03084 - Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

Knowledge about main theories, methods of study, research and evaluation instruments and psychological treatments in clinical psychology. Knowledge about psychopathology: classification system (DSM 5) ; ethiology; main treatment option.

Lessons will be held during the second semester of the academic year(February-May)

Course contents

Paradigms in Clinical Psychology: Concept of paradigm and consequences of its adoption. Assumptions and basic concepts of psychoanalytic paradigm, behavioral, cognitive, psychobiological and existential humanistic. Sociocultural perspective and family systems.

Research methods in clinical psychology: case studies, the correlational and experimental methods, epidemiological research. The placebo effect.

Psychological Evaluations in clinical psychology: the use of questionnaires and survey; Psychological testing in clinical psychology: symptom questionnaires (BDI, STAI-Y, SQ) and personality (MMPI-2); projective techniques (RORCHACH, TAT); the behavioural and cognitive valuation techniques (battery CBA 2.0).  The interview in clinical psychology; communication and relationship dynamics in the psychological interview; the clinical interview.

Classification and diagnosis: from normality to psychopathology to optimal human functioning; nosographic and descriptive systems : the DSM 5 approach.

Psychological disorders: diagnostic criteria and etiological hypotheses of anxiety disorders, mood disorders; somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, sexual disorders and disorders due to drugs abuse and dependence.

Psychological treatments: The psychoanalytic therapies, cognitive and behavioral therapies, humanistic therapies, existential and systemic family therapies.

The course will take place during the second semester (from February to May) on Mondays; Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Readings/Bibliography

Ann M.Kring - Sheri L. Johnson - Gerald C.Davison - John M.Neale PSICOLOGIA CLINICA. Zanichelli, 2017; ISBN 978-8808-52094-4 V edition

additional teaching material available at

http://online.universita.zanichelli.it/kring5e/

The slides will be delivered in English to help international studentents in following the classes. Slides and other Teacher notes available to students on the website of the course (“Teaching material” section of the Course Unit Page).

Optional readings:

Chiara Ruini, Marta Scrignaro, Marta Bassi, Andrea Fianco : Le pratiche della psicologia positiva. Strumenti e prospettive. Franco Angeli, 2017 ISBN: 9788891751379

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

Available at: http://www.springer.com/it/book/9783319521107

Teaching methods

Lectures with case exemplifications. Students’ active participation during lectures is encouraged throught activities for exercizing techinques of assessment in clinical psychology; identifying symtoms and psychopathology; learning how to interview patients

Role playing and clinical case discussions will be organized. During classes students will also watch video and conference presentations with updated topics within clinicl psychology .

At least one seminar/workshop with national and international experts  will be organized.

Active participation during classes willl allow students to learn concepts and theories within clinical psychology and their practical applications in clinical populations.

Assessment methods

The final evaluation consists in a written exam with 3 open ended questions aimed to assess the student's knowledge regarding the topics discussed in class and included in the textbook. The student’s evaluation depends mostly on the detailed knowledge of the contents of the textbook and his/her ability to organize and integrate the information provided by both the textbook and the lectures. Students will pass the final evaluation if they achieve an exam score between 18/30 and 30/30. Each question will be evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 (complete and detailed discussion of the topic). It is considered sufficient (6 points) an answer that contains a brief descripition of the topic, without mistakes. Three suffucients answers will allow the student to pass the exam. 

During the final examination the consultation of books, notes and computer and electronic communications devices and applications is not allowed.

For logistic reasons , students must register their paticipation at the exam through ALMAESAMI website at least 1 working day before the expected date of the exam. 

 

Teaching tools

Video-projector, PC. Lectures will make use of visual aids (PowerPoint) that allow students to view the main topics of each lesson.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Ruini