FVPAA074 Psychosocial Dynamics Across the Lifespan

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Summer 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Nataša Matulayová, PhD., BSBA (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Kateřina Janků, Ph.D.
Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Prerequisites
Recommended background: Introductory courses in Social Work, Basic Psychology, or Social Psychology.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Present an integrated view of human development across the lifespan, linking theory to social work practice.
Examine how family dynamics and social contexts influence development at key life stages.
Equip students to analyze developmental challenges and design practical, ethical interventions that support community well-being.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, a student will be able to:
Analyze and compare major developmental theories and research methods relevant to social work practice.
Evaluate the impact of family and social contexts on development across different life stages.
Apply theoretical frameworks to assess developmental challenges and propose context-sensitive intervention strategies.
Communicate complex psychosocial concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
Integrate multidisciplinary perspectives to advocate for social justice and improved community support systems.
Syllabus
  • Session 1: Foundations of Human Development and Family Dynamics
  • • Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory (Erikson): Introducing key stages such as Trust vs. Mistrust and Autonomy vs. Shame.
  • • Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner): Understanding the multiple layers (microsystem to macrosystem) that influence development.
  • • Bowlby’s Attachment Theory (Bowlby, Ainsworth): Examining secure versus insecure attachments within the family context.
  • Session 2: Cognitive and Social Development in Childhood
  • • Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory (Piaget): Covering stages from sensorimotor to formal operational, with implications for learning and socialization.
  • • Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky): Emphasizing the role of social interaction and the zone of proximal development in cognitive growth.
  • Session 3: Adolescence and Identity Formation
  • • Erikson’s Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage (Erikson): Focusing on the development of self and identity during adolescence.
  • • Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (Bandura): Understanding the impact of observational learning and peer influence.
  • • Marcia’s Identity Status Theory (Marcia): Analyzing exploration and commitment in identity formation.
  • Session 4: Early and Middle Adulthood – Relationships and Vocational Identity
  • • Erikson’s Stages of Intimacy vs. Isolation and Generativity vs. Stagnation (Erikson): Addressing relationship building and contribution to society.
  • • Levinson’s Seasons of Life Theory (Levinson): Outlining adult developmental transitions.
  • • Super’s Career Development Theory (Super): Discussing vocational identity and role evolution in work-life balance.
  • Session 5: Late Adulthood and Advanced Age – Adaptation and Coping
  • • Erikson’s Integrity vs. Despair Stage (Erikson): Evaluating life review processes and the quest for meaning in later years.
  • • Baltes’ Theory of Selective Optimization with Compensation (Baltes): Identifying adaptive strategies for aging successfully.
  • • Continuity Theory (Atchley): Examining the importance of maintaining consistent social relationships and personal habits.
Literature
  • SHAFFER, David R. Developmental psychology: childehood and adolescence. Belmont: Wadsworth Thomson, 2001. ISBN 80-534-57214-6.
  • DWORETZKY, John P. Psychology / John P. Dworetzky. -- 2th ed. -- St. Paul : West Publishing Company, 1985. ISBN 0-314-85231-X
  • MYERS, D. G. Psychology. Worth Publishers INC. New York 1986, 1986. ISBN 0-87901-311-7. info
Assessment methods
Oral Exam: A comprehensive oral examination to evaluate the ability to articulate, analyze, and apply developmental theories in practical social work contexts.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.slu.cz/course/fvp/summer2025/FVPAA074