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Infant Observation and Assessment Skills (PSYT90081)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019

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Overview

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This subject will introduce students to the skills of observation of infant and toddler behaviour and communication and family interactions. The method of infant observation as developed by Esther Bick, and the application of the Bick Method of infant observation in mental health and psychotherapeutic practice will be addressed.

Intended learning outcomes


  • To prepare students for the theoretical, ethical and practical aspects of undertaking of an infant observation according to the Bick method in preparation for the second year subjects Infant Observation 1 and Infant Observation 2.
  • To demonstrate interviewing and assessment skills needed for clinical practice with infants and toddlers at different ages
  • To demonstrate the different modalities of communication that can be used to directly engage infants in a clinical situation (e.g., gesture and play)
  • To demonstrate the use of videotaping of clinical interviews to assist in articulating observations in clinical settings.

Generic skills

Students will be able to:

  • Devise a plan for identifying and engaging an expectant family willing to volunteer for their infant to be observed as part of the subjects: Infant Observation 1&2
  • Select appropriate techniques for engaging infants and their families in the clinical setting taking into account the infant’s developmental stage and parent’s capacities
  • Elicit salient information and take a systematic history of an infant mental health problem in the clinical setting.

Last updated: 3 November 2022