OVERVIEW

This course introduces students to the core concepts and models of social psychology, with a specific focus on their application in psychiatric and rehabilitative contexts. It is a foundational discipline for understanding relational dynamics in therapeutic and care settings.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will:

• acquire knowledge of nosography and semiotics of psychiatric disorders;

• understand psychometric principles to develop the ability to use assessment tools in rehabilitative practice;

• explore the biological dimension of mental processes, as well as the socio-cultural, emotional and cognitive components of social behaviour;

• understand primitive mental functioning;

• gain foundational knowledge for promoting health and safety among patients and healthcare professionals;

• learn basic first aid techniques.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• describe the main concepts of social psychology (social cognition, stereotypes, conformity, social influence) and their theoretical and applied relevance;
• analyse group dynamics, social norms, and processes of social influence, with reference to the classic experiments of Asch, Milgram, and Zimbardo;
• explain the role of stigma in mental illness and the mechanisms of social identity in rehabilitative contexts;
• apply the biopsychosocial model to the design of rehabilitative interventions using a psychosocial approach;
• produce and present work on topics related to psychiatric rehabilitation, demonstrating critical thinking and communication skills;
• design basic psychoeducational activities aligned with rehabilitative goals.

TEACHING METHODS

Interactive lectures supported by slides, academic articles, and case-based discussions. Group work: each group will prepare a presentation on a topic related to psychiatric rehabilitation, selected from 15 proposed titles. Plenary discussion of group presentations. All course materials are uploaded to Aulaweb.

Attendance is mandatory as required by the Degree Program regulations. Students with documented difficulties are advised to contact the instructor to request exemptions.

Non-attending students: students unable to attend are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to explain their situation. All materials on Aulaweb, together with the reference textbook, provide a complete resource for exam preparation.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or other specific educational needs: students holding valid certifications for SLD, disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the instructor and the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Nicola Girtler – nicolagirtler@unige.it) at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on any adaptations to teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning needs into account.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Definition and domains of social psychology
• Social cognition, impressions, stereotypes, and schemas
• Conformity, social norms, obedience
• Group dynamics and social influence
• Stigma and social identity in mental illness
• The biopsychosocial model in rehabilitation
• Case studies: Stanford and Milgram experiments
• Designing rehabilitative interventions using a psychosocial approach

The module contributes to the following UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, selected in the CATEGORIES section of the online form:

• Goal 4 – Quality Education: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning
• Goal 5 – Gender Equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Required materials available on Aulaweb:

• Lecturer’s slides
• Instructor-prepared handouts
• Selected readings: the biopsychosocial model, the Stanford prison experiment, conformity and social change
• Educational videos (Asch, Milgram, Zimbardo)

Reference textbook:

• Psicologia sociale – Teorie e applicazioni, Pearson, 2023

Non-attending students: materials on Aulaweb and the reference textbook provide the complete reference for exam preparation. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course.

Students with SLD: please contact the instructor to discuss possible adaptations to study materials (e.g., accessible formats).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester of A.Y. 2026/2027. For the exact start date and timetable, please consult the academic calendar of the Degree Program at:

servizionline.unige.it – Students / Timetable and Academic Calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment of the Social Psychology module takes place within the integrated examination of the course “Psychiatry I, Psychology and Propaedeutic Rehabilitation” and consists of two components:

• Group presentation on a topic related to psychiatric rehabilitation (scored on a 30-point scale, with 0–6 points awarded individually per student).
• Individual oral examination at the end of the course to evaluate theoretical understanding and practical application of course content.

For the overall examination methods of the integrated course, please refer to the syllabus of the integrated course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The two assessment components verify the achievement of the stated learning outcomes as follows:

Group presentation:

• Ability to apply the biopsychosocial model and social psychology concepts to a specific rehabilitative topic (outcomes 4 and 6).
• Quality of communication, use of technical language, and critical thinking in the presentation (outcome 5).

Individual oral examination:

• Knowledge of the core concepts of social psychology and their theoretical foundations (outcome 1).
• Ability to analyse group dynamics, social influence, and conformity with reference to classic experiments (outcome 2).
• Understanding of the role of stigma and social identity in mental illness (outcome 3).

Students with disabilities, SLD, or other specific educational needs who have submitted their certification via the online form are entitled to request exam accommodations following the procedure below.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload the relevant certification via the University’s online services:

servizionline.unige.it – “Studenti” section

The documentation will be verified by the University Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLDs:

rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111

Subsequently, at least 7 days prior to the exam date, students must complete the accommodation request form:

modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti

The form will be sent automatically to the course instructor and to the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Nicola Girtler – nicolagirtler@unige.it). Accommodations must be agreed with the responsible instructor, who will confirm whether the requested adaptations can be applied.

For further information please consult:

unige.it/disabilita-dsa