This module will focus on the role and contributions of psychological research to understanding experiences of key clinical mental health conditions, focusing on scientific approaches to understanding the spectrum of mental health experiences. The module will also consider the importance of clinical psychological research for developing adequately targeted evidence-based psychological therapies which aim to improve functioning for individuals living with severe mental health conditions. Students taking this module will be able to critically evaluate the contributions of psychological science-based research to understanding the experience of a number of common mental health conditions

The ethos of clinical psychology research and practice at Staffordshire University reflects the importance of context in understanding psychological health and well-being. This locates the causes of distress in the experience, relationship, community and social circumstances of the individual. It further emphasises the importance of the experience of individuals who have experience of psychological and emotional difficulties and seeks to work collaboratively at every point. Content will reflect this ethos throughout and in particular through the following topics:

- Introduction to the understanding of people in the context of their personal history, relationships and social/economic circumstances

- The determinants of psychological health and wellbeing in individuals, families and immediate communities

- The determinants of psychological ill-health and disability in individuals and families

- The role of wider systems in facilitating or impeding psychological health and wellbeing

- Approaches to change in individuals, families and immediate communities Approaches to change in wider systems that influence psychological health and well-being

- International Perspectives on Psychological Health and well-being; a human rights approach

Students will be assessed through:
A 10-minute case presentation, drawing on material from proscribed vignettes, weighted at 20% and a 4,000 word clinical application essay, weighted at 80%.

Summative Assessment 1: A CASE PRESENTATION. Students will be given case studies to choose from. Students are required to deliver a case presentation in front of their peers to formulate the case using a contextual model of understanding (e.g., Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model or another model shared during teaching). Students are required to present the different levels of influence over psychological health and wellbeing. Students will then discuss which level they would choose to intervene at to make a difference to the individual’s well-being and why, drawing on the research literature to inform this decision. (Learning outcomes: 1 & 2) (weighting 20%)

Summative Assessment 2: A CLINICAL APPLICATION ESSAY will be a 4,000-word essay, that applies clinical skills and understanding of literature, in relation to Bronfenbrenner or similar contextual/ecological models of mental health. For example, this may be a case study using one of the case studies provided. In this essay, students’ work should be written as if communicating with a clinical colleague/peer, and not in traditional academic essay style. (Learning outcomes: 1, 3 & 4) (4,000 words), (weighting 80%)

Formative Assessment/Feedback: Work to engage with issues of global mental health and approaches to psychological health and wellbeing will be subject to a reflective exercise to include tutor and peer feedback which will be part of the final teaching session.

This module will include a combination of face-to-face taught sessions and workshop style experiential learning. There will involvement of people with experience of mental health and other clinical services. Online learning via the Virtual Learning Environment and Independent Study focused on critically appraising published journal articles and literary accounts of community and context. Workshops are focused on delivery via the following methods: - didactic teaching, - use of online resources - involvement of people with experience of psychological distress - involvement of user and community groups - workshop/experiential activities - reflective practice

Kinderman, P. (2014) A Prescription for Psychiatry: Why We Need a Whole New Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Springer

Orford, J. (2008) Community Psychology: Challenges, Controversies and Emerging Consensus
John Wiley & Sons

Scott, V. and Wolfe, S (2014) Community Psychology: Foundations for Practice
SAGE

Students will need to be registered on the MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the contextual nature of psychological health and well-being. (Assessment 1 & Assessment 2)
Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate the ability to produce a clear written / visual presentation of a case and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. (Assessment 1 – Case Presentation)
Communication

3.Critically evaluate different models of psychological health and wellbeing in relation to cases. (Assessment 2 – Clinical Application Essay)
Analysis & Learning

4. Demonstrate theory-practice links through applying the relevant psychological research and theories to a hypothetical clinical case. (Assessment 2 – Clinical Application Essay)
Application

The ethos of clinical psychology research and practice at Staffordshire University reflects the importance of context in understanding psychological health and well-being. This locates the causes of distress in the experience, relationship, community and social circumstances of the individual. It further emphasises the importance of the experience of individuals who have experience of psychological and emotional difficulties and seeks to work collaboratively at every point. Content will reflect this ethos throughout and in particular through the following topics:

- Introduction to the understanding of people in the context of their personal history, relationships and social/economic circumstances

- The determinants of psychological health and wellbeing in individuals, families and immediate communities

- The determinants of psychological ill-health and disability in individuals and families

- The role of wider systems in facilitating or impeding psychological health and wellbeing

- Approaches to change in individuals, families and immediate communities Approaches to change in wider systems that influence psychological health and well-being

- International Perspectives on Psychological Health and well-being ¿ a human rights approach

No additional resources required