Models and Approaches in Mental Health Research

Code

PSTY4044

School

Psychiatry and Applied Psychology

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This lecture-based course will cover topics in the following areas:

• Definitions and ‘disorders’

• Classification systems and surrounding issues

• Models in mental health research (incl. ethical considerations)

• Cognitive/affective mechanisms and the symptom approach

• The Neuroscience approach to Mental Health Research

•Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management approaches in mental health

• Service user-led research approaches

•The role of trauma and stress in the aetiology and trajectory of mental health problems
 

Target Students

MSc Mental Health Research and Practice, PGDip Mental Health Research and Practice, PGCert Mental Health Research and Practive

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

1 x 2 hour lectures for 10 weeks = 20 hours; Independent reading and assessment

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: A 3000-word essay selected from a choice of topics covered in the taught sessions

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student will have:a) Knowledge and Understanding• Acquired a working knowledge of models & approaches in mental health research•

 Acquired an understanding of the controversies surrounding the diagnosis and treatment options of mental health disorders (incl. ethical considerations)

• Acquired a working knowledge of research methods in mental health research

 • Acquired an appreciation of the cognitive and affective processes or mechanisms proposed to underlie common mental health disorders

b) Intellectual Skills• Developed an ability to critically appraise various research methodologies in the field of mental health

 • Developed an ability to critically appraise theoretical arguments and/ or applied research findings across a wide range of disciplines or perspectives in the field of mental health

 c) Transferable (key) skills• Developed an ability to present others’ research findings in the field of mental health in written format

• Developed scientific thinking skills to enable the appraisal of research in the field of mental healthd)

 Professional skills• Developed an ability to critically appraise theory, methods and results of research from a wide range of disciplines in the field of mental health

• Acquired a working knowledge of ethics and research governance structures and processes relevant to the field of mental health

Conveners

• Dr Elena Nixon