Unit rationale, description and aim
In order to address the increasing prevalence of psychological disorders in adults around the world and in our communities, the practice of clinical psychology requires an in-depth and critical understanding and application of the principles and methods of psychological diagnosis, assessment, formulation, and intervention of psychological disorders in adults. This unit is designed to provide a detailed study of diagnostic criteria, aetiological factors (including epidemiological, risk, protective and maintenance factors), and biopsychosocial models relevant to assessment and intervention of psychological disorders. There will be a particular focus on empirically validated interventions for severe, complex, and chronic disorders diagnosed in adults, including anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and disorders associated with eating, addictive behaviours, personality, and psychosis. Students will acquire knowledge of assessment and intervention skills with a particular focus on evidence-based assessment, formulation and intervention for psychological disorders in adults. The aim of this unit is to provide students with essential knowledge and practical skills to support their clinical work with adults with psychological disorders in a culturally responsive manner.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the diagnostic criteria, aetiological fac...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate, interpret, and synthesise psychological...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply culturally responsive clinical evaluation sk...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- Current diagnosis and classification systems
- Diagnostic criteria, aetiological factors, assessment methods, and psychological models for common psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Conducting clinical assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Empirically validated treatment for psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Identifying, selecting and implementing a range of empirically validated treatment for psychological disorders typically seen in adults
- Justifying the link between diagnosis, formulation and intervention plans, goals and strategies
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy for this unit allows students to demonstrate their acquisition and critical application of evidence-based assessment and intervention skills. In order to best enable students to demonstrate unit learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with university assessment requirements. All assessment tasks in this unit are graded hurdle tasks because students must meet psychological practice standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council.The written assignment is designed to assess students’ ability to critically analyse and synthesise information relevant to diagnosis, assessment and formulation of an adult psychological disorder. The skills demonstration is designed to assess students’ ability to develop a treatment plan and demonstrate their therapeutic skills. The exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge in assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders in adults.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and pass all assessment tasks. The passing mark for each of the graded assessment tasks is 50%. If students fail their original submission on the graded hurdle task (i.e., first attempt) they are provided with one additional opportunity to pass the assessment task (i.e., second attempt). If the student passes the second attempt, the highest mark that they can achieve on that assessment task is 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment To asses...
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment
To assess students’ ability to critically evaluate and integrate the literature on evidence-based assessment and diagnoses.
Graded Hurdle (40%)
Assessment Task 2 - Skills Demonstration (record...
Assessment Task 2 - Skills Demonstration (recorded submission)
Requires students to demonstrate their competencies in specific intervention strategies.
Graded Hurdle (30%)
Assessment Task 3 - Examination Requires student...
Assessment Task 3 - Examination
Requires students to demonstrate their knowledge in assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders in adults, including culturally responsive practice particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Graded Hurdle (30%)
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Postgraduate students in psychology are expected to be independent learners; this is reflected in an approach which puts students at the centre of their learning through participation in discussions. This unit therefore uses an active learning approach presented through a combination of lectures, workshops and web-based learning delivered in face-to-face mode for 3.5 hours per week. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within class activities. Learning and teaching strategies used in lectures and workshops include case-based learning, demonstrations, role plays, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities. Lectures and demonstrations are structured to deliver essential content, while workshops and role plays provide students with opportunities to practice and discuss assessment and intervention strategies. Web-based learning and reflective/critical thinking activities will enhance learning and provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively. This range of strategies will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for development of competency in clinical adult psychology.