03084 - Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand key concepts related to psychopathological disturbances and relational disorders across the life span.

• Recognize the communicative meaning of symptoms in different developmental and relational contexts.

• Apply basic theories and techniques of group management in educational and clinical settings.

• Identify early signs of individual and group distress and collaborate with other professionals.

• Use effective communication and interview skills in helping relationships.

• Manage relational dynamics and promote constructive interactions in individual and group contexts.

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

Scope of Intervention and Content of Clinical Psychology

Essential knowledge for future Educators

The course provides essential knowledge of clinical psychology, with particular attention to its fields of intervention, methods, and professional contexts.

Students will acquire key concepts related to psychophysical well-being and psychopathology, understanding the interconnection between mental, emotional, relational, and bodily dimensions.

They will develop a shared professional language to recognize, describe, and discuss signs of psychological distress in educational and interdisciplinary contexts.

The course also promotes the ability to interpret subjective history and psychological reality, considering how personal experiences, relationships, and contexts influence mental health and behavior.

Skills developed include observation, psychological analysis, communication with other professionals, empathy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In professional contexts, future educators will be able to use this knowledge to support students’ well-being, recognize situations of distress, collaborate with clinical and educational professionals, and develop more reflective and sensitive educational practices.

Readings/Bibliography

MANDATORY TEXTS for taking the exam:

1. L’INTELLIGENZA EMOTIVA DI TRATTO

PROSPETTIVE E APPLICAZIONI PER LE PROFESSIONI SOCIOEDUCATIVE E PSICOLOGICHE

Giacomo Mancini

Edizioni Erickson Trento, 2026

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. DALL'INTRAPSICHICO AL RELAZIONALE

Lo sviluppo del pensiero di Joseph e Anne-Marie Sandler

Lucia Faglia, Daniele Pollini, Andrea Salvatori

Franco Angeli editore

Optional books:

DA FREUD ALLA PSICOANALISI CONTEMPORANEA. Critica e integrazione

di Morris N. Eagle

Raffaello Cortina Editore

https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/morris-n-eagle/da-freud-alla-psicoanalisi-contemporanea-9788860304636-1345.html

Il trattamento del narcisismo patologico

Diana Diamond, Otto F. Kernberg, Barry L. Stern, Frank E. Yeomans

Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2023

Collana Psicologia clinica e psicoterapia

https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/diana-diamond-otto-f-kernberg-barry-l-stern/il-trattamento-del-narcisismo-patologico-9788832855388-3953.html

Teaching methods

The course will combine lectures and interactive activities.

Lectures will provide the theoretical foundations of clinical psychology, introducing key concepts, models, methods, and areas of intervention.

Interactive exercises will support the practical application of theoretical knowledge through:

• paper-pencil activities, such as case analysis and self-assessment questionnaires;

• role-playing, aimed at developing empathy, interview skills, and therapeutic communication;

• video commentary, focused on the observation and discussion of psychological disorders, relational dynamics, and clinical interventions.

These activities are designed to clarify theoretical concepts, strengthen practical skills, promote empathy, and 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.

Links to further information

https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/giacomo.mancini7/contenuti-utili

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Mancini