Last modified: 28 Feb 2024 13:16
Delve into the psychology of addictive behaviours, taking a close look at disorders surrounding alcohol, various other psychoactive drugs and gambling. Examine theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours, such as the role played by biology, cognition, learning and the social world, and how these all pose a challenge to treatment and recovery.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session | Second Sub Session | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Addiction is a universal phenomenon that exists across socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. It is notoriously difficult to treat and can be devastating for the sufferer, those close to them, and wider society as a whole. This course will delve into the psychology of both substance- and non-substance addictions by introducing a wide range of behaviours currently known to be societal issues. Behaviours covered include (but are not restricted to): alcohol, psychoactive drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, gambling and gaming.
The course shall examine a range of prominent psychological theories explaining the development and sustainment of addictive behaviours. Biologically, the course will cover the role of genetics, the immediate effects that addictive behaviours have on the brain, and how long-term engagement can affect the structure and function of the brain. Cognitive theories will examine the interplay between reflexive and reflective behaviours, and how addiction can alter normal cognitive processes such as attention, information processing and craving. Prominent learning approaches will be discussed, applying classic psychological theories of operant and classical conditioning to the development and maintenance of addictive behaviours, and the challenges these pose for recovery. The course shall also cover social implications of addiction, including the link between addiction and crime, drug policy and how stigma poses a significant barrier to treatment.
Finally, the course addresses the treatment of addictive behaviours. These include including pharmacological interventions (substitution/ blocking/ aversion drugs), psychosocial interventions (counselling/ cognitive behavioural therapies/ mindfulness), and new approaches to treatment (cannabidiol/ contingency management). The course will critically analyse the effectiveness and appropriateness of these treatment options in light of contemporary literature.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students must answer to a Case Study in Part A, and an essay question from a choice of 4 for Part B. Each script individually marked, and general feedback in terms of good/poor answers for the case study and each question provided. Students may request further individual feedback if they choose. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Analyse key theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Evaluate approaches to treating addiction. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Appraise literature from a range of appropriate sources to construct effective evidence-based arguments. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49,50 | Feedback Weeks | 51,52 | |
| Feedback |
Students must answer to a Case Study in Part A, and an essay question from a choice of 4 for Part B. Each script individually marked, and general feedback in terms of good/poor answers for the case study and each question provided. Students may request further individual feedback if they choose. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Analyse key theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Appraise literature from a range of appropriate sources to construct effective evidence-based arguments. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Evaluate approaches to treating addiction. |
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