coping Strategies "When you are upset, what helps you feel better?"
Significant Questions a Child Psychologist Should Ask
There are some important questions that must be asked depending on the concern and age of the
child:
General Questions
“Can you tell me about your day?”
“Who is your favorite person at home or school?”
Emotional Questions
“What makes you feel scared?”
“Have you ever felt very sad or worried for a long time?”
Trauma or Abuse Screening
“Has anyone ever touched you in a way that made you uncomfortable?”
“Is there something you want to tell me that you haven’t told anyone else?”
Behavioral Questions
“Do you get angry easily? What do you do when you’re angry?”
“Have you ever broken something or hurt someone when you were mad?”
Social and Family Life
“Do you like spending time with your family? What do you do together?”
“Do you sometimes feel left out or lonely?”
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). APA Dictionary of Psychology.
https://dictionary.apa.org/child-psychology
Greenspan, S. I. (2008). The Clinical Interview of the Child (3rd ed.). American Psychiatric
Publishing.
McConaughy, S. H., & Whitcomb, S. A. (2022). Clinical Interviews for Children and
Adolescents: Assessment to Intervention (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Weller, E. B., Weller, R. A., Fristad, M. A., & Rooney, M. T. (2000). Children’s Interview for
Psychiatric Syndromes (ChIPS). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2001). Manual for the ASEBA School-Age Forms &
Profiles. University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families.
Knell, S. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy. Jason Aronson Inc.
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.
