Module Details

Module Code: OCCH8001
Title: Mental Health and Self-Care
Long Title: Mental Health and Self-Care
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8620 - Occupational Health
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims to explain the practice and implementation of self-care, positive mental health and emotional resilience to Social Care Work students.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 appraise the principles of self-care and the actions an individual might take in order to attain optimal mental and physical health
LO2 critically explore factors that contribute to and undermine well-being and emotional wellness
LO3 judge compassion fatigue, burnout on the continuum of mental health and wellness
LO4 create and implement an individualised self-care plan
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Understanding Self-care
Understand how the current social care worker role can limit people’s opportunities to self care; what self-care is; how we all make decisions about our health and wellbeing; practices to promote self-care.
The Power of Vulnerability
What is vulnerability? Brene Brown's redefinition and its relevance to Social Care Work; how does vulnerability feel; what vulnerability gives you; vulnerability and care; narcissism is shame and lack of vulnerability; debunking vulnerability myths; understanding and combating shame; the vulnerability armors; closing the disengagement divide; disruptive engagement and changing toxic work cultures.
Modern Stoicism for Social Care Work
What is Stoicism?; key principles and beliefs; the Stoic goal of life; live by virtue; focus on what you can control, accept what you can’t; how to distinguish between good, bad, and (‘preferred’) indifferent things; take action and become a warrior of the mind; practice misfortune; add a reserve clause to your planned actions; Amor Fati; how to turn obstacles into opportunities; be mindful.
Emotional Intelligence
Define what emotional intelligence (EQ) is; how it is relevant to Social Care Work: interpret the different dimensions of emotional intelligence; how EQ can improve your personal effectiveness; how to encourage emotionally intelligent behaviour in your colleagues and so improve the quality of working relationships.
Resilience as Radical Self-Care
Strategies to develop resilience; The Resilient Personality; how to moderate the negative effects of stress; adaptation; Self-esteem; self-confidence; curiosity; control over the environment; satisfying interpersonal relationships; a repertoire of problem-solving skills; adaptive behaviors in the areas of social functioning, morale and somatic health; Positive (protective) attributes;humour & optimism; cognitive flexibility; spirituality (religion, spirituality, and altruism); meaning and purpose in life; neuroendocrine factors; social support; active coping styles; gratitude.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Self-care individualised care plan
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Evidence of implementation of self-care plan. This can be a photo essay, journal entries, or a creative piece.
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Open book exam on topics covered in class
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/discussion/group exercises to aid students reach the Learning outcomes Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study/research/application of concepts and theory Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/discussion/group exercises to aid students reach the Learning outcomes Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study/research/application of concepts and theory Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brene Brown. (2015), Daring Greatly : How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Penguin Books Ltd, UK, [ISBN: 9780241257401].
  • Ryan Holiday. (2016), The Daily Stoic : 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living: Featuring new translations of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, Profile Books Ltd, UK, [ISBN: 9781781257654].
  • Nadia Narain ,. (2018), Self-Care for the Real World : Practical self-care advice for everyday life, Cornerstone, UK, [ISBN: 9781786331120].
  • Suzy Reading. (2018), The Self-Care Revolution : smart habits & simple practices to allow you to flourish, Aster, UK, [ISBN: 9781912023202].
  • Trudy Gilbert-Eliot. (2020), Healing Secondary Trauma : Proven Strategies for Caregivers and Professionals to Manage Stress, Anxiety, and Compassion Fatigue, Rockridge Press, UK, [ISBN: 9781641527569].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Marcus Aurelius. (2020), Meditations (Non-Fiction Classics), Legend, UK, [ISBN: 978180031972].
  • Matthew R. McLennan. (2020), Philosophy and Vulnerability : Catherine Breillat, Joan Didion, and Audre Lorde, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, UK, [ISBN: 9781350176423].
  • J Eric Gentry. (2020), Forward-Facing(R) Professional Resilience : Prevention and Resolution of Burnout, Toxic Stress and Compassion Fatigue, Outskirts Press, USA, [ISBN: 9781977223883].
  • Sarah Parry. (2017), Effective Self-Care and Resilience in Clinical Practice : Dealing with Stress, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout, JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS, UK, [ISBN: 978178592070].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HSOCC_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Work 1 Mandatory