Bringing back the social history

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;61(5):889-905. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.010. Epub 2014 Aug 12.

Abstract

The social environment of a child is a key determinant of the child's current and future health. Factors in a child's family environment, both protective and harmful, have a profound impact on a child's long-term health, brain development, and mortality. The social history may be the best all-around tool available for promoting a child's future health and well-being. It is a key first step in identifying social needs of a child and family so that they may benefit from intervention. This article focuses on key social history elements known to increase a child's risk of maltreatment and provides case examples.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; Child maltreatment; Negative attributions; Psychosocial risk factors; Toxic stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Welfare / psychology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Environment*