Ateneo - UPO

The course provides students with theoretical and practical tools to understand human development across the lifespan, integrating cognitive, emotional, social, and moral domains. Particular attention is given to attachment theory, interpersonal relationships, and atypical development.

C. Casalini. Psicologia dello sviluppo nel ciclo di vita. 2023, Hogrefe Editore, Firenze

The course aims to provide students with a solid foundational understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of the main perspectives in developmental psychology, essential for effective practice in educational settings and for designing professional interventions tailored to the diverse needs of users.

No prerequisites are required.

The course will be delivered through lectures aimed at providing the theoretical foundations, complemented by discussions of clinical cases and applied examples. Direct interaction with the instructor will also be encouraged in order to foster active student participation and promote critical engagement with the course content.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Student evaluation will be based on a written examination consisting of open-ended questions and multiple-choice items. This assessment format is designed to evaluate both the students’ ability to critically elaborate on course topics and their mastery of fundamental theoretical knowledge.

Prenatal Development and Early Childhood Analysis of the stages of physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social development from the prenatal period through early childhood, with attention to family and relational contexts. Childhood and Early Adolescence In-depth study of cognitive development, language, communication, social and emotional competencies, with reference to identity formation and the management of challenging behaviors in educational settings. Adolescence Examination of cognitive, emotional, and social maturation processes, with particular focus on challenges related to autonomy, identity, socialization, and digital environments. Adulthood Analysis of cognitive, emotional, and social development during adulthood, with reference to professional, family, and social roles, and the ability to adapt to changing life contexts. Older Adulthood Exploration of psychological development in later life, including cognitive, emotional, and social aspects, maintenance of autonomy, adaptation to life changes, and design of targeted educational interventions. Atypical Development and Special Educational Needs Across the Lifespan Identification and management of special educational needs and atypical development at all stages of life, with strategies for personalized interventions in diverse educational contexts. Managing Complex Behaviors in Educational and Professional Contexts Theoretical and practical strategies for observing, understanding, and intervening in complex or challenging behaviors across all educational contexts, adapting interventions to the different stages of development.

Knowledge and Understanding: Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of developmental psychology across the entire lifespan, with particular attention to the main developmental trajectories and psychological milestones from early childhood through adulthood and aging. They will be able to understand the functioning of different psychological domains — cognitive, communicative, social, and emotional — within educational contexts and learning processes, taking into account the specific characteristics of each developmental stage. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be able to apply the theoretical and methodological principles of developmental psychology across the lifespan to design, guide, and evaluate educational interventions. They will demonstrate competence in identifying appropriate strategies and tools to meet the developmental needs of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, adapting interventions to diverse professional educational contexts.