Psychology of Interpersonal Relations

no prior knowledge is needed

The course will be developed according to a theoretical-practical model with structured exposition of the contents and related analysis and discussion or debate. Will use an interrogative and interactive methodology prior to the presentation of the main content and concepts, and is demonstration/explanation through its practical application in everyday situations and using, where appropriate, audio-visual means. Will, also include moments of work in small groups, with tutorial support and role play exercises, group dynamics and autonomus study and research.

The use of expositive and interrogative methodologies, will allow the explanation of theoretical concepts and its framework as well as the evaluation of their domain by students. The presence of a T/P component will allow, in addition to the exposure of the contents, the use of interactive methodologies favouring the demonstration, exemplification and applicability of such content and concepts to different situations, and real circumstances. Thus will allow the development of skills already mentioned.

The student must acquire:

Knowledge:

* Communication and interpersonal relationships;

* Individual and group behaviour and their influences.

Skills:

* Adopt strategies of non-verbal and verbal communication and interaction with patients, other professionals and the public;

* Understand the world around in terms of individual and relational context;

* Recognize and discuss the importance of behavior in interpersonal relationships;

* Demonstrate empathy to the needs of others.

Competences:

* Communicate and interact appropriately in different professional contexts;

* Deal appropriately with the patient and his family, while respecting differences, needs and rights;

* Think critically about some psychological phenomena that  impact on the daily lives of the people they interact with and on themselves

* Interpret and analyze human behavior.

1 Human communication and interpersonal relationship (20 hours)

1.1. Human communication

Pragmatics of communication

The study of communication importance and communication functions

Verbal communication (oral and written) and nonverbal communication; face to face communication and interview

Communication obstacles and fidelity in communication

Attitudes in communication

1.2. Interpersonal relationship

Interpersonal relationship styles

Social interaction and interpersonal relations

Factors affecting the quality of interpersonal relationships

Self-concept, self-esteem and attributional processes

Social cognition, impressions and factors for their formation, categorization and its dysfunctions.

2 The conflict in interpersonal relationships (4 hours)

Types of conflicts

Dealing with conflict and skills to their handling

3 Motivation (4 hours)

Motivation and behavior

Theories and approaches to motivation

4 The group – group phenomena and processes of leadership (12 hours)

4.1. Group interaction and identity

Definition, features and types of groups

Group behavior

Work group and their advantages and disadvantages

Communication, efficiency and productivity of the group

Group cohesion and conformity pressure

4.2. Leadership

Characteristics and leadership styles

Roles and consequences of leadership

Students will be evaluated through written assignment, about contents taught on their T/P component and a written test, consisting of questions that evaluate the extent and depth of the theoretical knowledge acquired in the course and the ability of practical application of that knowledge to everyday situations and to particular scientific area.

The approval in the subject is achieved with a greater than, or equal to, 10 marks (scale 0-20), resulting from the sum of the marks obtained in the T/P component and in the test, weighted, respectively, with 30% and 70 %. The classification in each of the ratings (T/P and test) can not be less than 9.5.

Final exam assessment: assessment may also be conducted through a written exam, with a structure identical to that of the test, during designated periods. The grade in each assessment (t/p and t) cannot be lower than 9.5 points. Passing the course by exam is obtained with a grade of 10 or higher (on a scale of 0 to 20).

NAO