32112 - Evaluation and Intervention Methods in Clinical Developmental Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are expected to:
a) to display knowledge of the main theories on normal and atypical mental and emotional development during childhood and adolescence;
b) to became familiar with the main methods and assessment techniques used to evaluate psychological developmental disease;
c) to know the main models of consultation and techniques of treatments and interventions in child and adolescent development.

Course contents

The course will take place during the second semester (from the end of February 2019 until the end of May 2019) at the Cesena Campus of the School of Psychology and Education (address: p.za A. Moro, 90 Cesena, FC).

The course program relies first on the appropriate use of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-Second Edition), and, second, on important issues in child clinical psychology. In particular, the categorical and dimensional classification and assessment of basic mental functioning along with deep personality structure of children’s and adolescents' disorders.

Program also promote an understanding of normal developmental processes as a prerequisite for distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior and development, and for understanding developmental factors as they relate to assessment and intervention. In particular: relating normal family processes to the child and adolescent's development including the impact of family dynamics, normal family functioning and childrearing practices on normal child and adolescent development and on the development of clinical problems.

In detail:

-Clinical assessment and classification of developmental and personality disorders using the PDM-2 approach and method;

-Mental functioning in child and adolescent (MA and MC);

-Pattern and personality disorders in child and adolescent (PA and MC);

-Symptomatic pattern in child and adolescent: the subjective experience (SA and SC);

-Clinical exemplifications: illustrations of child psychological disorders and interventions;

-Assessment of child and adolescent: specific adjustments in clinical setting and counseling with child and adolescent;

-Knowledge of the main methods of assessment covering development, personality and emotion (projective, graphics, thematic and structural tests);

-Working with children and their families: child and family development related to psychological disturbance; child abuse; marital conflict and divorce; parental psychopathology;

-Behavioural alterations: lying, stealing and escaping;

-The expressivity and diagnostic of drawing during childhood.

Readings/Bibliography

Adriana Lis (1993). Psicologia clinica. Problemi diagnostici ed elementi di psicoterapia. Ed. Giunti.

PDM-2; Psychodynamic and Diagnostic Manual (Second Edition, 2017). Section II, Adolescent, pp. 283-491; Section III, Children, pp.495-660. Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore. 

Bruno Bettelheim (2010). Dialoghi con le madri. PGRECO Edizioni.

Slides and on-line presentations are strictly recommended.

Racommended also:

Stefano Cirillo (2005). Cattivi genitori. Raffaello Cortina Editore.

Anna Freud (1993). Normalità e patologia del bambino. Ed Feltrinelli.

Paola Venuti (2007). Percorsi evolutivi. Forme tipiche e atipiche. Carrocci Editore.

J.De Ajuriaguerra, D. Marcelli (2000). Psicopatologia del bambino. Ed Masson.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons.

Clinical exemplification and Group workshops.

Movies selected clips as a clinical exemplification.

Selected readings and articles.

Assessment methods

Oral discussion. Three questions will be made: one for each text.

The final grade will be the average of the three scores taken previously.

Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and methodological aspects including critical skills and appropriate language.

Teaching tools

Power Point presentation.

Office hours

See the website of Ornella Montebarocci