Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Institute of Psychology and Educational Sciences :: Educational Psychology

PSICOLOGIA DA FAMÍLIA - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Sofia Mendes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Sofia Mendes

Class type and School hours

Prática Laboratorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

This course unit aims to introduce the epistemological, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of Family Psychology, as well as to encourage critical reflection on their implications for professional psychological practice, with a particular focus on processes of education and development.

Specific Aims/Objectives

By the end of this course unit, the student should be able to:
Understand the family from a systemic, ecological, and developmental perspective.
Acquire essential knowledge and skills for psychological assessment and intervention with families, with an emphasis on a preventive and ecological-systemic approach.
Critically reflect on social change, diversity, and the complexity of families in the 21st century.

Skills to be acquired

Identify, select, and apply epistemological, theoretical, and empirical foundations that support evidence-based assessment and intervention practices with families, grounded in up-to-date scientific knowledge.

Teaching Procedures

Attendance and punctuality
Active participation in activities and group work planned within the course
Continuous assessment through two written assignments
Summative assessment through a final exam

Programme

1. Introduction to Family Psychology and Systemic Thinking
1.1. Specific features of the field of family psychology
1.2. Systemic epistemology: principles and basic concepts

2. The Bioecological Model of Human Development in the Study and Intervention with Families
2.1. The family as an ecosystem and a context for development
2.2. The concept of the dyad, its properties, and effects of dyadic relationships
2.3. The roles and functions of the family

3. The Developmental Perspective in the Study and Intervention with Families
3.1. The family life cycle, developmental tasks, and associated emotional processes
3.2. Consideration of alternative family trajectories and non-traditional family structures

4. Transition to Parenthood
4.1. The concept of transition and major life transitions
4.2. Individual, marital, and family changes during the transition to parenthood

5. Parenting
5.1. The concept of parenting
5.2. Parenting as a multidetermined process
5.3. Risk and protective factors in parenting

6. Parenting Styles and Educational Practices
6.1. Typological approach to parenting
6.2. Parenting styles, well-being, and the development of children and youth
6.3. Parental disciplinary behaviors

7. Family Contexts of Risk and Vulnerability
7.1. Multi-challenged families in situations of poverty and social exclusion

8. The Child and Youth Protection System in Portugal
8.1. Framework and child protection measures

9. School and Family
9.1. The concept of parental involvement and school-family partnership
9.2. Basic conditions, practices, and strategies to promote involvement
9.3. Inclusive and responsive practices to engage diverse families in schools

10. Family Intervention Practices
10.1. Parenting education
10.2. Family consultation

Evaluation Type

Attendance and punctuality
Active participation in activities and group work planned within the course
Summative assessment through a final exam

Teaching Resources

Computer, projector, devices, and educational videos
Online learning platform
Access to databases, books, and relevant articles
AI tools and platforms

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Keywords

Family
Parenting
Risk and protective factors
Child protection
Assessment
Intervention

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography