Klinisk beroendepsykologi

The course is given as a freestanding course at master's level.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in psychology. In addition, applicants must meet language requirements of Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/English 6.

The aim of the course is to increase knowledge about psychological models and theories of addiction and their clinical applications. In addition to this, through discussions with colleagues and course leaders, students will also increase knowledge of legal and ethical aspects in the management of addiction issues in relation to patients/clients, colleagues and the organization one works in.

The course consists of two modules:

1. Addiction psychology – concepts and models (Missbruks-och beroendepsykologi - begrepp och modeller), 5 credits

Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

In Module 1, we discuss and problematise central theoretical frameworks concerning substance and behavioral abuse and addiction within the field of addiction psychology. This module includes a presentation and discussion of models on psychological dependency. Additionally, Module 1 highlights pathogenic and salutogenic mechanisms as well as psychological interventions to prevent and change behavior connected to alcohol abuse and addiction. We also discuss organizational factors of addiction care and the psychologist's role in the care chain in addiction treatment. Lastly, Module 1 also deals with various forms of ethical and legal aspects that are central for psychologists in clinical management of addiction problems.

2. Systematic review (Systematisk översikt), 2.5 credits

Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

Module 2 consists of a written systemic review of application of psychological methods within the addiction psychology field. The students choose a specialization based on the themes discussed in Module 1, and are expected to further develop and deepen the knowledge through reading the compulsory course literature. The module discusses guidelines for systematic searching and evaluation of scientific studies as well as guidelines for written explanations of searched scientific studies.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe psychological explanatory models for why addiction problems arise, develop and progress.
• Describe preventive measures for heavy consumption of alcohol and treatment interventions to overcome its abuse and dependence.

Competence and skills

• Discuss suitable treatment and recovery programmes for alcohol misuse and dependence.
• Communicate core values attached to the psychologist's role to promote high quality care in clinical questions that concern addiction.
• Independently be able to search for relevant research, document and inform about central research within addiction psychology.

Judgement and approach

• Problematise different forms of ethical and legal aspects that are central for treatment measures and interventions for alcohol misuse and dependence.
• Reflect on how organisational factors of the addiction care and the psychologist's role in the healthcare chain influence treatment measures and interventions for alcohol misuse and dependence.
• Evaluate evidence behind interventions regarding misuse and addiction.
• Analyze and reflect upon the empiricism and the clinical applicability of an individually chosen addiction psychological area of research.

The teaching consists of online learning activities such as recorded and digital lectures, seminars, discussion forums, peer discussions, peer review and written assignments.

Language of instruction: Swedish

The course literature can consist of literature in both Swedish and English.

All teaching, course literature and other course material provided during the course can form the basis for examination.

Module 1 is assessed through participation in compulsory components, passed written assignments and participation in a digital examination seminars.

Module 2 is assessed through participation in compulsory components, passed written assignments and participation in digital examination seminars. Compulsory components must be compensated according to the course coordinator's instructions.

Mandatory tasks are compensated for according to instructions from the course coordinator.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The grade Pass (G) is based on:

Sub-course 1

• Completed and approved written assignments.
• Attendance, active participation and approved grants according to instructions for compulsory learning. Alternatively approved complementary assignment.

Sub-course 2

• Completed and approved written assignments.
• Attendance, active participation and approved grants according to instructions for compulsory learning. Alternatively approved complementary assignment.

The course coordinator is responsible for ensuring that students are given the opportunity to provide an anonymous, written course feedback at the end of the course. On completion of the course, the course coordinator writes a course report, which includes a summary of students' feedback. The course report is discussed in a relevant course evaluation group and is communicated both to the students, who completed the course evaluation as well as to the students who are starting the course. The reports are available to students.

If the course requires access to a computer, internet or other digital tools, it is the student's responsibility to make sure to have access to such resources.