James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PY6011:03

Advanced Clinical Psychology

Townsville

39 hours workshops. Second semester intensive block mode.

Available to MPsych or DPsych students.

Staff: Assoc. Professor A Ralph, Dr W Hman.

This subject will comprise advanced training in specialised modules that may vary from year to year according to the expertise of available staff. It will primarily involve in-depth study in selected areas including cross-cultural health and mental health and the application of psychological expertise to the management of medical and health-related disorders. These topics will be considered from multi-cultural and ethnic minority perspectives, with particular reference to rural and remote settings.

Learning Objectives:

  1. a basic understanding of the nature, theory and methods of cross-cultural psychology;
  2. a critical appreciation of how the discipline of psychology and Western mental health perspectives are premised on Western cultural assumptions and understandings and the implications of this for cross-cultural assessment and intervention;
  3. a critical understanding of the nature of culture and culture meaning systems, particularly as these apply to self, emotions, adjustment and health and psychopathology;
  4. integrate other culture perspectives and understandings within existing psychological knowledge base;
  5. develop an increased level of skill in addressing particular types of physical problems using psychological techniques;
  6. develop an increased level of skill in program evaluation taking account of particular issues that may be relevant in different situations or with different conditions.

Assessment by written assignments (50%); seminar presentation (30%); participation (20%).