Personality Theory & Human Behaviour

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours total

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 Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The focus of this subject is the study of the theory of personality and of human behaviour and its clinical and therapeutic implications. The chief aim of the course is to consider the various theoretical approaches, which have been applied in order to understand an individual's intra and interpersonal psychological world. Topics covered include:

• the concept of personality;
• different theoretical approaches to the conceptualisation of personality and psychological functioning and the relationship between these approaches; and
• application of these different approaches to clinical practice, particularly psychotherapeutic treatment.

Subject objectives include:

• Define key concepts in psychodynamic theory such as the unconscious, transference and countertransference, defence mechanisms, the development of the self and the therapeutic alliance including their implications for clinical practice
• Discuss the importance of developmental factors particularly early attachment experiences and trauma in understanding and planning treatment for psychiatric patients
• Critically appraise these theoretical approaches in terms of their commonalities and differences
• Determine how research into this subject is conceptualised and carried out
• Critically analyse the literature in this field

Learning outcomes include:

• Formulate a person’s internal and interpersonal psychological world in terms of relevant theories of personality and psychological functioning
• Explain unconscious mental functioning as it relates to contemporary neuroscience and contemporary psychotherapy practice
• Discuss mentalisation and reflective functioning
• Discuss the link between basic components of personality with Borderline Personality Disorder and trauma
• Integrate psychotherapeutic principles into treatment planning for general mental health consumers.

Case-based presentation of 2,500 words due Weeks 4-6 (worth 50%)
Essay of 2,500 words due Week 10 (worth 50%)

Bloch, S. (2006) An Introduction to the Psychotherapies. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.