Developmental Psychopathology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the developmental psychopathology approach, which seeks to understand patterns of adaptation and maladaptation across the lifespan.
• Discuss how current clinical practice is informed by theory and empirical evidence, in developmental psychology.
• Describe and identify the major mental disorders that affect infants, children and adolescents and critically discuss their classification, assessment and treatment.
• Critically discuss current approaches to understanding the aetiology and maintenance of these disorders.

In discussing theoretical perspectives on different disorders, there will be an emphasis on the dynamic interplay between genetic, neurobiological, psychological, social, cognitive, emotional, and cultural influences (i.e., multiple levels of analysis). The importance of early experiences and the complexities of risk and protective factors will be addressed. The conditions or topics discussed will include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attachment Disorders, Early adversity, Anxiety and Depression in childhood and adolescence, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in childhood and adolescence, Sleep Disorders, and Tics/Tourette’s Syndrome. Issues relating to the assessment of psychopathology in children and developmentally-sensitive research methods will be critically discussed.

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures; to introduce and present fundamental concepts and topics in developmental psychopathology (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Attachment disorders, Early adversity, Sleep disorders).
• Tutorials; to teach students how to read and critically appraise different types of studies (e.g., how to read qualitative studies, how to effectively communicate science to a diverse audience).
• Drop-in and Q&A sessions; for students to discuss with the module convenors and lecturers about different topics that are relevant to developmental psychopathology or research methods in developmental psychopathology

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Lecture outlines. Lectures are intended to provide a basic introduction to each topic and should be supplemented with independent research into topics of interest. See lecture outlines for specific readings and suggested articles

Journals. Journals in the library (and available on-line) will enable you to look at the most recent research in the study of developmental psychopathology. These include: • Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology • Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry • Development and Psychopathology • Child Development • Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • Developmental Psychology.

Textbooks

Kerig, P K; Ludlow, A; Wenar, C. (2012). Developmental Psychopathology: From Infancy through Adolescence. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Assessment strategy

The final module mark is made up of:

• Individual Coursework (20% of total mark)
• Final Exam (79% of total mark)
• Research Participation (1% of total mark)

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External