330.661.01 SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES IN THE ETIOLOGY OF MENTAL DISORDERS

Examines the major social, psychological, and developmental theories of mental and behavioral disorders. Covers biopsychosocial frameworks such as the diathesis stress model, ecological theory, and life course development. Psychological models include behavioral, cognitive, personality, and psychodynamic theories. Covers social processes covered such as social stratification, social integration, social diffusion, social stress, social learning, social cognitive, and attachment. Applies these theories to major mental and behavioral disorders of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, including depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, and personality disorders. Explores multidisciplinary areas, and includes guest lectures by other mental health faculty. Lectures highlight main issues from readings, provide additional information on theories, and apply reading and lecture materials to specific mental and behavioral disorders.

The primary objective of the course is to help students gain an understanding of leading social, psychological, and developmental theories that serve as the foundation for public mental health research. Students will also develop skills that will help them critically evaluate mental health research from multiple theoretical perspectives. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to draw upon these theories to support their own mental health or services research (e.g., dissertations, grant applications).