The course will cover the basic guiding principles of the Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People and illustrate how theories of psychological development can be applied in understanding children and young people's mental health and well being within a wider societal and cultural context. We will also discuss current psychological models of prevention and treatment for Children and Young People.
This course will offer a broad introduction to the core models of psychological development and current debates in Applied Developmental Psychology and the practice of the Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People.Introduction
Matthias Schwannauer
Week 1:
What is Development
Jo Williams
In this week we will consider psychological theories of child development and factors that influence child development. We will then introduce you to developmental psychopathology theories that try to explain the emergence of mental health difficulties.
Week 2: Attachment
Emily Taylor
In this week we will discuss Attachment Theory and current models of attachment. We will investigate how early experiences shape our development and mental well being, and in which way emotional attachment and mental health interact throughout childhood and adolescence.
Week 3:
Risk and Resilience
Emily Taylor
In this week we will examine how factors of risk, reliance and vulnerability interact throughout the child and young person's development. We examine the effect of trauma and maltreatment on the mental health and well being of children and which factors protect against the negative impact of such significant negative life events. Past and current conceptualisations will be considered within applied settings to question how these conceptualisations help assessment and intervention for children and young people.
Week 4:
The Psychology of Adolescence
Stella Chan
In week four we will examine the psychology of adolescence and why adolescent development is a key period for individual transition, but also a period in which major mental health difficulties emerge. We will also take a look at how adolescents are perceived and the role society plays in their development. We will examine what makes adolescents vulnerable to emotional health problems and approaches of psychological interventions.
Week 5:
Applied Developmental Psychopathology part I
Matthias Schwannauer
In this final week we will look at models of psychological development and approaches to developmental psychopathology. How can we better understand mental health difficulties in children and young people and what can we learn from their adaptability and resilience in the face of stressors and difficult contexts.
Week 6: Applied Developmental Psychopathology part II
Matthias Schwannauer
In this second part of Applied Developmental Psychopathology we will have a closer look at psychological models of prevention and intervention of mental health difficulties and their implementation in health care systems and mental health services in particular. We will use the mental health and well being of our children and young people as a mirror to look at the psychological resilience of our societies.
Yes. Students who successfully complete the class will receive a Statement of Accomplishment signed by the instructor.
No. The Statement of Accomplishment is not part of a formal qualification from the University. However, it may be useful to demonstrate prior learning and interest in your subject to a higher education institution or potential employer.
No resources needed.
You will learn about a broad introduction to the core terms, concepts and current debates in the practice of the Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People.