Unit snapshot

  • Unit type
    PG Coursework Unit
  • Credit points
    12
  • Faculty & College
    Faculty of Health
  • Placement
    No

Unit description

Emphasises the life stage and bio-psycho-social contexts specifically related to providing effective therapeutic engagement with, children, adolescents, older persons and families. Learners will critically apply these contexts to all aspects of comprehensive assessment, formulation, diagnosis, care and intervention across the lifespan.

This unit is an integral part of a selection of courses at SCU Online. Each course incorporates this unit into a complete and immersive educational experience. If you're interested in this unit, we highly recommend enrolling in one of the courses listed below.

 

Unit content

  • A review of the foundations of human development and developmental theory
  • An exploration of common manifestation of mental health problems and disorders as they emerge in childhood and adolescence
  • The impact of trauma on mentalisation, attachment and human development
  • An overview of therapeutic interventions across the lifespan
  • Systemic influences on human development, mapping family structure, social networks, and formulation in child, youth and family work
  • Influences on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing across the lifespan
  • Positive aging
Image
A female mental health student seated in a chair, extending her hand outward in conversation

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

 

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  • Review and critique developmental theory and research as it applies to the aetiology, presentation and treatment of mental health problems across the lifespan and in diverse populations
  • Describe how mental health problems manifest differently across the lifespan and outline developmental and cultural considerations to addressing such problems and promoting mental health in partnership with service users
  • Examine and critically consider the systemic influences on mental health including family, family history, community and larger social and cultural contexts over time
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of the impact of trauma and how trauma is communicated intergenerationally, the impacts on human development and mental health and how the impacts of trauma can be addressed to enhance social and emotional wellbeing

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning

Assessment
Quiz: 10%
Case study: 45%
Critical review: 45%

Image
A female mental health student wearing glasses engages in conversation with a group of people, showcasing an interactive discussion

Study this unit in the following courses

This unit is a fundamental component of the full courses listed below, each designed to equip you with the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to achieve your career goals. To fully benefit from your learning experience and apply it to real-world challenges, engaging with the entire course is essential. Explore the courses that include this unit and take the next step towards your professional success.

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