B3082 - Methods in Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

Methods in clinical Psychology: the course will focus on the various strategies to conduct psychological evaluations in clinical psychology, from the use of specific questionnaires to the use of structured and semi-structured interviews. The students will learn basic techniques to differentiate normal vs abnormal functioning (psychopathology) with the applications of these evaluation strategies.

Course contents

COURSE CONTENTS

The course will be articulated in the following two modules of Clinical Psychology:

Module 1 of Clinical Psychology by Professor Chiara Ruini:

1. Theoretical and nosographic definition of normal and abnormal functioning: mental state, cognitive functioning, emotional regulations strategies, personality styles.

2. Psychological testing in clinical psychology: applications, scoring procedures and interpretation of results of the following instruments:

-Symptom questionnaires (BDI, STAI-Y, SQ etc..) and

-personality tests (Big 5, TCI, etc.);

-the behavioural and cognitive assessment techniques (battery CBA)

-well-being and personal strenghts (PWB; VIA, SWB)

Module 2 of Clinical Psychology by Professor Danilo Carrozzino:

1) Defining and using clinical interviewing in the field of clinical psychology.

2) Attending and listening competencies for clinical interviewing: conceptual issues and methodological approaches.

3) Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and clinimetric criteria for psychological assessment.

4) Clinimetric approach to the assessment of:

- Psychological distress.

- Demoralization.

- Mental Pain.

- Somatization.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Chiara Ruini)

Mandatory readings:

- Graham Davey. Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology. III Ed.Wiley‐BPS Blackwell, [2021] | ISBN 9781119679189 (paperback) | ISBN 9781119679219 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781119679226 (epub)

- John Sommers-Flanagan & Rita Sommers-Flanagan: Clinical Interviewing, 6th edition. Wiley & Sons, 2016

Optional readings:

- Chiara Ruini. Positive Psychology in the Clinical Domains. Research and Practice. Springer International Publishing, 2017. ISBN978-3-319-52110-7 DOI10.1007/978-3-319-52112-1

ebook al seguente link:

https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319521107

https://www.springer.com/it/book/9783319521107#

Module 2 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Danilo Carrozzino):

The following readings are mandatory:

1) Carrozzino, D., Patierno, C., Guidi, J., Montiel, C. B., Cao, J., Charlson, M. E., ... & Fava, G. A. (2021). Clinimetric criteria for patient-reported outcome measures. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 90(4), 222-232.

2) Carrozzino, D., Patierno, C., Pignolo, C., & Christensen, K. S. (2023). The concept of psychological distress and its assessment: A clinimetric analysis of the SCL-90-R. International Journal of Stress Management, 30(3), 235–248.

3) de Figueiredo, J. M. (1993). Depression and demoralization: Phenomenologic differences and research perspectives. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 34(5), 308–311

4) Fava, G. A., Cosci, F., & Sonino, N. (2017). Current psychosomatic practice. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 86(1), 13-30.

5) John Sommers-Flanagan & Rita Sommers-Flanagan: Clinical Interviewing (limited to chapters [1-3-4] that will be reviewed during classes).

6) Meerwijk, E. L., & Weiss, S. J. (2011). Toward a unifying definition of psychological pain. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 16(5), 402–412.

Scientific articles and book chapters will be discussed and reviewed during classes to facilitate the co-construction of knowledge and to enhance critical thinking and the process of clinical reasoning. Additional bibliographic references will be provided during classes.

Teaching methods

Module 1 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Chiara Ruini):

Lectures with Power Point Presentation. Case exemplifications and role-playing. Team work. Journal club. Conference presentations: video and scientific discussions on updated topics and research in clinical psychology. This is an interactive course, where students will be directly involved in group discussion on the main topics of clinical psychology and psychopathology. Students will learn how to use tests and assessment tools for measuring symptoms, mental states and personal resources of individuals.

Role playing and case discussion will be organized throughout the classes, in order to learn strategies of interventions within the clinical psychology perspective.

Active participation to the classes will allow students to learn theories and concepts of clinical methods and to directly practice their applications in various types of interview settings (individual, organizations, institutions).

Module 2 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Danilo Carrozzino):

Academic (i.e., traditional) lectures will be combined with practical and discussion sessions. Cooperative teaching methods will be adopted and include “learning by doing” (i.e., assignments, role-playing, and group presentations). Class attendance and active participation are required since they are essential elements to achieve expected learning outcomes.

Assessment methods

Module 1 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Chiara Ruini):

The final evaluation will consist in a written test with 4 open ended questions, each one covering the various modules of teaching (definitions and characteristics of normal vs abnormal functioning; psychological tests; theories and methods in conducting the clinical interview).

Each answer will count from 0 to 30 points (max 30) and the final score is the mathematical mean among the four question scores. Students who will provide a detailed and complete answer to the topic could have a maximum grade of 30/30 cum Laude.

Module 2 of Clinical Psychology (Prof. Danilo Carrozzino):

A final exam, which consists of an interview, will be scheduled at the end of the course. Students will complete an oral examination where they will answer questions about methods of clinical interviewing in clinical psychology. The acquired knowledge will be evaluated based on the extent to which answers are adequate and comprehensive. Clinical skills, particularly critical thinking and clinical reasoning, will also be evaluated. The highest score (i.e., 30 cum laude) will be assigned to students demonstrating not only an extensive knowledge of the topic but also the ability to provide an answer based on their critical thinking and clinical reasoning. The use of books, notes and slides is not allowed during the exam.

Please note that the final grade will be the weighted average of marks obtained in the two modules of Methods in Clinical Psychology (i.e., module 1 by Professor Ruini and module 2 by Professor Carrozzino).

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, scientific articles, video illustrations, and handouts.

For more details about Module 1, please send an email to Professor Ruini (chiara.ruini@unibo.it).

For more details about Module 2, please send an email to Professor Carrozzino (danilo.carrozzino@unibo.it).

Office hours

See the website of Danilo Carrozzino

See the website of Chiara Ruini