Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Object Relations and Attachment Theory

• Unit Code

  COU6114

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

Description

This unit develops the basic framework for understanding human behaviour within a developmental and social context. It explores stages in human development from a psychoanalytic object relations and attachment theory perspectives. Social and cultural factors influencing the ways in which problems are presented to the counsellor for assistance are considered. Attention is given to issues of gender, ethnicity and sexual preference and consideration is given to common presenting difficulties in human development.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded COU5102

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Review the developmental stages of the human life cycle from object relations and attachment theory perspectives.
2. Appraise the interaction between community values and individual problems, and well as between the social context and the counsellor.
3. Judge the impact of specific contemporary community issues on the development and well-being of the individual.
4. Compare specific theoretical viewpoints regarding normal/abnormal behaviour and its relationship to community standards.
5. Synthesise object relations and attachment theory and apply to the above contexts.

Unit Content

1. The stages of the human developmental life cycle from infancy to old age, from a psychodynamic perspective; specifically the contributions of object relations and attachment theorists to understanding human development.
2. Assessment of situations of loss, domestic violence, separation and divorce, incest and childhood sexual abuse and their impacts on development of the self within an object relations and attachment theory framework.
3. Understanding the developmental basis of presenting difficulties including: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic illness, personality disorders, sexual disorders, and trauma responses.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit will involve presentation of material through lectures, supported by use of dvd material. Students will engage in small group discussion and exercises, and will complete a project requiring in-depth examination of a significant crisis or transitional period in the life cycle.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Text References

• ^ Jacobs, M. (2012). The presenting past. (4th ed.). Buckingham, United Kingdom: Open University Press.
• McWilliams, N. (2011). Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1979). The making and breaking of affectional bonds. London, United Kingdom: Tavistock.
• Brandel, J.R., & Ringel, S. (2007). Contemporary psychoanalytic perspectives on attachment. In Attachment and dynamic practice: An integrative guide for social workers and other clinicians (Ch. 3, pp. 53-78). New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
• Wallin, D. J. (2007). Attachment in psychotherapy. New York, NY: Guildford Press.
• Waddell, M. (2002). Inside lives: Psychoanalysis and the development of the personality (2nd ed.). London, United Kingdom: Duckworth.
• Mitchell, S.A., & Black, M.J. (1995). Freud and beyond: A history of modern psychoanalytic thought. New York, NY: Basic Books.
• Holmes, J. (2009). Exploring security: Towards an attachment informed psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Oxford, United Kingdom: Routledge.
• Brandell, J. R., & Ringel, S. (2007). Attachment & dynamic practice. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
• Frankland, A, (2010). The little psychotherapy book: Object relations in practice. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
• Fonagy, P. (2001). Attachment theory and psychoanalysis. New York, NY: Other Press.

Journal References

• Psychoanalytic dialogues
• Attachment and human development
• Psychoanalytic perspectives

^ Mandatory reference