Teaching code

4S013597

Credits

9

Coordinator

Valeria Donisi

Language

Italian

Also offered in courses:

• Clinical and health psychology of the course Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences for Training and Professional Development

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

M-PSI/08 - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Courses Single

Authorized

Moodle Seminars 0

The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning objectives

GENERAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES. To know and understand the psychological theories concerning promotion of health and wellbeing and prevention and care of the psychological distress. To apply the psychological theories to the functioning of individuals, groups, and organisation in order to observe and analyse behaviours, and in particular phenomena concerning learning and personal and social changes. To plan and implement interventions aiming at the promotion of wellbeing and the prevention and care of psychological distress of individuals and groups. SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES. To know and understand the different approaches characterizing clinical psychology, as well as the salient aspects dealing with psychopathology and the diagnosis in the psychological field. To know the tools of clinical psychology (relationship, interview, testing, observation). To know and understand the principles of the different psychological and psychotherapist approaches: psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapists, behaviourism, cognitivism, systemic approach.

Prerequisites and basic notions

There are no specific prerequisites

Program

The course is divided into two parts: Part I and Part II.
- Students taking the course "Clinical and Health Psychology" (course code 4S011777 – 6 credits) are required to refer to Part I of the syllabus and the corresponding course materials.
- Students taking the course "Clinical Psychology and Professional Ethics" (course code 4S013597 – 9 credits) are required to refer to both Part I and Part II of the syllabus and the corresponding course materials.
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Part I (6 credits – 36 hours)
The syllabus covered in this part of the course corresponds to the syllabus of the course "Clinical and Health Psychology". It also constitutes Part I of the course "Clinical Psychology and Professional Ethics"
- Definition, scope, origins, and development of Clinical Psychology
- Main theoretical models and key constructs used in Clinical Psychology
- Adaptation, risk and protective factors, psychological distress, and psychological well-being
- Methods and tools of Clinical Psychology
- Foundations of the helping relationship: the clinical interview, empathy, the therapeutic relationship, and the therapeutic alliance
- Definition, scope, and key constructs of Health Psychology
- Psychological variables in relation to health and adaptation to illness
- Applied fields of clinical psychology, with reference to healthcare settings, hospital settings, and illness-related conditions
- Introduction to the ethical and deontological dimension of clinical psychology
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Part II (Additional 3 credits – Additional 18 hours)
The syllabus covered in this part of the course is intended exclusively for students taking the new course "Clinical Psychology and Professional Ethics" (academic year 2026/2027) and completes the syllabus covered in Part I.
- Further exploration of relational skills in the clinical relationship: communication in healthcare and self-awareness
- Introduction to the ethical and deontological dimension of clinical psychology (Further exploration)
- Clinical Psychology across the lifespan: adolescence, emerging adults and older adulthood
- Individual and group intervention models in clinical psychology across different areas of practice, and introduction to psychotherapeutic approaches
- Fundamentals of research methodology and research designs in Clinical Psychology

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lessons will take place mainly in frontal mode, with opportunities for discussion of the topics covered in plenary sessions and work in pairs/small groups.

Learning assessment procedures

Learning outcomes will be assessed through a written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and short, open-ended questions (1 or 2 questions).
The written exam will vary depending on the specific program:
- Part I for the course "Clinical and Health Psychology" (6 credits);
- Part I + Part II for the course "Clinical Psychology and Professional Ethics" (9 credits).
The exam format is the same for both attending and non-attending students.
For ERASMUS students the exam may be taken in English (upon request).

Evaluation criteria

Understanding the topics covered in the course syllabus and explored in the lectures will be the primary basis for assessment. The written exam will cover the entire syllabus, which includes the materials presented in class (slides and other materials) and the chapters indicated in the textbook (differentiated for Part I and Part II).
The materials presented and explored in class (slides and other materials presented in class) will be available on the course Moodle page (differentiated for Part I and Part II).
Information regarding the textbook chapters included in the exam syllabus will also be provided on the slides, with chapter indications for Part I and Part II.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade is determined by the total score obtained by the student through appropriate responses to the questions included in the written examination. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the examination.

Exam language

Italiano (English upon request)

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