PL4S147 - Interventions 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL4S147
Module Title: Interventions
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Deborah Lancastle
Module Team: Richard May, Kirsty Richards, Gareth Roderique-Davies, Biao Zeng, Alexis Jones, Dan Bowers, Leigh Attwood
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To enable students to develop a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of a range of psychotherapeutic interventions.

Content Summary

Theoretical bases behind different interventions, the presumed active ingredients of those interventions, why different therapies may therefore be more or less effective in different circumstances and for different conditions, and the measurable benefit of those interventions. The module will take an intervention led rather than condition led approach to learning about different therapies, in order that students’ knowledge of the theoretical bases and active ingredients of different interventions can inform their critical appraisal of treatment approaches for disorders studied in other modules on the course.

The module will develop students’ critical appraisal of the treatments used in clinical settings, including pharmacological, biological, psychological, and behavioural treatments and therapies. Students will also consider research on the role of psychological and social factors in the therapeutic context including the therapist/client relationship, communication, and the implications of these factors on adherence to medical advice. A focus on the impact of social and cultural factors on the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mental illness will be maintained throughout.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 10
Independent Study 152
Directed Study 8
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 8
Groupwork 10
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate various interventions employed in the management and treatment of psychological and behavioural disorders.
LO2 Demonstrate sophisticated critical appraisal of the substantive research relating to the effectiveness of different interventions.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 24 hour coursework exercise in which students will be provided with an essay question. The essay is set, completed and submitted within 24 hours and with full access to paper and online resources. The 1500 word limit reflects the brief preparation time available to students for this assessment. 1440 1500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Critically discuss the relative effectiveness of any two treatments for a mental health or behavioural problem of the student’s choice 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 ✔ ✔
Essay 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Students will be provided with reading specific to topics and seminars in advance of sessions, where appropriate, and these must be read in order to participate in the sessions. Students will be referred to topic specific current journals and will be expected to engage in substantial independent reading related to the topics that are taught and to their chosen topic in their written assignments. Students will also be expected to select appropriate journal articles for student led seminars. Substantial research is required for all assessments.

Bennett, P. (2011). Abnormal Psychology (3rd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press (available as an e-book via the LRC).

Jones, T. & Tyson, P.J. (2014) Abnormal & Clinical Psychology, Harlow, Pearson Education.

Roth, A., Fonagy, P., Parry, G., Target, M., and Woods, R. (2006). What Works for Whom: A Critical Review of Psychotherapy Research. Guilford Press.

Moore, R.G., Garland, A. (2003). Cognitive Therapy for Chronic and Persistent Depression. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Hoffman, S.G. (2012). Psychobiological approaches for anxiety disorders: Treatment combination strategies. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Lam, D.H., Jones, S.H., & Hayward, P. (2010). Cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A therapist’s guide to concepts, methods and practice (2nd ed.). West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Chadwick, P. (2006). Person-based cognitive therapy for distressing psychosis. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Carr, A. (2000). What Works with Children and Adolescents?: A Critical Review of Psychological Interventions with Children, Adolescents and their Families. London: Routledge.