32152 - Laboratories I (B)

Learning outcomes

M-PSI/05: At the end of the laboratory, the student: - knows the methods of applying the main theoretical models of community psychology; - understands group dynamics in social and community contexts.

M-PSI/08: At the end of the laboratory, the student: -understands assessment in relation to the clinical case; - knows the clinical methodology in relation to the clinical case.

Course contents

Learning outcomes

The course will take place during the first semester (October 2025 - January 2026)

for the M-PSI/05 Module (Module 1: Community Psychology - Prof. Cinzia Albanesi, Prof. Francesca Esposito)

The course takes place in the II Cycle of lessons (March-May 2026) for Module M-PSI/08 (Module 2: Roberto Cattivelli)

The lessons are held at the Cesena (FC) campus of the School of Psychology and Education Sciences, at Piazza Aldo Moro 90 and Viale Europa 115.

M-PSI/05

The course will take place during the first semester (October 2025 - January 2026)

The workshop will allow students to apply the methods and tools of Community Psychology in the design (and possibly the implementation) of an analysis and/or intervention project with the community aimed at contrasting marginality and social exclusion and prevention/promotion of well-being, within a Service-Learning (SL) pathway.

Service-Learning integrates community engagement activities, or service, into students' academic curriculum. The activities focus on emerging issues and challenges identified by (and with) local organizations, involving students actively with the goal of addressing community social needs in a framework of social justice and sustainable development. This approach promotes experiential learning and values student protagonism, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and disciplinary skills developed in the academic context. Through service-learning, students gain civic and active citizenship competencies, which are nurtured and strengthened through hands-on community engagement. Reflective activities help students understand the challenges of applying psychological principles and methods in real-world contexts, using professional skills typical of psychologists.

The pathway includes the following activities:

• Context analysis, identifying needs and community resources in collaboration with local organizations (associations, NGOs, public services) through observations and/or conducting interviews and focus groups with the target population.
• Design of the intervention (goals and methodologies) and a plan for evaluating the proposed actions in collaboration with local organizations.
• Ongoing monitoring and individual/small group reflection.
• Implementation of the intervention (within the time constraints of the workshop).
• Documentation of the work carried out (group final report).
• Presentation of results to stakeholders and the community.

 

M-PSI/08

The course aims to deepen the comparison between different theoretical models in Clinical Psychology and their practical application to specific cases. This includes techniques and exercises on conducting psychological interventions, both for assessment and support. Diagnostic evaluation and the main lines of intervention will be explored in depth, with practical exercises planned on the topics covered.

Readings/Bibliography

M-PSI/05

 Compare, C., & Albanesi, C. (2023). Belief, attitude and critical understanding. A systematic review of social justice in Service‐Learning experiences. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 33(2), 332-355. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2639

Service Learning and Community Engagement Lab: https://site.unibo.it/servicelearning-labpsicom/it

European Association of Service Learning in Higher Education: https://www.easlhe.eu [https://www.easlhe.eu/]

Additional readings will be provided at the beginning and during the workshop activities, depending on the specificity of the context in which the SL project is developed.

 

M-PSI/08

American Psychiatric Association (2014). DSM-5: Manuale diagnostico e statistico dei disturbi mentali - Quinta edizione. Raffaello Cortina Editore: Milano.

Hooley J.M., Butcher J.N., Nock M.K., Mineka S. (2025). Psicopatologia e psicologia clinica. Milano – Torino: Pearson Italia.

 

Other pertinent bibliographic references will be recommended during the laboratory sessions. Planned activities include small group work, clinical case presentations, screenings of patient session videos, role-playing, simulations of psychological interviews, and exercises on psychological assessment interviews.

Teaching methods

M-PSI/05

The teaching methodology is based on the Service-Learning approach, which integrates academic education (learning) with “community engagement experiences” (service) on real-world topics through field research/interventions. The activities include short lectures, small group work, guided discussions, collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data, production of documentation materials, and presentation to local stakeholders. The class will be divided into small groups that will continuously work on the same project.

Service-Learning includes in-class activities (approx. 6 hours) and fieldwork (approx. 20 hours). The instructor will provide training, guidance, and supervision on:

• promoting empowerment, sense of community, and social justice
• developing citizenship skills, critical reflection, and social responsibility
• process documentation
• monitoring

During fieldwork, students will carry out:

• context analysis
• drafting an analysis/intervention project and an evaluation plan
• intervention design
• documentation of the process

Concerning the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online.

M-PSI/08

The planned activities include small group and/or individual work consisting of clinical case presentations, viewing of videos of sessions with patients, role-playing, simulations of psychological interviews, and practical exercises on psychological assessment and support sessions.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

M-PSI/05

• Students will pass the qualifying examination if they:

  • attend in-class activities, fieldwork, and the final presentation to stakeholders and the community
  • participate in drafting and presenting a final report/presentation (individual or group) that documents the experience. Guidelines for the report and presentation will be provided during the course
  • produce an individual reflection on the process and learning using a reflective journal and participating in monitoring sessions
  • submit a letter to the tutor of the organization where the service/community-based activity was carried out
  • complete a questionnaire evaluating the experience

M-PSI/08

The planned activities include small group and/or individual work consisting of clinical case presentations, viewing videos of sessions with patients, role-playing, simulations of psychological interviews, and practical exercises on assessment and psychological support sessions

Teaching tools

M-PSI/05: Video projector, overhead projector and PC, teaching materials provided during lessons.

M-PSI/08: Video projector, overhead projector and PC, teaching materials provided during lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Cattivelli

See the website of Cinzia Albanesi

See the website of Francesca Esposito