IES MILAN

TRANSCULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY: CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES IN THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE PATIENTS, AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

DESCRIPTION: This course will provide theoretical framework and practical tools in the field of Transcultural Psychology. We will take a close look at research work and clinical findings at an international level on the diagnostic procedures and models of treatment with culturally diverse patients. Case studies and field trips will be an essential part of the course.

This course will explore current theories and praxis in the field of Transcultural psychology. Globalization phenomena and migration fluxes within Western countries will be studied. Special attention is given to the Process of Adjustment to a new culture in highly industrialized countries, including relocation related issued and the development of Adjustment Disorder.

Students will learn current challenges research-based perspectives from international literature on the way mental disorders manifest in culturally diverse patients through different symptoms. Populations such as the Anglophone, Latin American and Italian cultures are emphasized. A close study of current literature and scientific review will be undertaken on this subject with particular reference to culture-bound syndromes (e.g., panic attack syndrome and cross-cultural manifestations from Latin America and Southern Asia).

Through the analysis of real clinical cases and research findings, students will learn how to use broader diagnostic tools and methods of assessment in a transcultural setting, including patterns of communication between patient and treater and methods of securing patients alliance in the therapeutic setting.

Risk and protective factors for Adjustment Disorder and its correlation with other psychological disorders such as Depression and Psychosis will be studied in depth.
Students will also learn methods of assessment (profiling) and approaches to treatment in the legal/criminological sector with culturally diverse patients who have a double diagnosis (psychological disorder and criminal offence).

Through guest speakers, field studies and exposure to current research work, students will learn how to apply clinical tools in a real setting.

INSTRUCTORS: M. CATERINA ZAIONTZ PhD, DENISE BUREN PhD, GIOVANNA FUNGI PhD

LANGUAGE OF PRESENTATION: English.

Additional info for this course