32152 - Laboratories I (G)

Learning outcomes

M-PSI/05 (Community Psychology) – Teacher: Doctor Christian COmpare

At the end of the classes the student:

- knows how to apply the main theoretical models of community psychology;

- understands group dynamics within social and community contexts.

 

M-PSI/08 (Clinical Psychology) – Teacher: Professor Chiara Rafanelli

At the end of the classes the student:

- learns the psychological assessment in relation to the clinical case;

- learn the clinical methodology applied to the clinical case.

Course contents

The Laboratory is for students of the first year of the Second Cycle Degree/Two Year Master in Clinical Psychology and will take place at the Department of Psychology, Cesena Campus (address: piazza Aldo Moro, 90 and viale Europa, 115).

 

Community Psychology (Doctor Christian Compare)

The course will take place during the first semester (October 2025 - January 2026)

The workshop will allow students to apply the methods and tools of Community Psychology in the design (and possibly the implementation) of an analysis and/or intervention project with the community in psychosocial, educational, and/or prevention/well-being promotion areas, within a Service-Learning (SL) pathway.

Service-Learning integrates community engagement activities, or service, into students' academic curriculum. The activities focus on emerging issues and challenges identified by (and with) local organizations, involving students actively with the goal of addressing community social needs in a framework of social justice and sustainable development. This approach promotes experiential learning and values student protagonism, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and disciplinary skills developed in the academic context. Through service-learning, students gain civic and active citizenship competencies, which are nurtured and strengthened through hands-on community engagement. Reflective activities help students understand the challenges of applying psychological principles and methods in real-world contexts, using professional skills typical of psychologists.

The pathway includes the following activities:

• Context analysis, identifying needs and community resources in collaboration with local organizations (associations, NGOs, public services) through observations and/or conducting interviews and focus groups with the target population.
• Design of the intervention (goals and methodologies) and a plan for evaluating the proposed actions in collaboration with local organizations.
• Ongoing monitoring and individual/small group reflection.
• Implementation of the intervention (within the time constraints of the workshop).
• Documentation of the work carried out (group final report).
• Presentation of results to stakeholders and the community.

 

Clinical Psychology (Professor Chiara Rafanelli)

The course will take place during the second semester (March 2026 - May 2026)

Course contents:

• Basic principles of clinical assessment.
• Identification of signs, symptoms and syndromes in clinical psychology.
• Differential diagnosis.
• Formulation of diagnostic hypotheses.
• The clinical perspective: knowledge, competences and emotions in clinical practice.

Readings/Bibliography

Community Psychology (Doctor Christian Compare)

• Compare, C., & Albanesi, C. (2023). Belief, attitude and critical understanding. A systematic review of social justice in Service‐Learning experiences. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 33(2), 332–355. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2639
• Service Learning and Community Engagement Lab: https://site.unibo.it/servicelearning-labpsicom/it
• European Association of Service Learning in Higher Education: https://www.easlhe.eu [https://www.easlhe.eu/]

Additional bibliographic references will be provided at the beginning and during the workshop, based on the specific context in which the SL project is developed.

 

Clinical Psychology (Professor Chiara Rafanelli)

• Othmer E., Othmer S.C. L’intervista clinica con il DSM-IV-TR. Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2004.
• Nussbaum, A.M. L’esame diagnostico con il DSM-5. Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2014.
• American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

Further references will be provided during classes.

Teaching methods

Community Psychology (Doctor Christian Compare)

The teaching methodology is based on the Service-Learning approach, which integrates academic education (learning) with “community engagement experiences” (service) on real-world topics through field research/interventions. The activities include short lectures, small group work, guided discussions, collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data, production of documentation materials, and presentation to local stakeholders. The class will be divided into small groups that will continuously work on the same project.

Service-Learning includes in-class activities (approx. 6 hours) and fieldwork (approx. 20 hours). The instructor will provide training, guidance, and supervision on:

• promoting empowerment, sense of community, and social justice
• developing citizenship skills, critical reflection, and social responsibility
• process documentation
• monitoring

During fieldwork, students will carry out:

• context analysis
• drafting an analysis/intervention project and an evaluation plan
• intervention design
• documentation of the process

  

Clinical Psychology (Professor Chiara Rafanelli)

Theoretical contents will be supported and integrated with:

• practical applications
• exercises in group
• clinical scenarios
• role-playing

 

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online.

Assessment methods

Community Psychology (Doctor Christian Compare)

Students will pass the qualifying examination if they:

• attend in-class activities, fieldwork, and the final presentation to stakeholders and the community
• participate in drafting and presenting a final report/presentation (individual or group) that documents the experience. Guidelines for the report and presentation will be provided during the course
• produce an individual reflection on the process and learning using a reflective journal and participating in monitoring sessions
• submit a letter to the tutor of the organization where the service/community-based activity was carried out
• complete a questionnaire evaluating the experience 

 

Clinical Psychology (Professor Chiara Rafanelli)

Active participation to the activities proposed during classes and full attendance are essential in order to be admitted to the final examination. The final evaluation will consist in a written exam concerning the topics discussed during classes and it will take place during the last class scheduled.

Teaching tools

Community Psychology (Doctor Christian Compare)

Projector, overhead projector, PC, handouts.

  

Clinical Psychology (Professor Chiara Rafanelli)

Handouts, Slides projector, and DVD player.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. 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, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Rafanelli

See the website of Christian Compare