PY7022 - Addiction Psychology (2022/23)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||||||||
Module title | Addiction Psychology | ||||||||||||||||
Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 210 | ||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides a broad introduction to definitions, prevalence, theories/models and treatments of addictive behaviours.
The module aims to:
● critically examine definitions of different types of addictive behaviour.
● critically evaluate major psychological theories proposed to help explain different types of addictive behaviour.
critically evaluate major psychology-related treatments/interventions used in the context of different types of addictive behaviours.
● To consider comorbidity, contextual and social justice factors linked to the prevalence addictive behaviours and to varied understandings of addiction.
● To appreciate links between methods used, and types of knowledge produced, in the context of studying addiction.
Syllabus
Defining addictive behaviour; theorising/explaining addictive behaviour; understanding different types of addictive behaviour; treating/intervening in the context of addictive behaviours; exploring the relationship between methods used and knowledge produced in the addiction field; critical perspectives on addiction including Non-Western and historical perspectives on addiction.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Typically (post-Covid 19) we anticipate eleven 3 hour face-to-face learning encounters during the module presentation. Each learning encounter will typically consist of a 1.5 hour lecture and a 1.5 hour activity sessions designed to promote student interaction and engagement with module materials. At least one session will take place entirely online (to accommodate student needs particularly those with families during the half term break).
The focus of lectures will be on outlining core curriculum content, though it will be underscored that student independent engagement with relevant readings before/close-to the lecture will be necessary to consolidate and extend core knowledge and understanding. The focus of each activity session will vary but will centre on: (a) formative assessment tasks, (b) additional guidance/support with summative assessment, (c) careers support, and (d) presentation skills.
The WebLearn environment will contain a discussion forum, a range of additional learning resources including podcasts, links and details about forthcoming conferences/work-related opportunities.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain and critically evaluate varied definitions and theories of different types of addictive behaviour.
2. Explain and critically evaluate different psychological interventions used in the context of addictive behaviours.
3. Consider different kinds of addictive behaviour from historical, cultural and social justice perspectives.
4. Explain, critically, links between methods used to study addictive behaviours and knowledge produced about addictive behaviours.
Assessment strategy
Component 001- Coursework in two parts (50% module weighting)
‘How should we explain and treat addiction?’ coursework essay with 2,500-word count limit. Traditional essay approach where students outline and critically discuss theories and interventions used in addiction in response to a set question (80% of component))
Component 002- ‘What interests you about addiction psychology and what are your career plans in the addiction field?’ 500 word reflective statement concerning interests in addiction, potentially including details about background/identity, and about addiction-related career plans. (10% of component).
Component 003- Seen 'Case study' exam with maximum 1,500 word limit (40% module weighting)
24 hours prior to the exam, students will be provided with a choice of three 150-word vignettes concerning a person who has undergone difficulties relating to a specific addictive behaviour (e.g., alcohol use, heroin use, internet addiction). Students then prepare a response to ONE of these vignettes that (a) explaining, critically, the individual’s addictive behaviour linking it to relevant addiction theories and research/studies; and (b) define and critically consider at least two appropriate treatments/interventions, with relevant evidence to rationale your treatment/intervention choices. Students have 1.5 hours to provide a response in campus-based ‘sat exam’ circumstances.
Where the Covid-19 pandemic and UK Government response mandates, an equivalent version of the exam will be presented as a ‘take away’ exam with a 24-hour window between initial presentation of the vignettes and final submission. The approach would otherwise be identical- students would present a response outlining/evaluating explanations and treatments for the addictive behaviour in relation to vignette that they have chosen.
Formative assessment exam preparation
Because a case study exam approach may be unfamiliar to many students there will be two formative assessment tasks in practical/seminar session time where students will practice with formative addition-related case study exemplars to develop their skills/familiarity in preparation for the summative case study exam.
Bibliography
Library Talis link
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/15883A92-4197-837F-3510-93381545BD78.html
Core Text:
Chandler, C., & Andrews, A. (2019). Addiction: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. London, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
Other Texts:
Davies, J. B. (1997). The Myth of Addiction (2nd ed). Amsterdam: Harwood Academic.
Moos, R.H. (2007). Theory-Based active ingredients of effective treatments for substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 88(2-3), 109-121.
Orford, J. (2013). Power, Powerlessness and Addiction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Key online resources:
National Health Service (2021). Addiction: What is it? Available: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/addiction-what-is-it/
Society for the Study of Addiction (link)
Key journals:
Addiction (link)
Addictive Behaviors (link)
Substance Use and Misuse (link)