Psychology

Contemporary Topics in Child Development and Wellbeing

Module code: C8851
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

This module will shine a critical, scientific perspective onto contemporary topics in child development, wellbeing and psychopathology that we often see covered in the popular press. Emphasising recent empirical work and covering appropriate theoretical approaches, lectures will include coverage of a broad range of topics covering infancy up to adolescence, such as sleep practices and family routines, the impact of access to nature for emotional wellbeing, the importance of play (with a particular focus on outdoor play), parenting and fatherhood, parental mental health and child outcomes, “scary TV” and childhood fears, and social media use and socio-emotional wellbeing.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an up-to-date detailed knowledge and awareness of some of the major contemporary issues in child development and wellbeing and identify areas where the knowledge base is most/least secure
• Be able to critically evaluate empirical research about a range of contemporary issues related to child development and wellbeing