THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

Course objectives

General aims Students will acquaint specific issues in the domain of marital and family relationships. In particular, while we are observing the weakening of social norms, couples and families have produced many flexible models both in the expression of affective relationships and in the behaviors. According to this, the course has the goal to show the ways which distinguish clinical psychology for couples and families in the framework of relational systemic models. Besides, students will become familiar with tools for the direct observation of marital and family interactions. So, they will be able to evaluate functional and dysfunctional models in the relationship between spouses and between parents and children. Again, during the class, we will explain the topic of conflict in separation and divorce and the related interventions, such as couple therapy and family mediation. Finally, we will discuss the mentalization processes. Specific aims At the end of class, students will know and use the key notions to detect the complexity of the marital and family forms actually present in the social scenario. In addition, the course will allow to enlighten and understand the variety of clinical interventions such as marital and family enrichment, couple and family therapy, family mediation Knowledge and understanding At the end of class, students will know and use the key notions to detect the complexity of the marital and family forms actually present in the social scenario. In addition, the course will enlighten and understand the variety of clinical interventions such as marital and family enrichment, couple and family therapy, family mediation. Applying knowledge and understanding With the passing of the exam, students will be able to purpose clinical interventions which promote marital and family resources. In addition, students will experiment through video observation and the use of role playing, knowledge necessary for the couple and family interview aimed for evaluating the functional and dysfunctional dynamics of affective relationships. Making judgments At the completion of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the multiple intervention pathways that reflect the complexity of the affective relationships in order to promote the change and the transformation of the ties. Students will be able to evaluate the connections between different paradigms such as attachment theory, interdependence theory, the intersubjectivity perspective through essays and readings. Communication skills At the conclusion of the class, students will be familiar with the specific vocabulary used both in the international scientific literature and in the contexts of intervention in the domain of marital and family dynamics. Learning skills At the end of the class, students will acquire the key notions related to the observation of marital and family dynamics, such as the constructs of alliance, loyalty and triangulation that, together with the principles of acknowledgment and reciprocity, will allow motivations for the study of plurality of familiar forms. Prerequisites Essential knowledge of child psychology, dynamic psychology, psychology of family dynamics

Channel 1
CLAUDIA CHIAROLANZA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course has the goal to provide students an understanding of the theoretical and methodological guidelines regarding the psychology of close relationships between couples and families according to a systemic perspective. The presence of multiple marital and family forms in contemporary society - and the weakening of social and cultural norms - put in evidence the rethinking about the quality of the bonds from a Self perspective to an interdependence vision. Particular emphasis will be given to clinical intervention techniques that promote relational well-being in critical phases such as separation and divorce. Topics will be: I training module (24 hours): Couples and Families - Symbolic Relational Model: identity and changes - Couple formation and transitions - Family forms - Life cycle of the family and risk factors - Communicative exchanges in families: processes and dysfunctional families - Conflicts in families that face risky transitions - Mentalization Based Treatment II training module (36 hours): Intervention techniques - Clinical intervention techniques for supporting parenting - Clinical intervention techniques for protecting children in family divorce
Prerequisites
Essential knowledge of child psychology, dynamic psychology, psychology of family dynamics
Books
For lecture class: Scabini, E., Iafrate, R. (2019). Psychology of family relationships. Bologna, Il Mulino editore. Chiarolanza C., Re P. (2020) (eds). The identity of Family Mediator. Roma, Aracne Editrice. A textbook between a) Bateman A., Fonagy P. (2018). Mentalization and personality disorder. Practical guide for change..Milano, Raffaello Cortina Editore b) Asen E., Fonagy, P. (2021). Mentalization-Based Treatment with Families. Routledge. For laboratory class: Minuchin, S., Nichols, M. P. Lee Wai-Yung (2009). Famiglia: un’avventura da condividere. Valutazione familiare e terapia sistemica. Bollati Boringhieri Editore, Torino. Gottman J. S., Gottman J.M. (2015). Dieci principi per una terapia di coppia efficace. Raffaello Cortina Editore
Frequency
Attending the class is not mandatory; however it is highly recommended
Exam mode
The exam aims to assess the student's knowledge and skill to formulate a clinical intervention for couples and families. Theories analyzed during lessons will be discussed critically during the final exam. For students who will attend the laboratory named "Methods and Psychological Techniques for Couples and Families”, there will be 2 reports which have the goal of enhancing students’ creative skills and critical analysis. Tasks will be applied to analyse laboratory experiences. All the tasks will contribute to the final grade.
Lesson mode
Teaching will combine lectures with the active participation of the students through group discussions about clinical cases. Each meeting will be articulated in a theoretical introduction to the topic and next, in a critical discussion about couples and families. Besides, main techniques of intervention for relational well-being will be discussed.
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseClinical Psychology
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-PSI/07
  • CFU3