330.680.81
Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Mental Disorders in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Prerequisite:

Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses.

Description:

Focuses on research and intervention approaches in low- and middle-income countries in the field of mental health prevention and promotion. Particularly emphasizes populations exposed to adversity and challenges students to bridge the gap between research and practice in this area. Discusses the determinants of mental health and how they can be targeted at different life stages and different socio-ecological levels (e.g., family, school, and neighborhood). Addresses such questions as ‘What is resilience, and how can it be promoted?’, ‘How can interventions prevent depression in women exposed to intimate partner violence?‘, and ‘How do poverty, violence and malnutrition impact mental health?‘. Uses real-world examples, and follows a case method approach.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Design assessment approaches or epidemiological studies to identify relevant social determinants of mental health in populations residing in low- and middle-income countries
2. Select and adapt appropriate intervention approaches that address such determinants
3. Develop monitoring and evaluation strategies or studies aimed at evaluating the prevention of mental disorders and promotion of mental health in low- and middle-income countries

Methods of Assessment:

35% class participation (attendance, presentation, group work); 15% mid-term project outline; 30% final project; 20% project presentation

Instructor Consent:

No consent required