While on Study Tour, explore developmental psychopathology in real life, focusing on the role of cultural similarities and differences in the conceptualization, prevention, and treatment of what is and what is not considered “illness.” What does illness look like in different cultures? This includes individual differences, family structures, environmental factors, education, and work and careers. What does illness look like in a different part of the world, and does a psychological perspective of developmental psychopathology apply universally?
We will visit organizations and institutions involved in prevention and early intervention to speak with experts as well as with individuals who are impacted in some way by developmental psychopathology. In Madrid, you will learn how events, both of this century (i.e. the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic) and the previous one (i.e. Spain’s transition to democracy in the 20th century), have shaped public health strategies and conceptualizations of illness. Students will compare the experiences of developmental psychopathology in a Southern European country such as Spain with that of experiences in Scandinavia and their own experiences and observations from their home countries.
Tour Objectives
- Critically examine conceptualizations of developmental psychopathology from a multicultural perspective and consider cross-cultural similarities and differences in conceptualizations of illness vs. wellness
- Apply psychological theories and concepts from class to new cultural experiences
- Explore opportunities and barriers to supporting people impacted by developmental psychopathology across different cultural contexts
Possible Activities
- Tour a psychology lab at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, one of the oldest universities in the world
- Visit an early care service for children with developmental psychopathology to learn about procedures for assessment and early intervention in Madrid
- Visit world-class museums such as the Reina Sofia and the Prado to explore artwork relevant to the course and consider conceptualizations of illness/wellness
- Meet with an educational consultant to learn about their personal and professional experiences with schooling for children with autism spectrum disorders in Spain