Module: Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health
Module Code	PSY1116 (ITS: PSY1087)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

The first part of this module focuses on theory and research relating to mental health conditions, their psychological and behavioural manifestations, and how such conditions may be diagnosed and treated. The second part of the module examines the main concepts and theories relating to a range of psychological therapies, the skills and competencies developed by therapeutic practitioners, and contextual factors that impact on counselling practice.

Learning Outcomes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	18	Online distance learning classes and workshops
Online activity	60	Student-Staff and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	297	Using self-directed learning resources, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	12102	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aoife McNicholl	Module Teacher	James Brunton

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	This assessment is an essay, focused on a psychological perspectives on mental health topic	30%	n/a
Report(s)	This assessment involves writing a case study report, based on a specified case, recommending a provisional diagnosis and therapeutic plan for the client.	35%	n/a
Essay	The first part of this assessment involves commenting on the use of counselling skills and the application of psychological theory as demonstrated in a video of a counselling session. The second part of the assessment is an essay on a psychological counselling topic.	35%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Part 1: Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health 1

- What is Mental Health?

- Contextual factors: Legal, Ethical and Societal Issues

- Researching Mental Health and Mental Health Conditions

- Mental Health Conditions: Assessment and Diagnosis

- Stress, Trauma and Health

- Mood Disorders and Suicidality

- Panic, Anxiety, and Obsessions

- Somatic Symptoms and Dissociative Disorders

Part 2: Perspectives on Mental Health 2

- Schizophrenia and Psychosis

- Eating Disorders

- Substance use and Addictive Disorders

- Sexual Dysfunctions, Variants, and Abuse

- Personality Disorders

- Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Childhood and Adolescence)

- Neurocognitive Disorders

- Psychological Intervention: Outcomes and Issues

Part 3: Counselling Psychology 1

- What are Counselling and Psychotherapy?

- Research in Psychological Counselling

- The Effective Practice of Psychological Therapy: Foundation Skills and Competencies

- Psychodynamic Approaches

- Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches

Part 4: Counselling Psychology 2

- Humanistic Approaches

- Emerging Approaches

- Psychological Counselling across the lifespan

- Counselling in Different Contexts

- Ethical and Legal Issues When Practicing Psychological Therapy

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Alan Carr: 2012, Clinical Psychology, 1st, Routledge, 9780415683975
Alan Carr, Muireann McNulty: 2016, The handbook of adult clinical psychology: An evidence-based practice approach, 2nd, Routledge, 978-1138806306
Gerald Corey: 2023, Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 11th, Cengage, 9798214033549
Richard Nelson-Jones: 2013, Introduction to counselling skills: texts and activities, 4th, SAGE Publications Limited, 9781446210604

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None