Psychosocial Perspectives on disorders

This subject is not offered in 2013.

(Indication of non-contact time): 54 hours.

None

None

Completion of undergraduate psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level.

None

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements, Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Topics covered may include diagnoses as psychosocial phenomena, models of stress, interpersonal bases of psychopathology and implications for psychotherapy; factors in help-seeking, accessing the mental health system; psychosocial aspects/perspectives on specific disorders or areas of interest such as chronic pain, grief, and psychosomatic illness; Ethnicity, cultural, gender, aging and family issues. Ethical issues, theoretical perspectives, current clinical practice and evidence from the clinical research literature are emphasised.

Students will be given the opportunity to gain an understanding of the complexity and impact of psychosocial factors and sociocultural context on personality development, emotional disorders and clinical practice (with an emphasis on facilitating an appreciation of the theoretical and empirical bases of current perspectives).

An in-class presentation (20%)

An end-of-semester essay of 1500 words (80%)

No prescribed text. A series of readings will be available at the beginning of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Improved problem solving skills

Improved written, oral and interpersonal communication skills