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Mental Health and Young People (PSYC90062)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online

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Overview

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Semester 2 - Online
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This subject introduces multi-disciplinary conceptual frameworks for understanding mental health and illness in young people and highlights the importance of social and environmental contexts for mental health. Using a social-ecological model, this subject explores contemporary facets and experiences of youth mental health across communities and systems. With a focus on emergent research, and including interviews with young people, students will be expected to engage reflexively and critically with various foundational biological, psychological and sociological concepts, and to develop an understanding of the factors that impact young people's lives and mental health. The subject encourages students to develop an evidence-based understanding of the diversity of needs and adaptive opportunities possible in their youth-focused professional contexts, with a particular focus on health, youth justice, welfare and education systems.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • examine the epidemiology of mental health disorders in young people;
  • describe the role of neurobiological development and psychosocial change in the onset of mental health problems in young people;
  • critique conceptual frameworks for understanding mental health in young people;
  • recognise the dimensions of psychological and emotional distress in young people, and how it is linked to thought patterns, feelings, behaviours and physical health;
  • investigate protective factors and opportunities for building resilience in young people to support their mental health;
  • analyse how structural and social determinants of health can shape mental health trajectories;
  • evaluate the role of systems (e.g., education, youth justice, health) in supporting and responding to young people's mental health needs;
  • recognise cultural diversity in understanding mental health and illness;
  • examine professional boundaries and assumptions, knowledge and skills that professionals bring to the context.

Generic skills

  • Academic writing with practical application to the professional context
  • Self-directed study
  • Critical analysis
  • Use of appropriate and ethical methods for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of information
  • Self-reflection, career awareness and lifelong learning

Last updated: 10 September 2024