OVERVIEW

This is the only class on ageing psychology of Master degree course in psychology. For this reason lectures will be focused both on theoretical and practical aspects concerning ageing, diagnostic approach, clinical assessment and intervention programs. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After a review on problems linked to ageing, the class aim is to describe principal diagnostic techniques to identify cognitive neurodegenerative pathology and psychological impairment like depression. Furthermore will be considered intervention programs to prevent/rehabilitate/preserve both cognitive and psychosocial functioning  and maintain elderly self-sufficiency.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lectures the student will be able:

• to know the main psychological schools and place them along the timeline with particular attention to historical, economic and social  context in which were calling themselves
• to possess the basic knowledge of the main areas of interest in the modern scientific psychology
• to recognise the areas of application of psychological theories
• to use the acquired knowledge to make more effective its professional action  in the field of education

PREREQUISITES

To tackle the course you must have the fundamentals of general psychology, the basics of developmental psychology with particular reference to the concept of development during the life span, and elements of psychometrics for the construction, validation and use of psychometric tests.

TEACHING METHODS

Frequency of at least 65% of lessons. [in case it is not possible, for health reasons, to take the lessons in presence, they will be delivered remotely in streaming mode].

Students with DSA certification, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods which, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

From one side the class will examine ageing processes and their effects on principal psychological functions on the other side it will describe main steps of diagnostic process in ageing psychology as well as the most employed diagnostic test in geropsychology. Attention will be focused to age related changes on cognitive functions as well as to depression and techniques/programs of ageing processes prevention so that people’s self-sufficiency period might be prolonged.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. De Beni R., Borella E. (a cura di), Psicologia dell’invecchiamento e della longevità, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2015
2. Bianchi A. (a cura di), L’esame neuropsicologico dell’adulto. Applicazioni cliniche e forensi, Giunti O.S., Firenze, 2013 [Cap. VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI]
3. Di Nuovo S., Vianello R. (a cura di), Deterioramento cognitivo: forme, diagnosi e intervento. Una prospettiva Life-Span, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2013 [Cap. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12]

Accessory readings

Papers and other books’ chapters could be indicated during the lessons

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GUIDO FRANCO AMORETTI (President)

FABRIZIO BRACCO

DAVID GIOFRE' (Substitute)

LUCA ONNIS (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 23rd 2021

To be informed about changes in office hours for student, to download teaching materials and to sign up at assessment reserved to persons who have attended the lectures  you must register yourself in  Aula Web

Class schedule

DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES AND INTERVENTION IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For those who attend (at least 65% of the lesson hours): written test (multiple-choice test on the computer in AulaWeb environment) at the end of the course which focuses on texts 1 and 2 and on what was said in class and not covered by the texts. Those who pass the test can take a decision test based on the simulation of a diagnostic process. The average of the marks obtained in the two written tests represents the final grade. The "reduced" programme is valid only for end-of-course tests and summer appeals. As of the September appeal, the distinction between frequent and non-attendants is no longer valid.

For those who do not attend: written test (multiple choice test on the computer in AulaWeb environment) that focuses on texts 1, 2 and 3. Those who pass the test can take a decision test based on the simulation of a diagnostic process. The average of the marks obtained in the two written tests represents the final grade.

In both cases, oral supplements are allowed.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Evaluation of knowledge of the main theories on ageing, the process of diagnosis, the mode of administration and the areas of use of some of the more widespread diagnostic tests , and of the possible intervention programs to maintain cognitive and social functions and prolong people self-sufficiency. .

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

It's compulsory to register him/herself for the examination through the student portal. Unless otherwise noted, the exams will take place at the premises of the computer and language, floor 1, body A.

NOTE: It's permitted to take the examination for a maximum of 4 times over the verification of the end of the course. The failure to pass the examination on the third and on the fourth attempt involves the recording of the negative outcome and, consequently, the inability to take the exam in a.y. 2020-21. The student who runs into this case may take the exam again in a.y. 2021-22.