Course Descriptions

PSY 261 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the field of child and adolescent psychopathology. Child and adolescent disorders are discussed using an approach that emphasizes multiple developmental pathways and comparisons to normative development. The course includes theoretical approaches to the development of psychopathology; biological and psychosocial risk factors; diagnosis and assessment; and empirical approaches to treating children and adolescents. The course covers various psychological disorders in childhood and adolescence, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; conduct disorders; anxiety and anxiety-related disorders; depression; bipolar disorder; eating disorders; and trauma- and stressor-related disorders.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 and either PSY 201, 202, or 212

MCC General Education: MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches used to understand the development of psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
2. Describe how research methods are applied to the study of child and adolescent psychopathology.
3. Explain how biological and psychosocial factors interact to influence the development of psychological disorders.
4. Compare and contrast key diagnostic criteria of psychological disorders prevalent in children and adolescents.
5. Distinguish among various assessment techniques used to diagnose psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
6. Compare and contrast interventions used to treat psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
7. Analyze critical current issues and controversies within the field of developmental psychopathology.

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024