Course Content

The course consists of six modules.

There are five compulsory module and one elective module.

The five compulsory modules cover Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Learning and Behavioural Conditions, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Managing Adult Mental Health.

Then choose one elective module from the list below.

THE CORE MODULES

There are five core modules. Click on the links below for more information -

Abnormal Psychology BPS307

Introduction To Psychology BPS101

Developmental, Learning And Behavioural Conditions In Adolescents And Children BPS215

Child And Adolescent Mental Health BPS214

Managing Mental Health In Adults BPS216

THE ELECTIVE MODULES
Choose one Elective Module from the list below -

Anger Management BPS111

Stress Management VPS100

Psychopharmacology (Drugs And Psychology) BPS302

Neurodiversity

In the course, you will learn more about why people experience psychological problems, such as addiction. Here is a brief example of the type of thing you will be learning.

WHY DO PEOPLE EXPERIENCE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS?

Some people have a biological susceptibility to changing from a seemingly normal person into one that behaves outside of the norm. Others may be affected, through no fault of their own, by circumstances that change their psychology and ultimately trigger changes in their behaviour.
 
Trauma, psychological or physical pain may be the start of a change in behaviour which may then manifest in anything from withdrawal or abuse of relationships to self-abuse or drug abuse. Over time behavioural changes can increase and exaggerate.

Social Cognitions
Social learning theory suggests that much of what we learn is through modelling and imitation of others. It has given rise to the client-centred approaches to therapy (Carl Rogers) and motivational interviewing techniques which seem to be of benefit in dealing with substance use problems. Social learning theory emerged because some psychologists found behavioural explanations of behaviour too simplistic, i.e. people don't always respond to stimuli in predictable ways. People play a more active role in deciding what they do. One of the things they found was that people's expectations played a key part in their behaviour.

When applied to substance use it can be seen that expectations may arise from rewards and stimuli, but also that they can influence how people react to stimuli, behaviour and the consequences. That is, people have an active role in how they respond. Other influences such as modelling, perceived levels of self-control (i.e. self-efficacy beliefs), need for positive regard and self-evaluations also influence our choices.   

Personality
It has been suggested that some people may have a personality type which makes them more prone to using substances. However, there is little evidence to support this proposal. What is perhaps more credible is that particular personality traits may influence an individual's substance use behaviour. But once again, research has failed to consistently identify specific traits or clusters of traits associated with drug use that support this theory. However, a few studies, e.g. Molina et al, have suggested that there may be a link between personality traits and the onset of alcohol use disorders. In particular, antisocial personality traits have been linked to alcohol related problems in teens and young adults.
Also, some neurological problems like attention deficit and hyperactivity, impulsiveness, emotional instability, lack of inhibition, aggressiveness, and pre-alcoholic essential tremor have been found to be associated with alcohol problems. Poor academic achievement, truancy and delinquency are also linked and so is sensation seeking behaviour.  

Mental health disorders also have a complex relationship with drug and alcohol use. As alluded to already, some people with mental health problems take substances to self-medicate but sometimes mental health problems may be incurred through use of substances. There may also be a history of personality disorder or mental health issues in families where there are members with drug or alcohol disorders.

Social Theories
The environment may also play a significant role in an individual's vulnerability to drug and alcohol related disorders. For instance, how substances are perceived in society can influence an individual's decisions about taking them. In most Western societies alcohol is seen as an acceptable drug and many people grow up surrounded by family members and role models who drink. In these societies young people, in particular, may feel peer pressure to drink alcohol. Children who watch their parents drinking to relieve stress are more likely to accept it as a means of coping with problems. Conversely, in many countries where there is a Muslim majority alcohol is prohibited and there are few alcohol related problems. As well as availability, cost can be a determinant in the development of use disorders. Where prices are higher usage is likely to be lower.

Other social factors such as homelessness and unemployment are linked to problems with substance use. Within the family network factors such as abuse, neglect, separation, divorce and poor social support are all possible risk factors for substance use. The family system itself can promote and maintain substance use behaviours through particular rituals, e.g. every Sunday they drink alcohol with dinner as a family tradition.  

Conclusion
Given the divergent and occasionally complementary explanations of why people use substances and become addicted to them it is apparent that there is no satisfactory approach which describes all cases. Therefore, any attempt at understanding a person's substance use behaviour must be an integrated one. There are biological, psychological and social influences on whether a person uses substances and also the consequences of use. Responses may lead to tolerance, reinforcement and generalisation of substance use to a variety of internal and external cues. Often individuals with substance use disorders associate with others who are similarly inclined and avoid those who may not condone their behaviour.  

Enrol Now? Any Questions?

More and more children and adults are experiencing mental health difficulties today. In this course, you will learn more about these difficulties and the psychological theories underpinning our understanding.

Taking this qualification shows your passion and commitment to understand and support people who are experiencing mental health problems.

If you would like to improve your understanding of the problems people experience with their mental health, this is the course for you.  Study for professional development or your own interest.

You can enrol today by clicking the “Enrol Now” button above.

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Click here to Contact a Psychology Tutor.

Or Request a Prospectus Here.