Overview

This module will introduce you to the main concepts in mental health and wellbeing. The lecture series will provide insights, including consideration of mental ill health (e.g. mood, anxiety, trauma, abuse, etc) and mental wellness (e.g. wellbeing, resilience etc). Lectures will be accompanied by a reading list accessible through the University library. An online workshop will provide you with an opportunity to explore the topic by considering real-world case studies. Assessments will enable you to explore your area of interest in depth.

Topics may include: -unpicking the differences between health and wellbeing -principles, practices, policies, and legislation associated with the promotion of mental health and wellbeing in future generations -the impact social elements have on mental health and wellbeing -the limitations of the medical approach to diagnosis and treatment -the impact of biological and psychological traits on mental health and wellbeing -Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and the Cognitive Model (Beck) -Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the extent to which life events can impact on how we act -interventions designed to enhance mental wellness through wellbeing, resilience, and positive psychology training -measuring mental health and wellbeing -the roles of different services and practitioners -the link between stress and productivity

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (C)- To achieve a ‘pass’ on the module’ the student will be required to demonstrate some knowledge of the psychological and biological explanations for mental distress, and some awareness of wellbeing interventions to enhance the resilience of the self and others.

-good (B)- To achieve a ‘good pass’ the student will be required to demonstrate good knowledge of the psychological and biological explanations for mental distress, and good awareness of wellbeing interventions to enhance the resilience of the self and others.

-excellent (A)- To achieve an excellent pass, the student will be required to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the psychological and biological explanations for mental distress, and excellent awareness of wellbeing interventions to enhance the resilience of the self and others.

Learning Outcomes

• Debate the psychological and biological explanations and interventions for relieving mental distress and enhancing mental wellness, with critical evaluation of their empirical evidence base and potential risks.

• Design appropriate wellbeing interventions to enhance the resilience of the self and others.

• Hold an applied understanding of the principles, practices, policies, and legislation associated with the promotion of mental health and wellbeing in future generations.

• Synthesise psychological, social, and pharmacological theories to analyse the continuum of mental health and wellbeing.