Starting from an ecological approach based on developmental psychopathology, the course will cover the concepts of resilience and vulnerability in the development, and it will focus on the most significant transitions in the life cycle. Within this framework, important aspects related to prevention and psychoeducational interventions will be treated, with particular emphasis on school period and peer bullying.
Inguglia C., Lo Coco A. (2013). Resilienza e vulnerabilità psicologica nel corso dello sviluppo. Il Mulino, Bologna.
Menesini E., Nocentini A., Palladino B.E. (2017) Prevenire e contrastare il bullismo. Il Mulino, Bologna
Learning Objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Knowing developmental models that explain the effects of risk and protective factors across different psychosocial systems; mastering the state-of-the-art of research about psychological resilience in the development, by focusing on prevention and intervention in the school period.
APPLIED KNOWLEDGE
Within an ecological approach, being able to critically analyze and reflect on risk trajectories at individual level. Being able to select appropriate psychoeducational interventions.
DECISION MAKING
Being able to critically examine life transitions, risk and protective factors. Decision making on psychoeducational interventions for prevention.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Mastering the scientific terminology; Being able to effectively communicate in a scientific and professional manner.
Prerequisites
Knowing the fundamentals, theories, methods and previous research in the field of developmental psychology.
This knowledge is expected, after having previously passed the course Developmental Psychology
Teaching Methods
The course will primarily be interactive. Different teaching methods will be used, such as frontal lectures, practicum, seminars, and guest lecture with experts.
Type of Assessment
The final exam aims at evaluating the acquisition of theoretical
knowledge and practical skills. It consists of a 4-hour closed book exam, with 3 theoretical questions and 1 case study. Theoretical questions will cover topics presented in the lectures, while the case study will require the student’s active reflection and interpretation of the presented material. Each theoretical question will be graded on a scale from 0 to 7, while the case study will contribute with a score ranging from 0 to 9. Conditional upon scoring at least 18 in the written exam, it is possible (but not compulsory) to sit the oral exam. During the oral exam, the examinee will be evaluated on the program of the course. Particular attention will be paid, but not limited, to the topics of the written exam. The oral exam will contribute to the final grade.
Course program
Starting from an ecological approach based on developmental
psychopathology, significant transitions will be explored in relation to different phases of the life cycle. The first module will analyze the theoretical framework and the construct of resilience in developmental psychology. The second module will focus on interventions to tackle bullying by means of theoretical models, covered in the first module. Bullying will be examined, by focusing on antecedents, psychological processes, and consequences. Further, particular attention will be paid on
developing interventions which aim to deactivate risk factors and boost protective factors at individual and group level.