Module Code:

PS911

Module Name:

Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology

Module Credits (CATS):

15

Module Convener

Fiona MacCallum

Module Teachers

Fiona MacCallum

Module Aims

Child and adolescent mental health is one of the key areas of specialisation for professional Clinical Psychologists. This module will provide students in the MSc in Clinical Psychology with a broad theoretical background and introduce them to key professional issues in this specialisation.

The module will consider vulnerability and resilience to psychological dysfunction in early life. It will address major psychological disorders of infancy, childhood and adolescence, with particular emphasis on contemporary developments in evidence-based psychological intervention. Sessions will be led by both academics and clinicians to provide a broad range of perspectives on child and adolescent mental health.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify and evaluate key factors in the complex origins of psychological disorder in children and adolescents
• Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic methods available for young people and families
• Understand and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different types of research into developmental difficulties
• Appreciate some of the difficulties inherent in supporting children with mental health difficulties.

All Learning Objectives are assessed by all elements of the assessment.

Module Work Load

Module Length

10 weeks

Lectures

10 lectures of 2 hours each

Attendance

Attendance at lectures is compulsory

Module Assessment

Assessed work:

Exam - 2 hours, open-book

Weighting:

100%

Module Programme

Topics covered on the course will likely include:

• Introduction to the module
• Assessment & formulation
• Eating disorders
• Attachment
• Working with adolescents
• ASD
• Behaviour management
• Common problems in infancy
• Attachment disorders
• Sensory regulation

Module Reading List

• Carr, A. (2016) The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology: A Contextual Approach.(3rd ed.) London: Routledge.
• Dallos, R & Draper, R. (2010) An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice. Open University Press.
• Friedberg, R. D. & McClure, J.M. (2002) Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents: The Nuts and Bolts. New York: Guilford Press.
• Golding, K. S. (2007) Nurturing Attachments: Supporting Children Who Are Fostered Or Adopted. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
• Herbert, M. (2002) Typical and Atypical Development: From Conception to Adolescence. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.