Module Code - Title:
CW4001
-
WELL BEING ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of mental health across the lifespan. Moreover, students will learn about the causes, risk factors and symptoms associated with different types of mental health issues. Besides the overview, students will learn about the wider contextual issues surrounding mental health (e.g. family and carers, stigma etc) and the implications of these for those concerned. Students will explore the lived experience of mental health difficulties and examine ways of supporting positive coping strategies and resilience within the individual, the family and the community.
Syllabus:
In this module, students will learn about the factors (e.g., psychological and social) associated with well-being and mental health problems over the life course from childhood to old age. An experiential and reflective approach will be fostered where students will explore different definitions of wellbeing, 'normal' mental health and common mental health problems. An overview of mental health and its features and factors which impact on mental health will be addressed including the negative effects of stigma and discrimination. Ways to reduce risks of developing mental illness will be explored. Social and community factors associated with the promotion of well-being and positive mental health will also be explored.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Examine the causes of different types of mental health issues across the lifespan.
Discuss the risk factors and preventative measures associated with mental health problems.
Develop an understanding of the contextual factors associated with mental health issues for the individual, the family and the community.
Demonstrate the capacity to bring their knowledge to bear to address problems such as stigma and discrimination in the community
Identify the factors that promote positive mental health and well-being in personal and/ or community contexts
Formulate positive coping strategies to promote resilience and well-being
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop an awareness of the factors which impact on mental health
Demonstrate an appreciation of the value and contribution of mental health promotion in managing mental health in the home and in the community.
Embrace reflection and self-evaluation with regards to understanding wellbeing and mental health.
Recognise the possible bridges and barriers to the development of positive mental health Demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of mental health as a concept and the various determinants of mental health.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The teaching style will be interactive and problem-focussed. Students will discuss key topics (e.g. Depression, Dementia, Eating Disorders, Addictions and ADHD etc) in mental health and coping with regard to a lifespan approach. Students will do group work and give oral presentations in which they will critically evaluate the risk factors, treatment and coping strategies on a given topic. Students will participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching learning and assessment strategies for example, lectures, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, enquiry/problem-based learning and case scenarios.
Demonstrate an appreciation of current literature and how it relates to wellbeing and positive mental health across the lifespan
Incorporate relevant national and international research findings and health policy
Prime Texts:
Abate, L. 2007 (2007)
Low-Cost Approaches to Promote Physical and Mental Health: Theory, Research, and Practice
, New York: Springer 2007 - E-book
Chattergee, Rangan (2017)
The four pillar plan. How to eat, sleep, relax, move.
, Penguin, London
Powell, T. (2009)
The Mental Health Handbook: A Cognitive Behavioural Approach
, 3rd ed., Milton Keynes: Speechmark Publishing Ltd.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY, WELLNESS, EMPOWERMENT, LEADERSHIP AND LIFESKILLS
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
maura.adshead@ul.ie