At the end of the course the student will have acquired both the knowledge and ability to understand the clinical applications of psychology in different fields, and the awareness of the dynamics that occur in therapeutic relationships and treatment processes. The student will also, to the extent of his/her competence, be able to orient himself in the field of health, knowing the aspects of psychological distress and identifying the person's main reactions to illness, suffering and hospitalization, respecting personal and behavioral differences. linked to the culture of belonging.
Course Prerequisites
none compulsorily
Teaching Methods
The lessons will take place through the exposition of the topics covered by the program, with the help of in-depth slides and the discussion of the most problematic topics
Assessment Methods
The Student will carry out a test to evaluate the learning level achieved in the discipline through 20 questions, each with four possible answers , only one correct. The test has to be completed within 60 minutes.
Texts
Recommended text: Nicolino Rossi; Clinical psychology for health professions, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2004
Contents
the course will be divided into modules and aims to provide the student with fundamental knowledge relating to:
Skills and areas of intervention of clinical psychology: Introduction to Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry Psychological evaluation Psychotherapies (main methodological approaches and applications) Psychological skills and healthcare practice Interventions implemented by health workers (interview, direct observation) Therapeutic functions of the healthcare worker Health promotion and prevention of psychological distress in the healthcare sector The scientific basis of clinical psychology
Organization, development and psychopathological alterations of personality: Main theories of personality Personality development (psychoanalytic theory; attachment theory) Defense mechanisms Personality disorders (DSM classification, criteria)
Communication techniques in relationships with patients and family members: Communication (main theories) Direct and indirect communication Verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal communication The axioms of communication (Watzlawich) Communicate effectively
The psychological needs of the hospitalized patient and his family Hospitalization The internal medicine patient Chronic disease The surgical patient The disease with a poor prognosis Discomfort and role of family members
Psychological assistance in pediatrics: The sick sick child in the evolutionary path Cognitive development and experience of illness Hospitalisation The premature baby and intensive care Children in pediatric oncology The role of the sick child's family The role of play in hospital
The pain and behavior of the patient: Pain and stress Psychological defenses against pain and stress Acute and chronic pain Grief and loss
Elements of psychogerontology: Main theoretical models of aging Responses to the state of illness Cognitive and behavioral changes Hospitalization Approaches to the patient with dementia The elderly and the family Death and mourning
Work-related stress and burnout: Stress Work-related stress The psychosocial risks of work The phenomenon of burnout (main theories, predisposing and protective factors) Quality of life
