02207 - General Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student acquires:
- general knowledge of cognitive processes (perception, attention,
learning, memory, thinking), emotional and motivational (emotions,
motivation, stress, and aggression, primary and
secondary) underlying individual behaviors;
- essential knowledge of verbal and nonverbal communication processes
verbal, the structure and functioning of groups (leadership, networks of
communication, value and opinion systems), the processes of
social influence in face-to-face and group interactions
(decision formation, consolidation and modification of
attitudes);
- skills for recognizing and regulating the processes
emotional processes associated with reactions to stress and pain in adults.

Course contents

HISTORY AND METHODS. General Introduction. The epistemological problems and methods of studying psychology.

MOTIVATION AND EMOTION. Components of motivation; functions of emotions; classical and contemporary theories; components of emotional response; expression and regulation of emotions and implications for health and health decision making.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION. Verbal and nonverbal communication; functions of communication; communication in health care; structure and functioning of groups.

PERSONALITY. Comparison of personality theories; personality assessment; personality and decision making in health care.

MEMORY. Functions of memory; short-term memory; working memory; encoding and retrieval. Memory dysfunctions.

STRESS AND COPING: Definition and characteristics of stress; physiological and psychological reactions to stress; coping strategies; burnout syndrome; stress and conflict in the world of work.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific articles and the following books:

- Feldman, R. S., Amoretti, G., & Ciceri, M. R. (2021). Psicologia generale. McGraw-Hill.

- Bassi M., & Delle Fave A. (2019). Psicologia generale per le professioni medico-sanitarie. UTET.

Suggested reading:

Panksepp, D & Davis K.L. (2020). I fondamenti emotivi della personalità. Raffaello Cortina Editore

Pravettoni, G., Vago, G. (2011). Medical decision making. Decidere in ambito sanitario. McGraw-Hill Education

Lotto, L., & Rumiati, R. (2013). Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione. Il Mulino

 

Teaching methods

Teaching involves lectures and practical exercises carried out by students individually or in small groups.

Assessment methods

A written test with 31 forced-choice questions and 5 answer alternatives.

Teaching tools

Slides and learning maps will be provided for each course topic.

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Colonnello