The Nature of Behavioral Addictions 2500-PL-PS-FO-45

This course has not yet been described...

Term 2025Z:

The course offers a comprehensive examination of behavioral addictions, a phenomenon that has gained increasing clinical and social significance over recent decades. Students will explore the similarities and differences between substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, with particular attention to the mechanisms of impulsivity and compulsivity. The causes of addictive behaviors will be discussed, including their neurobiological, psychological, and social determinants.
The program includes an analysis of the major types of behavioral addictions, ranging from gambling and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) to less common forms such as compulsive tanning and study addiction. Students will become familiar with theoretical models of intervention and will learn basic therapeutic techniques applicable in working with individuals struggling with behavioral addictions. The final part of the course will involve case study analysis and a group debate on controversies surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral addictions. Participants will develop critical thinking skills, clinical reasoning abilities, and competence in formulating evidence-based support recommendations.

Prerequisites (description)

(in Polish) Kryteria wejścia: 1) kurs dla lat III-V 2) pierwszeństwo zapisów

Course coordinators

Sylwia Wajs

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE:

– The student knows and understands the fundamental concepts related to behavioral addictions;
– The student demonstrates fluency in topics concerning various types of addictive behaviors;
– The student understands the issues related to the classification and diagnosis of behavioral addictions;
– The student has knowledge of the neurobiological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying the development of addictive behaviors;
– The student is familiar with the most current and effective methods of assisting individuals struggling with behavioral addictions.

SKILLS:

– The student is able to formulate constructive questions during discussions and to provide and receive substantive feedback (group debate on diagnostic controversies);
– The student is capable of conducting practical case analysis (data collection, formulation of diagnostic hypotheses, and presentation of conclusions);
– The student is able to adopt the perspective of individuals facing behavioral addictions without resorting to commonly held stereotypes.

SOCIAL COMPETENCIES:

– The student is able to work actively in a group and engage in substantive discussions while respecting the views of others;
– The student respects the individuality of others, including individuals with addictions, and is aware of the complexity of human motivations;
– The student is ready to apply their knowledge in actions aimed at supporting others.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2500-PL-PS-FO-45 in USOSweb