Course Overview
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 professional development 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 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
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. 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.
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;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
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.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system 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 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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