CHCCSL004 Research and Apply Personality and Development Theories
Overview
In this module you will learn about a number of different theories of personality and human development that can be used to help support your counselling practice. You will also learn about how, as a counsellor, you can continue to build your knowledge of emerging theoretical trends throughout your career.
Trigger Warning
This Module may include content that deals with sensitive and emotionally challenging topics. Some of the topics covered in this course may include trauma, abuse, addiction, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties. These topics may evoke strong emotions, memories, or reactions in some learners. It is important to prioritise your own self-care and seek support as needed.
If you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out to your trainer, student services or a mental health professional for support. The following services may be helpful:
Section 1: Introduction to Developmental Theory
In this section you will explore what developmental theories are and the historical development of this perspective. You will also learn about the nature-nurture debate in developmental science and the importance of considering both genetic and environmental influences in assessing and responding to client issues.
Section 2: Five Developmental Theories
In this section you will explore a range of human development and personality theories: Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory, Bowlby’s attachment theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial stages. You will consider the applications of these theories in counselling and consider how they might assist you in working with clients.
Section 3: Applying and Extending your Knowledge
In this section you will explore some considerations regarding applying developmental theories in counselling. In addition, you will learn about the importance of developing and extending your knowledge to provide evidence-based services to clients. Particularly, you will learn about steps to research and evaluate sources of information about theories and perspectives on human development, a skill that you will need to use as you go on to study other theories and approaches in future modules, as well as in maintaining knowledge and professional development as a counsellor.
Unit Title
CHCCSL004 – Research and apply personality and development theories
Unit Purpose
This module describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit.
Content
Section 1: Introduction to developmental theory
Section 2: Five developmental theories
Section 3: Applying and extending your knowledge
Resources/Readings
Readings A – M are located directly after the learning material for this module.
Suggested Hours
Although everyone will work at their own pace, we suggest you allow approximately 50 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and any practical activities.
Time Frame
The recommended time frame for this unit is four (4) weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCCSL004 Assessments and an associated practical assessment.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Research theories of personality and human development | 1.1 Identify and access sources of information on theories of personality and human development 1.2 Read and interpret information, distilling key themes and messages for counselling work 1.3 Document and organise information to support current and future practice |
| 2. Link theories to own practice | 2.1 Evaluate potential applications of personality and lifespan development theories in the counselling process 2.2 Analyse individual behaviour using theoretical concepts of personality and lifespan development 2.3 Assist clients to understand their personal history drawing on theoretical approaches 2.4 Draw on theories to address specific client issues and challenges |
| 3. Update and maintain knowledge of theoretical trends | 3.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand own knowledge of theory 3.2 Incorporate and integrate knowledge into own practice |
Knowledge Evidence
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- sources of information about personality and development theories
- historical, current and emerging personality and development theories, including the key concepts and application to counselling practice, for the following:
- nature and nurture
- genetic inheritance
- lifespan development theories
- Freudian concepts
- Piaget's stages of cognitive development
- Erikson's psychosocial stages
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs
- Bowlby's attachment theory
- opportunities to update theoretical knowledge
Performance Evidence
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
- used critical thinking skills to evaluate information from a range of sources about the following personality and development theories:
- nature and nurture
- genetic inheritance
- lifespan development theories
- Freudian concepts
- Piaget's stages of cognitive development
- Erikson's psychosocial stages
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs
- Bowlby's attachment theory
- integrated at least 3 of the above theories into counselling work with at least 3 different clients.
