Module overview
Developmental psychopathology is the study of the developmental processes that lead to psychopathology or impairment in everyday function. As a discipline, it is concerned with the different disorders which have their origins in infancy, childhood or adolescence.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: PSYC2007 AND (SOCI2020 or (EDUC2043 and EDUC2042) or PSYC2020 or EDUC2054)
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- 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.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the developmental psychopathology approach, which seeks to understand patterns of adaptation and maladaptation across the lifespan.
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
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
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 114 |
| Teaching | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
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.
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
Textbooks
Kerig, P K; Ludlow, A; Wenar, C. (2012). Developmental Psychopathology: From Infancy through Adolescence. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Assessment
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research Participation | 1% |
| Individual Coursework | 20% |
| Assessment | 79% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External