Module Details

Module Code: PSYC7001
Title: Family Psychology
Long Title: Family Psychology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3110 - Psychology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will cover psychological perspectives and research on the family. Family systems theory, attachment theory and family psychology will be used to explore family dynamics, functioning and dysfunction. Research and statutory inquiry reports will be used to foster student evidence informed practice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discriminate attachment styles and attachment related behaviour in both children and adults. Domains (2.17; 5.1; 5.7)
LO2 Identify and evaluate how familial relationships develop and breakdown. Domains (2.12; 2.17; 3.7; 5.1; 5.7, 5.8, 5.9)
LO3 Psychologically analyse family functioning and dysfunction. Domains (1.23; 2.17; 5.1; 5.4; 5.7)
LO4 Assess family functioning, needs and strengths from a systemic perspective and other frameworks anchored in an evidence-based approach. Domains (1.23; 2.17; 3.2; 3.6; 3.9; 5.1, 5.7)
LO5 Formulate how best to work with and support families experiencing difficulties, in partnership with them as well as other professionals and informed by evidence to enhance professional practice skills. Domains (1.2; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 1.8; 1.21; 1.23; 2.17; 3.1; 3.6; 3.9; 4.1; 5.1; 5.7)
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
The Family Unit
What is 'a family' in contemporary Ireland? Blended families. Separated and divorced parents. Motherhood, fatherhood, and grandparenthood. Roles, rules, and rituals. Child abuse, family strengths. Domestic violence. Domains (1.23; 2.17; 3.6; 3.9 5.1, 5.7)
Psychological Perspectives on the Family
Attachment theory. Resilience. Coercion theory. Features of family functioning and dysfunction. Family values. Parenting styles. Positive parenting. Disciplinary styles. Systems theory. Co-dependency. The family life path. Family shadows. Family assessment. Domains (1.2; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 1.8; 1.21; 1.23; 2.17; 3.1; 3.2; 3.6; 3.9; 4.1; 5.1; 5.4; 5.7; 5.8; 5.9)
Case Studies
Case studies of statutory child abuse reports as well as attachment case studies. Parenting skills. Working effectively with families as a social care professional in a multidisciplinary team incorporating a partnership approach, family assessment and support. The Meitheal model. Challenges faced and supports offered to professionals in family work. Domains (1.2; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 1.8; 1.21; 1.23; 2.12; 2.17; 3.1; 3.2; 3.6; 3.7; 3.9; 4.1; 5.1; 5.4; 5.7)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%
Special Regulation
Students are required to achieve a mark of 40 % or greater in each assessment component to pass the module.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Initial draft of a 'case study in progress' showing student's approach and their application of key concepts.
Domains (2.12; 2.17; 3.7; 5.1; 5.7, 5.8, 5.9)
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 80
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Case study on a family applying theory to discuss the family and justifying an approach to working with the family.
Domains (1.2; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 1.8; 1.21; 1.23; 2.17; 3.1; 3.2; 3.6; 3.9; 4.1; 5.1; 5.4; 5.7)
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 Family Psychology Every Week 4.00 4
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Workshop applying theory to practice and using case studies Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Guided reading Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Family Psychology Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Worskop applying theory to practice and using case studies Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Learning Non Contact Guided reading 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
  • Susan McKay. (1998), Sophia's Story, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 0717127974].
  • Houses of the Oireachtas. (1996), Interim report of the joint committee on the family.: Kelly, a child is dead., Stationary Office, Dublin, [ISBN: 070762407X].
  • South Eastern Health Board. (1993), Kilkenny Incest Investigation, Stationery Office, Dublin, [ISBN: 0707602858].
  • O'Connor T. & Murphy, M.. (2005), Social Care In Ireland, CIT Press, p.388, [ISBN: 0954573641].
  • Howard, N. & Lyons D.. (2014), Social Care: Lessons from Practice, 1st. 8,14,15,16, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717159697].
  • Bray J. & Stanton M.. (2009), The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Family Psychology, Wiley Blackwell, Malden MA, [ISBN: 978111834464].
  • Cassidy J. & Shaver P.. (2008), Handbook of Attachment, Guilford Press, New York, [ISBN: 160623028X].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • O'Doherty C. & Jackson, A.. (2015), Learning on the Job: Parenting in Modern Ireland, Oak Tree Press, Cork, [ISBN: 9781781191873].
  • David Howe. (1995), Attachment Theory for Social Work Practice, Macmillan, Basingstoke, [ISBN: 0333625617].
  • Howe, D., Brandon,M. & Hinings, D.. (1999), Attachment Theory, Child Maltreatment, and Family Support, Macmillan Press, London, [ISBN: 0333749782].
  • Jon Bernardes. (1997), Family studies, Routledge, London, [ISBN: 0415164680 M].
  • Christie, A., Featherstone, B., Quinn, S. & Walsh T.. (2015), Social Work in Ireland: Changes and Continuities, Palgrave, London, [ISBN: 9781137383204].
  • Shane Dunphy. (2006), Wednesday's Child, Gill & MacMillan, p.207, [ISBN: 0717140067].
  • Clive Hazell,. (2006), Family Systems Activity Book, Author House, Milton Keynes, [ISBN: 9781425915049].
  • Colman Noctor. (2015), Cop On: What it is and Why Your Child Needs it to Survive and Thrive in Today’s World, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717166541].
  • Jowett, M.. (2005), Social Work with Children and Families, Learning Matters, Exeter, [ISBN: 184445018X].
  • Jones, E.. (1993), Family Systems Therapy, Wiley, New York, [ISBN: 0471938254].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HSOCC_7 Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Work 5 Mandatory