03084 - Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Master Key Concepts

- Understand and articulate key concepts related to disturbances and relational disorders across developmental, adolescent, and adult stages.

- Apply knowledge of disturbances to various age groups and contexts.

Understand Communicative Meaning

- Comprehend the communicative meaning of psychopathological symptoms.

- Analyze how symptoms communicate underlying issues in individuals.

Knowledge of Group Management

- Understand theories and techniques for managing groups effectively.

- Apply these techniques in both educational and clinical settings to promote group cohesion and address conflicts.

Early Detection of Distress

- Observe and identify dynamics of distress in individuals and groups.

- Detect signs of distress early and report them for integrated work with other professionals.

Communication Skills

- Develop advanced communication skills to manage psychological problems effectively.

- Utilize the potential of interviews in the helping relationship to support individuals in distress.

Lead Relationship Dynamics

- Lead and manage relationship dynamics by conducting effective interviews and facilitating group work.

- Promote healthy interactions and support positive outcomes in group settings.

Application of Learning Outcomes

Students will be prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in various professional contexts, including educational settings, clinical environments, and collaborative work with other professionals. By mastering these outcomes, students will be equipped to support individuals across different stages of development and contribute to their well-being through effective communication, early intervention, and group management.

Course contents

Essential knowledge for future Educators

Scope of Intervention and Content of Clinical Psychology

• Understanding Clinical Psychology:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope of clinical psychology, including its goals, methodologies, and areas of intervention.
  • Learn about the various settings in which clinical psychologists work and the types of issues they address.

Key Concepts of Psychophysical Well-being and Psychopathology

• Psychophysical Well-being:
  • Familiarize with the fundamental principles of psychophysical well-being.
  • Understand how mental, emotional, and physical health are interconnected.
• Psychopathology:
  • Learn key concepts related to psychopathology, including definitions, classifications, and symptoms of various mental health disorders.
  • Study the causes and effects of psychopathology on individuals and their environments.

Common Language and Keys to Understanding Mental Distress

• Shared Professional Language:
  • Acquire knowledge of psychopathological terms and concepts to effectively communicate with other professionals.
  • Develop the ability to interpret and discuss mental health issues using a shared vocabulary.
• Reading and Understanding Mental Distress:
  • Learn to identify and understand the signs and symptoms of mental distress.
  • Develop the skills to assess the severity and impact of psychological issues on individuals.

Reading Events of Subjective History and Psychological Reality

• Subjective History:
  • Improve the ability to analyze and interpret the events and experiences that shape an individual's subjective history.
  • Understand how personal history influences current psychological states and behaviors.
• Psychological Reality:
  • Develop empathy and insight into the psychological realities of others.
  • Recognize the importance of considering personal, psychological, contextual, and experiential factors in understanding an individual’s mental health.

Skills Developed

• Observation and analytical Skills: Enhance the ability to observe, analyze and interpret psychological data and case histories.
• Communication Skills: Strengthen communication with professionals from various disciplines using a common language.
• Empathy and Understanding: Foster a deeper understanding of others' psychological realities and the factors influencing their mental health.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Build skills for effective collaboration with other professionals in the mental health and educational fields.

Application in Professional Contexts

• Educational Settings: Use knowledge of clinical psychology and psychopathology to support students' mental health and well-being.
• Collaborative Work: Engage in interdisciplinary teams to address mental health issues and promote psychophysical well-being.
• Personal Development: Apply insights from subjective histories and psychological realities to develop more effective and empathetic educational practices.

Readings/Bibliography

MANDATORY TEXTS for taking the exam:

1. Il ritiro sociale negli adolescenti. La solitudine di una generazione iperconnessa

di Matteo Lancini

Anno di pubblicazione: 2019

Editore: Raffaello Cortina, Milano

https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/autori-vari/il-ritiro-sociale-negli-adolescenti-9788832850802-2957.html

2. Strumenti e progettualità dello psicologo a scuola

G. Mancini, A. Naldi, R. Agosta

Il Mulino, Bologna, 2023

[https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815386861]

3.  L’INTELLIGENZA EMOTIVA DI TRATTO

PROSPETTIVE E APPLICAZIONI PER LE PROFESSIONI SOCIOEDUCATIVE E PSICOLOGICHE

Giacomo Mancini

Edizioni Erickson Trento

IN CORSO DI REDAZIONE/STAMPA - uscita del volume prevista per GENNAIO 2026

Optional book:

Il corpo non dimentica. L’Io motorio e lo sviluppo della relazionalità di Massimo Ammaniti e Pier Francesco Ferrari

Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2020

https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/massimo-ammaniti-pier-francesco-ferrari/il-corpo-non-dimentica-9788832851779-3295.html

Per la cultura del Benessere Bambino Nuovi orientamenti di psicopedagogia psicoanalitica per la prevenzione dei disagi dell'età evolutiva nel tempo della complessità A cura di Guido Crocetti, Giacomo Mancini, Giovanni Pallaoro 

Libreriauniversitaria edizioni 2023

Teaching methods

Lectures

• Purpose: Provide foundational knowledge and theoretical understanding of clinical psychology.
• Content: Cover key concepts, theories, methodologies, and areas of intervention within clinical psychology.
• Format: Traditional lecture format with opportunities for questions and discussions.

Interactive Exercises

To complement the lectures and enhance understanding, the course will include a variety of interactive exercises:

Paper-Pencil Exercises

Purpose: Facilitate the practical application of theoretical concepts.

Activities:

- Case studies: Analyze hypothetical scenarios to identify symptoms and suggest interventions.

- Self-assessment questionnaires: Evaluate personal understanding and attitudes towards mental health issues.

Role-Playing

Purpose: Develop empathy and improve communication skills.

Activities:

- Simulated clinical interactions: Practice interviewing techniques and therapeutic communication.

- Role reversals: Experience the perspective of both the client and the clinician to gain deeper insights into the therapeutic process.

Video Commentary

Purpose: Provide visual and contextual understanding of clinical psychology concepts.

Activities:

- Watch and analyze video clips depicting various psychological disorders and therapeutic interventions.

- Group discussions: Reflect on the videos and discuss observations, interpretations, and potential interventions.

Objectives of Interactive Exercises

• Illustrate Theoretical Concepts
• Enhance Practical Skills
• Foster Empathy and Understanding
• Encourage Critical Thinking

Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended as it adds value to the learning and assessment process (during the lectures, the methods and strategies for approaching the written exam will also be discussed).

Assessment methods

Let’s break down the requirements for your written exam:

- Format: The exam will consist of three open questions.

- Content: The questions will be based on the textbooks listed in the references.

- Scoring: To pass, each answer must receive a minimum score of 6 out of 10.

Total Time: You’ll have 1 hour to complete the entire exam.

Remember to review the relevant textbooks thoroughly and practice writing concise, well-structured answers.

If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

The teaching resources are available on the Virtual environment to support students.

The content uploaded to Virtual won’t be part of the exam questions.

Additionally, having materials and suggestions available for thesis writing is a valuable resource.

If you have any specific questions related to the exam or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

See the schedule of receptions on lecturer webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Mancini