EDF5565 · Psychopathology and personality

Overview

The aim of this unit is to develop general professional psychological competencies in the assessment of psychopathology and personality. You will undertake advanced exploration and analysis of the psychological assessment process, including scholarly consideration and debate of quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessing psychopathology, as well as personality across the lifespan. Theories and methods of assessment, as well as associated issues of validity and reliability, cultural and ethical considerations, and linguistic factors will be considered within the contexts of client perspectives. You will acquire skills in the administration, scoring and interpretation of pertinent psychological tests, the integration of multiple sources of assessment data, and appropriate report writing. You will also develop skills for constructive critical appraisal and using clinical judgement in assessment and diagnosis of disabilities, psychopathology, neurodiversity, and human strengths (positive psychology). Case conceptualisation and intervention planning skills will also be developed.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. demonstrate knowledge of psychopathology, neurodiversity and differential diagnosis
2. demonstrate knowledge of personality development, including adaptive and maladaptive trajectories across the lifespan
3. demonstrate knowledge of the professional ethical, cultural, linguistic and psychometric issues that arise when assessing for psychopathology across the lifespan
4. demonstrate skills in administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychopathology and personality instruments, behavioural instruments, and diagnostic clinical interview tools
5. demonstrate written and verbal communication skills in reporting the conclusions of psychological assessment
6. demonstrate reflective skills regarding your personal role, interpersonal skills, impact, responsibilities and relationships as a clinician reporting psychopathology and personality assessments

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Usually, you can expect to engage with: A. On campus enrolment • 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and • the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study B. Flexible enrolment • 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered online via live classes; and • the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.