OVERVIEW

The course will provide an overview of the psychological development of young individuals, comparing typical and problematic trajectories. The main psychopathological frameworks of development will be presented, from childhood to adolescence. The course will also introduce the main authors and key psychopathological theories of development, as well as the primary assessment tools and intervention models.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide a frame of reference of the concept of normality and pathology at evolutionary age, the stages of development, the main taxonomies and the meaning of the symptoms at evolutionary age. Provide an overview of disorders, presenting their development lines, possible interventions, the role of the family, school and environment.Present some tools of evaluation and diagnosis, as well as some lines of intervention integrated between family, school and services.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will enable students to:

• Acquire adequate knowledge of developmental psychopathology and the role of psychologists in clinical intervention settings.
• Gain a solid understanding of psychological assessment, including evaluation tools and methodologies.
• Understand and reflect on the main clinical conditions of developmental age.
• Develop the technical language specific to developmental psychopathology to communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialists and to navigate future career choices.
• Apply acquired knowledge to the analysis of clinical cases.
• Enhance advanced literacy, social, and personal competencies, as well as the ability to learn how to learn.

PREREQUISITES

The student must adequately master the concepts of dynamic and clinic psychology. 

TEACHING METHODS

The lessons will be delivered in person through traditional lectures, supported by educational materials such as slides and videos. Clinical cases will be presented, actively involving students in formulating diagnostic hypotheses.

Additionally, experts in the field will be invited to participate in class alongside the instructor. In addition to sharing their professional experience, they will provide students with valuable insights into the psychology profession.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

MODULE 2: METHODS AND TOOLS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

MODULE 3: DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS AND INTERVENTION MODELS

MODULE 4: PARENTAL FUNCTION AND WORKING WITH PARENTS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For further requests as English bibliography, please contact the teacher at marta.tironi@edu.unige.it

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course begins in the second semester, according to the academic calendar.

Class schedule

PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam procedure is in written form, followed by electronic registration, normally in the subsequent appeal.

If requested, the exam can be taken in English for foreign students.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is in written form with open-ended questions regarding the texts and topics presented and discussed in classes.

The students will demonstrate both that they have acquired the contents of teaching in an active and personal way and that they have learned how to communicate them using scientific language and technical terms.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

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 that, in compliance with the objectives of the course, take into account individual learning patterns and provide appropriate compensatory tools.