This module will provide students with theoretical instruction and opportunities for critical evaluation in abnormal psychology. It will examine the origins and identification of different forms of atypical cognitions and behaviours and investigate the psychological and social impact for patients. It will cover some of the major mental health disorders, focusing primarily on what research has to say about their social/cognitive/biological bases and the implications they have for treatment. In addition, the module will describe several methodological approaches, ask fundamental questions about the meaning of normality. The historical developments in this field will be examined and current interventions and treatments will feature highly in this module.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Compulsory to the following courses:
• BSc in Psychology with a Placement Year
• BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology and a Placement Year
• BSc in Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with a Year Abroad
• BSc in Social Psychology
• BSc Business Psychology
• BSc Business Psychology with a Placement Year
Not available as an elective module.
Not available to Short Term Credit Students.
Main Assessment Methods:
* Poster 1,000 words 20%
* Extended Essay 3,000 words 80%
* This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment methods: Like-for-like.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages (https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html).
Main Texts (Available online and in the library)
• Oltmanns, T. F., & Emery, R. E. (2012). Abnormal Psychology. Pearson.
Supplementary Reading (Available online and in the library)
• Cromby, J., Harper, D., & Reavey, P. (2013). Psychology, Mental Health and Distress. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Comer, R. J. (2013). Abnormal Psychology. Worth.
• Ussher, J. M. (1991). Women's Madness: Misogyny or Mental Illness? Harvester Wheatsheaf.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
Subject specific learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the historical developments surrounding the classification of a range of psychological disorders and their treatment methods
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the current diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, and be aware of the links between symptoms and optimal treatment approaches
3. * Show key intellectual skills by critically evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive interventions and drug treatment approaches in abnormal psychology
4. Evaluate through written analysis and interpretation the contributions made by the different approaches and research methods that are used in mental health practice
5. * Show familiarity with a broad range of interventions and treatments for mental disorders
* This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Generic learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. * Demonstrate understanding of the variety of sources that are available to construct and communicate information. For example, assessing the possible causes of abnormal behaviour, and the importance of a formal classification system for diagnosis
2. * Independently evaluate evidence, and present findings and opinions as part of a group. For example, the effectiveness of mental health interventions/ treatments with reference to specific mental disorders
3. * Competently disseminate their work to an audience (i.e. via a poster)
4. * Express opinions, argue rationally and engage in critical thinking both orally and in the written form
* This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
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