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.

Shaffer D.R. Kipp K. Edizione Italiana a cura di Nicolais G. Psicologia dello sviluppo. Infanzia e Adolescenza. 2015. Piccin. Padova.

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 disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders, or Special Educational Needs may request dedicated support services and accommodations by contacting the University Staff for Career Development and Coordination and Student Services and consulting the dedicated page on the University website:
https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-fragilit%C3%A0-disabilit%C3%A0-dsa-bes

Students with disabilities, who have contacted the relevant University Staff may then contact the course instructor to discuss the appropriate examination arrangements and any specific academic or teaching-related needs.

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, language, emotional, and social development from the prenatal period through the early years of life, with particular attention to family and relational contexts.

Childhood and Early Adolescence
In-depth examination of cognitive and language development, communication, and social and emotional competencies, with reference to identity development and the management of challenging behaviours in educational settings.

Adolescence
Study of cognitive, emotional, and social maturation processes, with particular attention to challenges related to autonomy, identity, socialisation, and digital environments.

Integration of the Gender Dimension in Development
Development of gender identity; the role of family, social, and cultural contexts; gender stereotypes and gender roles in cognitive, emotional, and relational development.

Adulthood
Analysis of cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout adulthood, with reference to professional, family, and social roles, as well as the capacity to adapt to changes in the surrounding context.

Atypical Development and Special Educational Needs Across the Lifespan
Identification and management of special educational needs and atypical developmental trajectories across the lifespan, with strategies for personalised interventions in different educational contexts.

Management of Complex Behaviours in Educational and Professional Settings
Theoretical and practical strategies for observing, understanding, and responding to complex or challenging behaviours across educational and professional 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.