Traditional approaches to understanding adolescence often paint a picture of the temperamental teenager, mood swings and emotional disturbances. While puberty does involve certain physical, emotional and psychological adjustments, recent theories propose that it can also be a time when teenagers develop richer and more meaningful relationships.
The Certificate of Adolescent Psychology is an online professional development program that will help you to understand adolescents, recognise their development phases, and improve your relationship with them – whether it’s from a work or parenting perspective.
In this youth psychology course, you will study an adolescent’s physical, intellectual, emotional, sexual, social and moral development, including exploring the theories of the renowned psychologists, Piaget and Kohlberg. You will also learn how to identify life crises and the stages of transition to adulthood.
On completion of this course, you will be able to identify the issues that are unique to teenagers, distinguish between their ‘typical’ and ‘problem’ behaviours, and learn how to respond and support them confidently.
Course Structure
Unit - Adolescent Psychology
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Theories of human development
- What is adolescence?
- Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
- The stages of Piaget’s theories
- Moral development
- Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, stages
Unit 2 – Life crises
- Life crisis
- Problems
- Puberty
- Attachment theory
- Internalised and externalised problems
- Types of problems experienced by adolescents
Unit 3 – Physical development
- Puberty in females
- Puberty in males
- Hormones
- Physical activity
- Obesity
Unit 4 – Intellectual development
- Piaget’s formal operations stage
- School problems
Unit 5 – Emotional development
- Freud’s theories
- Emotional problems
- Teenagers and grief
- Eating problems
- Depression
- Emotional problems
- Typical childhood responses to grief
- Supporting a grieving child
Unit 6 – Sexuality
- Acquisition of gender identity and social role identity
- Vicarious learning and sexual identity
- Gender dysphoria
- Curiosity
- Sex
- Sexual behaviour
- Masturbation
- Sexuality and nudity
- Answering questions
Unit 7 – Social development
- Family influence
- Types of parenting
- Denigration of parents
Unit 8 – Moral development
- Piaget’s theory of moral development
- Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning
Unit 9 – Delinquency and crime
- Juvenile delinquency
- Pathways to delinquency
- Gangs
- Crimes more likely in adolescence
- Behaviour problems
- Drugs, solvents and alcohol
- Child abuse
- Triggers of abuse
- Stranger abuse
- How to deal with deviance
Unit 10 – Adolescents and the transition to adulthood
- Erikson’s later stages
- The transition to adulthood
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Good content with clear expectations for required work and excellent support
J. Anderson, Parkside, SA | Certificate of Adolescent Psychology
Very structured content through different lessons and assignments
X. Su, Chiba, Chiba, Japan | Certificate of Adolescent Psychology
I found the course materials comprehensive and easily accessible, even for am older student who has not studied for some time and is not totally Au fait with technology. It was a pleasant and satisfying experience which I will no doubt immerse myself in again.
P. Cavanagh, Norval, VIC | Certificate of Adolescent Psychology
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for those wishing to gain an understanding of changes in life associated with teenage years and young adults.
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