Learning objectives

1) know and understand those theories that explain the basic processes of functioning and adaptation of the individual to the material and social environment. 2) know and understand those theories that are related to the mechanisms of psychological functioning of people at work and in the organizations, including their motivations, satisfaction and well-being. 3) apply theories on the functioning of individuals, groups and organizations to the description and to the analysis of learning and of personal and social change SPECIFIC TRAINING OBJECTIVES: The course aims to introduce students to the study of motivation and emotions as psychological functions regulating human behaviour. Knowing the basic concepts in these fields will help the students to understand the role of various motivational factors and in particular of affectivity in human behaviour, taking into account the specific context (i.e. interpersonal relationships, groups, organizations) in which these factors interact. Moreover, the course will help the students to understand potential strategies that promote well-being and motivations in learning and not learning contexts.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No previous knowledge required

Program

Course aims to:
1) introduce students to the study of motivation and emotions as psychological functions regulating human behaviour;
2) teach the basic concepts in these fields which will help the students to understand the role of various motivational factors and in particular of affectivity in human behaviour, taking into account the specific context (i.e. interpersonal relationships, groups, organisations) in which these factors interact
3) help the students to understand potential strategies that promote well-being and motivations in learning and non learning contexts.
Course topics:
Dynamic psychology with the main focus on motivational systems.
The attachment system
The first concepts of motivation: instincts and drives
Needs and the theories of needs.
Goals, the perceptions of competence, making decisions and choices.
Extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation and the degrees of autonomy in motivation.
Motivation assessment.
The emotion and the emotional expressions
Feelings, emotion expressions and behavioral tendencies of emotions.
The regulation of emotion and the motivation.
The social sharing of emotions: why do people share their feelings.
Subjective wellbeing and positive emotions: fitting motives and goals.

Bibliographic references for attending and non-attending students:
1. Amadei G., Cavanna D., Zavattini G.C. (2015 ). Psicologia dinamica, Il Mulino, Bologna, (chapters1, 3, 4, 6, paragraphs 1 e 2 and Table 14.1 of the chapter 14, chapter 16).
2. Moè A. (2020). La motivazione. Teorie e processi - Nuova edizione, Il Mulino, Bologna.
3. Rimè B. (2008 ). La dimensione sociale delle emozioni, Il Mulino, Bologna (chapters 1, 2, 3).

N.B.
The Dynamic Psychology of Motivation and Clinical Psychology examinations are scheduled alternatively in the third year. It is possible (and advisable, especially for students planning to enter a Master's degree program in the field of psychology) to take both exams by including one of them in one's study plan as a choice exam (D Credits), an operation that can be done directly by the student by entering essetre. The recommendation, however, is to take both exams in the third year. In fact, by entering one of the two exams in D Credits, the system allows the student to take the course and take that exam even in a year prior to the third year. However, if the student opts for this solution (i.e., anticipating the exam of, for example, Motivation Dynamic Psychology in a year prior to the third) he or she should be aware that if, by a (rare but not impossible) chance, the other course (in the example that of Clinical Psychology) were to temporarily "go silent" when the student reaches the third year he or she would find himself or herself unable to graduate in that academic year.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Frontal lectures

Learning assessment procedures

Written exam of about two hours with three open questions. The assessment methods and criteria will be the same for attending and non-attending students. There are no midterm tests. Students from the previous years who still have to pass the exam can refer to the books/chapters listed in the syllabus for their course year. As a consequence of the covid emergency, the exam modality (i.e. oral exam via zoom) may be changed.

Evaluation criteria

The aim of the questions is to assess the students’ knowledge of the subjects described in the books/chapters listed in the syllabus. The final mark will be expressed in thirtieths.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final mark will be expressed in thirtieths.

Exam language

Italiano