508571 - SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

courses

ID:

508571

Duration (hours):

36

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOLOGIA DELLO SVILUPPO E PSICOLOGIA DELL'EDUCAZIONE

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (15/09/2025 - 19/12/2025)

Course Objectives

(1) Educational Objectives. The course aims to provide students with solid theoretical and applied knowledge in the field of both typical and atypical socio-emotional development. This is explored through the lens of attachment theory and models of individual–environment interaction, with emphasis on both assessment and intervention. A secondary objective is to familiarize students with evidence-based methods and tools used in evaluation and intervention processes. The course is particularly suitable for students who wish to acquire rigorous and applicable knowledge for professional work in family systems, educational contexts, and health and social care services for children and adolescents. (2) Expected Learning Outcomes (based on Dublin Descriptors). By the end of the course, students will be able to: describe the key stages and mechanisms of socio-emotional development with a specific focus on attachment processes (Knowledge and understanding). identify the main factors (environmental and individual, such as temperament) influencing socio-emotional development and assess their implications in real-life contexts (Applying knowledge); Understand and reflect on intergenerational transmission mechanisms of socio-emotional functioning and their clinical and educational relevance (Making judgments);recognize and clearly present the main intervention models to support socio-emotional development ( Communication skills); critically manage common relational and emotional challenges within families and educational settings using a well-informed and evidence-based approach ( Learning skills).

Course Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of developmental psychology is suggested to effectively follow the course.

Teaching Methods

The course is delivered through in-person lectures and includes the following components for each CFU (25 hours): 4 hours of lecture-based teaching; (DE): presentation of content using slides, scientific papers, and videos; 2 hours of interactive teaching (DI): guided exercises, peer collaboration, small group discussions, and role-play activities; 19 hours of individual study: independent learning using the course readings, slides, and scientific literature To promote inclusive education, the instructor offers up to 2 hours per week of office hours, scheduled by email appointment. Special emphasis is placed on learning and practicing socio-emotional assessment, using both video material and written protocols (e.g., observation forms, questionnaires, interviews).

Assessment Methods

Written exam consisting of 3 open-ended questions based on the required readings and materials available on the KIRO platform. Duration: 60 minutes. Assessment criteria: Ability to fully and clearly answer all questions; Relevance and accuracy of content; Completeness and depth of responses; Use of appropriate psychological terminology; Clarity of expression and capacity for synthesis.

Texts

Mandatory readings: Duschinsky, R., Forslund, T., & Granqvist, P. (2024). The Psychology of Attachment. Routledge. Acevedo, B. (2023). The Highly Sensitive Brain. Elsevier. Chapters 1 (pp. 1–15), 2 (pp. 17–49), 3 (pp. 51–74) Additional handouts provided on the KIRO platform Materials are the same for both attending and non-attending students.

The course explores the trajectories of socio-emotional development and how emotions and meaningful relationships are shaped throughout the life span. Key topics include: Attachment bonds as key contexts for the development of emotional and relational competencies, with developmental focus on children, adolescents, and adults. Emotion regulation processes and their role in shaping adaptive behavior and relationships. Interactions between individual differences (e.g., temperament) and environmental factors (e.g., parenting and caregiving). Introduction to tools for assessing attachment and temperament, and discussion of their methodological and applied implications. Overview of intervention models inspired by attachment theory. Career pathways and applied roles for psychologists specialized in developmental interventions. Ethical and deontological principles relevant to socio-emotional development across educational, clinical, and family settings, also illustrated through case discussions. All course materials and slides will be available on the KIRO e-learning platform. The course syllabus does not distinguish between attending and non-attending students. However, due to the nature of the activities, active participation is highly recommended.