90105 - Community Interventions with Adolescents

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - has learned information on the characteristics of adolescent development in its different phases; - has gained knowledge on risk prevention and well being promotion with a specific reference to the phase of adolescence and young adulthood; - can distinguish the specificities of the psychosocial and community approach to need analysis and preventive interventions for adolescents and young adults.

Course contents

This course explores community health promotion strategies and methods aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of young people. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills to understand youth health and health-compromising behaviors, as well as identify effective intervention strategies.

Topics include:

1. Introduction to adolescent development in context
2. Epidemiology of youth health
3. Individual and socio-ecological factors and processes influencing youth health and behaviors
4. Methods for assessing young people's health needs
5. Health promotion approaches and methods to support youth well-being, including:
   • Media literacy
   • Life skills education
   • Mentoring
   • Photovoice and arts-based methods
   • Youth-led participatory action research (YPAR)
   • Social justice and Positive Youth Development

Readings/Bibliography

Reference text:

O'DonohueW.T., BenutoL.T., Woodward Tolle L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent health psychology. Springer

• Chapter 2. A Biopsychosocial Perspective of Adolescent Health and Disease

• Chapter 3. Issues of Diversity in Adolescent Health Psychology: Exploring Sociocultural Influences on Adolescent Health

• Chapter 4. Socioeconomic Influences on Health and Health Behavior in Adolescents

• Chapter 5. Public Health Approaches to Adolescent Health Beyond Disease and Illness

• Chapter 6. The Epidemiology of Adolescent Health

• Chapter 7. Prevention in Adolescence

• Chapter 8. Determinants of Health-Related Behaviors in Adolescence

.Articles for the group work will be provided in class.

Teaching methods

The course includes:

• Lectures covering the key course content
• Group work focused on analyzing and discussing scientific papers related to young people's health needs and corresponding interventions
• Presentations of group work findings to the class

Assessment methods

 Assessment is based on the following assignments:

Part A – Group Analysis of Research Papers (50%) Students will be divided into small groups (approximately five members per group). Each group will analyze three scientific papers. Drawing from this activity—as well as the course lectures and readings—students are expected to reflect on relevant health issues and develop a suitable intervention proposal.

Each member is expected to contribute equally to the analysis and the writing of a short report, as well as to the preparation of a group presentation.

Presentations will take place during the second half of the course and will follow a conference-style format, grouped by thematic areas.

The final mark (maximum 15 points) will be based on:

• Understanding of the papers and the related research study
• Breadth and depth of critical analysis
• Effectiveness of the group presentation and quality of the class discussion
• Formal aspects of the report and presentation

Grading Criteria for the Group Assignment (Maximum 15 points)

To obtain full marks, students are expected to meet the following conditions:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the content of the selected papers
• Show strong critical thinking by situating the papers within relevant theoretical and empirical literature, and identifying their specific contributions and limitations
• Submit a complete and well-structured report, with appropriate use of academic terminology and adherence to formal standards (APA guidelines)
• Deliver a clear and engaging presentation tailored to the audience
• Provide evidence of active group engagement both in the preparation of the work and during the class discussion

Points will be deducted if any of these criteria are not fully met.

 

Part B – Individual Test (50%) Students will take an individual test consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions, each with four response options. The questions will be based on the content covered in lectures and assigned readings. The test will be held on the last day of class. Students must register in advance via Studenti Online.

Grading Scale:

• 20 correct answers → 16 points
• 18–19 correct answers → 15 points
• 16–17 correct answers → 14 points
• 15 correct answers → 13 points
• 14 correct answers → 12 points
• 13 correct answers → 11 points
• 12 correct answers → 10 points
• 11 correct answers → 9 points
• 10 correct answers → 8 points
• Fewer than 10 correct answers → Insufficient

Students who receive an insufficient grade may retake the test once during the first regular exam session in January 2026.

Note Students who regularly attend lectures and actively participate in group work but are unable to take the final test on the scheduled date for justified reasons may sit for the test during the first regular exam session in January 2026.

The final grade will be calculated as the sum of the scores earned in the group assignment and the individual test. The overall evaluation will also take into account each student’s level of engagement and participation during classes and group activities.

Results of both components—the individual test and the group work—will be published on the Virtuale platform as soon as they are available. To officially register the final grade, students must sign up on Studenti Online for one of the two regular dates of the official exam session (January/February 2026).

 

Instructions for Students Not Attending Classes Regularly

Students who are unable to attend the course may opt to take the exam by submitting a review paper in English (7,000–8,000 words / approximately 20 pages). This alternative must be discussed and approved in advance by the course instructors.

Students should select a health or risk behavior domain covered in the course and produce a structured review that addresses the following elements:

a) Introduction – Overview of the selected health issue, including its relevance and key epidemiological data

b) Theoretical Framework – Analysis of established theoretical explanations of the health issue, supported by relevant empirical evidence

c) Intervention Strategies – Examination of at least one intervention approach used to address the issue, with reference to its effectiveness where possible

d) Discussion – Reflection on findings and identification of potential future directions for research and intervention

e) References – Properly formatted list of cited literature

To complete the review, students must use course-mandated readings and additionally select at least six scientific papers that provide coherent insights into the chosen health issue, enabling a full response to all points above.

The review must be submitted via email at least one week prior to the official exam date. The exam will consist of a discussion based on the submitted review and the compulsory course readings.

Grading Criteria - Grades will be awarded based on the breadth and depth of critical analysis demonstrated in the review and the quality of the discussion during the exam.

Exam Registration - All students must register for the exam through Studenti Online, regardless of the format they choose.

Teaching tools

Papers, PowerPoint.

During the sessions of group work, students are invited to bring their laptops.

 

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 Elvira Cicognani