HEL605 Phenomenological approch to mental health

The course is connected to the following study programs

• PhD Programme in Health and Sport Sciences

Teaching language

English

Recommended prerequisites

• EX-602 Philosophy of Science

• ME-617 Systematic Literature Analysis

• ME-618 Qualitative Research Methods

• ME-619 Quantitative Research Methods and Regression Analysis

Course contents

The course gives an introduction to the phenomenological and existential approach to mental health. The first part consists of an introduction to phenomenology as a philosophy and a method for systematic study from a first-person point of view, relations to others and the surroundings. This includes basic conditions of subjective and relational existence. In the second part, this method is applied to a selection of topics: The meaning of place, emotions, intersubjectivity and how to gain and give mental health.

The content described above will be disseminated via the following contexts and topics:

 

Main topics, first part

• Phenomenology as a philosophy and method in mental health work

• Subjective and relational existence

• Bodily existence

• Personal relations to others

 

Main topics, second part

• Me, you and others

• Place: Identity, language and dwelling

• Emotions; love, anxiety, anger and despair.

• Phenomenological principles of health promotion and mental health work

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the candidate:

 

Knowledge

• will have high quality knowledge of the relations between phenomenology of life and its meaning to mental health

• will have advanced knowledge about phenomenology and the Other and each other

• will have advanced knowledge about important phenomena within the mental health field

 

Skills

• can formulate research questions and plan research in the area of phenomenology and mental health

• can critically analyze and evaluate important phenomena in the mental health field

 

General competences

 

• can critically reflect on phenomenological principles of health promotion and mental health work

• can critically reflect on established professional treatment practices

• can communicate the results of research and development work through recognized national and international channels, and participate in debates in the field in relevant forums

Examination requirements

The course days, lectures, critical review of another student¿s essay and final essay are obligatory.

 

Assessment methods and criteria

The final assignment is a 3000 words essay based on the literature and the lectures. The essay will focus on a self-chosen topic related to the course content and the participants¿ thesis¿ theme. The selected topic must also reflect the candidates¿ own experiential learning in phenomenological approach to mental health. The essay must be delivered within four weeks after the end of the course.

The assignment will be graded as pass or fail.