Health psychology with children

Teacher(s)

Lahaye Magali;

Language

French

Main themes

The aim of the course is first to familiarize students with physical, psychological, family, and social characteristics of the child facing to a somatic disease. Factors implicated in the evolution (from the beginning to the end-of-life) and the management (such as the adherence to treatment) of health problems in paediatrics are addressed. Moreover, the integration of the disease in the daily life  is discussed taking into account the specificities of the patient and his/her family. These questions are addressed for the most frequent problematics in paediatric psychology, such as asthma, diabetes or cancer.
The second aim of the course is help students determine the most adequate psychological assessment and intervention for each medical disorder and enable them to apply and adapt them to the specificities of the patient and the context. 
Finally, paediatric psychology is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, with reference to different theoretical frameworks.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, the student will be able to adequately analyse a situation in paediatric psychology with reference to available theories and empirical evidence (B1). On this basis, the student will be able to identify relevant psychological interventions that take into account the specificities of the patient and of the context (B2), to distinguish between scientifically based interventions and common-sense interventions (E2), to explain the methodology used for planning, implementing and evaluating the intervention. The student will also be capable to communicate in a clear, relevant and straightforward way the result of his/her observations, analysis and intervention (C1-C2) to different persons such as the child, the parents or health care professionals. La contribution de cette UE au développement et à la maîtrise des compétences et acquis du (des) programme(s) est accessible à la fin de cette fiche, dans la partie « Programmes/formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE) ».

Content

The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the physical, psychological, familial, and social characteristics of children facing a somatic illness. Factors involved in the course of the disease (from diagnosis to end-of-life care) and in the management of paediatric health conditions (including treatment adherence) are examined. In addition, the integration of the illness into daily life is discussed, taking into account the specific characteristics of the child and his or her family. These issues are explored through the most common conditions encountered in paediatric psychology, such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Paediatric psychology is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Teaching methods

Each session is devoted to a specific area of paediatric psychology, such as pulmonology, haematology, oncology, or liaison psychiatry. In each session, various interdisciplinary topics are addressed, including transition to adult care, school integration, family functioning, treatment adherence, and palliative care. Guest experts are invited to present their work and clinical experience in paediatric psychology.
Each session combines theoretical content, group discussions, and clinical case studies.

Evaluation methods

The summative assessment is based on a written examination. Details regarding the examination format and procedures are provided on the course Moodle page.

Other information

The course LPSP1301-Health psychology or an equivalent course in another university represents an important basis for LPSYS2823. 
This course is given in an “English-friendly” format. For details, please see below.
The course is given in French, but a set of English slides is available for international students:

• no

The core reading for the course is in French, but equivalent core reading is available for international students in English

• yes

The standard exam is a written exam in French. However, international students taking this course:

• Will be allowed to use a dictionary when taking the written exam in French:
  yes
• Will be allowed 33% more time when taking the written exam in French:
  yes
• Are provided with the opportunity to take the written exam in English:
  yes
• Are provided with the opportunity to take an alternative oral exam in English :
  no

The course requires coursework in French. However, international students taking this course:

• Can provide the coursework in English:
  yes
• Can be exempt from providing the coursework:
  no

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

Roberts, M. C., & Steele, R. G. (Eds.). (2017). Handbook of pediatric psychology. Guilford Publications.
Roberts, M. C., Aylward, B. S., & Wu, Y. P. (Eds.). (2014). Clinical practice of pediatric psychology. Guilford Publications.
Van Broeck, N., & Van Rillaer, J. (2012). L'accompagnement psychologique des enfants malades. Odile Jacob.

Faculty or entity

> EPSY