Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Personality and Development Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_092
Branch of Science
Developmental Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Rehabilitation
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts

Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to develop a theoretical and analytical understanding of students regarding basic issues of personality psychology and developmental psychology, promoting understanding of historical development of personality theories, diversity and evaluation criteria, as well as the legal relationship of personality development at different stages of age, and developing the ability to analyse, interpret and apply acquired knowledge in a theoretical and practical context.

Preliminary Knowledge

There is no need for specific foreground in psychology. General academic skills are required for the completion of the study course: ability to work with scientific literature, including in English, digital skills for work in the e-learning environment and preparation of presentations, as well as ability to plan the study work independently.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describes the historical evolution of personality psychology and the different interpretations of the concept of personality.

Individual work and tests

Independent work - involvement in the study process Final inspection work Independent work - conducting self-assessment tests Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

2.Describes the basic principles of the theoretical directions of basic personality psychology, the most significant representatives, the development of ideas and the most fundamental aspects of criticism.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course Independent work - conducting self-assessment tests Final inspection work Independent work - involvement in the study process

3.Describes the fundamental issues of developmental psychology, the relationship between developmental law and the role of biopsychosocial factors in human development.

Individual work and tests

Independent work - involvement in the study process Independent work - conducting self-assessment tests Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course Final inspection work

4.Is familiar with the peculiarities of personality development at different stages of life: from prenatal to superannuation, and the characterization of developmental crises at different stages of age.

Individual work and tests

Final inspection work Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course Independent work - conducting self-assessment tests Independent work - involvement in the study process

Skills

1.Compares and analyzes different personality theories by determining their common and distinctive characteristics, as well as strengths and limitations.

Individual work and tests

Final inspection work Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

2.The theoretical knowledge of personality psychology and developmental psychology in explaining specific personality and developmental situations shall be applied.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course Final inspection work Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course

3.Perform personality analysis by interpreting personality traits, behaviors and possible developmental factors from the perspective of different theoretical approaches.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

4.Perform personality observation and interpretation by linking the acquired information with theories of developmental psychology, developmental characteristics of aging and biopsychosocial factors.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course

5.Select, collect and use scientific sources to support analysis and conclusions in an academically correct form.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course

Competences

1.Integrate and critically evaluate different theoretical approaches to personality psychology and developmental psychology according to the analysis of a specific situation.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

2.Formulate and justify conclusions on personality and its development using theoretically sound and academically correct reasoning.

Individual work and tests

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

3.Present the results of the analysis in a structured, reasoned manner and in accordance with the requirements of academic communication.

4.Use the knowledge and skills acquired in the study course in further academic and professional activities.

Individual work and tests

Independent work - involvement in the study process

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Independent work - involvement in the study process

-
Test

Independently study the literature on personality psychology and developmental psychology specified in the study course, actively participate in lectures and classes, as well as provide feedback on the study process at the end of the study course.

2.

Independent work - conducting self-assessment tests

-
Test

Perform all self-examination tests provided for in the study course in order to evaluate the acquisition of their theoretical knowledge and prepare for the final test.

3.

Independent work in the “Psychology of Development” part of the course

25.00% from total grade
10 points

Perform a personality observation detailing the behavioral manifestations observed, or conduct a structured interview on developmental crises, and analyze the acquired information in the context of developmental psychology theories, developmental features of aging and biopsychosocial factors. Prepare a presentation and present analysis results in a lesson. The presentation shall include at least two scientific studies (published as of 2017) on the application of art therapy to clients/patients of the relevant age stage. Evaluation rubric is available in e-studies.

4.

Independent work in the “Psychology of personality” part of the course

25.00% from total grade
10 points

Perform personality analysis of a chosen film or literary work character based on acquired personality theories, interpreting personality traits, behaviors, and possible developmental factors from the perspective of different theoretical approaches. Evaluation rubric is available in e-studies.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Final inspection work

50.00% from total grade
10 points

Final test on theoretical content of the study course, including 20 multiple choice questions: 10 questions on personality psychology and 10 questions on developmental psychology.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction to personality psychology. History of the development, definition, understanding and interpretation of the concept of personality.
Description

In the lecture, students will become familiar with the evolution of personality psychology as a science, looking at the historical roots of the concept of personality, different definitions and interpretations, as well as the main theoretical directions that have formed the foundations of personality psychology.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychodynamic direction in personality psychology. Basic principles of theories, development, criticism. Psychic defense mechanisms.
Description

The lecture will look at the theoretical foundations and historical development of the psychodynamic direction, the most important concepts and their application. The main representatives of this direction and their ideas which have contributed to the development of the psychodynamic approach, as well as the criticism of this direction and the contemporary view, will be considered.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychodynamic direction in personality psychology. Basic principles of theories, development, criticism. Psychic defense mechanisms.
Description

The lecture will look at the theoretical foundations and historical development of the psychodynamic direction, the most important concepts and their application. The main representatives of this direction and their ideas which have contributed to the development of the psychodynamic approach, as well as the criticism of this direction and the contemporary view, will be considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The humanistic direction in personality psychology. The dispositional direction in personality psychology. Basic principles of theories, development, criticism.
Description

In the lecture, students will become familiar with the main theoretical settings and major concepts of the humanistic and dispositional direction. The main representatives of these directions and their ideas that have contributed to theories will be analysed, as well as the criticisms and limitations of directions will be addressed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The biheivioristic direction in personality psychology. Cognitive direction in personality psychology. Basic principles of theories, development, criticism.
Description

The lecture will look at the basics of biheiviorism and cognitive theories in personality psychology, their most significant ideas and stages of development. Key players in these directions and their ideas that have contributed to the development of directions will be highlighted, as will the critical assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Objectives of developmental psychology, general issues and legal relationships of the psychiatric development process. The role of biopsychosocial factors in development. Prenatal development. Development by age 2. Attachment theory.
Description

In the lecture, students will learn the goals and key issues of developmental psychology, the legitimacy of mental development and the importance of biopsychosocial factors. Prenatal development, the importance of the first two years and the impact of attachment theory on personality formation will be looked at.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Objectives of developmental psychology, general issues and legal relationships of the psychiatric development process. The role of biopsychosocial factors in development. Prenatal development. Development by age 2. Attachment theory.
Description

In the lecture, students will learn the goals and key issues of developmental psychology, the legitimacy of mental development and the importance of biopsychosocial factors. Prenatal development, the importance of the first two years and the impact of attachment theory on personality formation will be looked at.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of personality at 2-17 years old.
Description

The lecture will analyse the development of childhood and adolescence in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial dimensions. Consideration will be given to the major legislative and potential difficulties of development at this stage of life.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of personality at 2-17 years old.
Description

The lecture will analyse the development of childhood and adolescence in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial dimensions. Consideration will be given to the major legislative and potential difficulties of development at this stage of life.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of personality at 18-65. Mid-life crisis.
Description

In the lecture, students will become familiar with the development of adulthood in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects. Particular attention will be paid to the mid-life crisis phenomenon and its impact on the course of personality development.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of personality at 18-65. Mid-life crisis.
Description

In the lecture, students will become familiar with the development of adulthood in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects. Particular attention will be paid to the mid-life crisis phenomenon and its impact on the course of personality development.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of personality at 66 + years of age. Ageing. Death. Development crises and traumatic crises.
Description

The lecture will look at personality development in old age, highlighting physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes. The problem of ageing, the final phase of life, death issues and the importance of development and traumatic crises at this age stage will be analysed.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Mārtinsone, K., un Miltuze, A.(Red.) (2015). Psiholoģija 1.daļa Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC 10.nodaļa "Indivīda attīstība" (288.-329.lpp.)

2.

Mārtinsone, K., un Miltuze, A.(Red.) (2015). Psiholoģija 2.daļa Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC 11.nodaļa "Personība" (9.-65.lpp.)

3.

Bite, I., Mārtinsone, K., un Sudraba, V. (Sast.) (2016). Konsultēšanas un psihoterapijas teorija un prakse. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC "Psihoanalīze un psihodinamiskā pieeja" (77.-193.lpp.) "Humānistiski eksistenciālā pieeja" (195.-319.lpp.) "Kognitīvi biheiviorālā pieeja" (322.-396.lpp.) "Integratīvi eklektiskā pieeja konsultēšanā un psihoterapijā" (449.-480.lpp.)

4.

Sebre, S., un Miltuze, A. (sast.) (2022). Attīstības psiholoģija. Zvaigzne ABC. Lasīt pēc nepieciešamības par dažādiem ar attīstības psiholoģiju saistītiem jautājumiem.

Additional Reading

1.

Kalvāns, Ē. 2017. Mūsdienu personības teorijas. Mācību līdzeklis. Rēzekne: Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija.

2.

Karpova, Ā. 1998. Personība: Teorijas un to radītāji. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.

3.

Kulbergs, J. 1998. Krīze un attīstība: psihodinamiska un sociālpsihiatriska apcere. Liepāja, LPA.

4.

Liepiņa, S. 1998. Gerontoloģijas psiholoģiskie aspekti. Rīga: Raka.

5.

Reņģe,V. 1999. Psiholoģija. Personības psiholoģiskās teorijas. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.

6.

Boulbijs, Dž. 1998. Drošais pamats: vecāku un bērnu savstarpējā pieķeršanās - cilvēka veselīgas attīstības priekšnoteikums. Rīga: Rasa ABC.