Admission requirements
MSc Psychology (research) students.
Description
In this course the epidemiology of, and specific psychosocial problems associated with a variety of chronic diseases and physical problems e.g. coronary heart disease, pain syndromes, diabetes, are introduced. Commonly used psychological assessment instruments measuring these psychosocial problems and related concepts are discussed such as
illness cognitions
pain
coping
social support
self-management
stress
quality of life.
Finally, disease-specific psychosocial intervention strategies for the enhancement of quality of life and/or self-management in patients with chronic disease are addressed. In the seminars the use of different assessment instruments and the practical use of specific intervention strategies in patients with chronic disease are addressed. These interventions are based on cognitive behaviour therapy and self-regulation principles.
Course objectives
students get to know relevant theoretical backgrounds for the study of psychological consequences and interventions in chronic disease
students acquire skills concerning diagnosis of psychological consequences and interventions through in class assignments
students learn to reflect and comment on the use and relevance of psychological interventions in chronic patients
students learn to write and present a paper on psychological consequences and interventions related to a specific disease.
Timetable
Psychological Assessment and Interventions in Chronic Disease (2012-2013):
Mode of instruction
seven three hour seminars/work groups.
Full attendance is mandatory.
Assessment method
There will be a written exam, in which students get four A4 pages to answer a general question, such as: What are the most important consequences of (specific disease or health problem covered by a handbook chapter), how can this (disease, health problem) be assessed and what are the most effective interventions for this (disease, health problem)?
Study material for the exam
Llewelyn, S., Kennedy, P. (Eds) (2003). Handbook of Clinical Health Psychology. Chichester: J. Wiley & Sons. (Chapters 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 21)
and the power point presentations of the lectures posted on blackboard
Paper
Students are requested to write together with another student a 5 page paper on psychosocial consequences, assessment and the effectiveness of psychological interventions related to a chronic disease. During the last seminar students present this paper to the whole group.
Final mark for the course
You must pass for the exam and the paper. The final mark for the course will be calculated as follows: (mark exam + mark paper)/2.
From January 1, 2006 the Faculty of Social Sciences has instituted the Ephorus system to be used by instructors for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. Please see the information concerning fraud .
Blackboard
Information on blackboard.leidenuniv.nl
Reading list
Compulsory:
Llewelyn, S., Kennedy, P. (Eds) (2003). Handbook of Clinical Health Psychology. Chichester: J. Wiley & Sons. (Chapters 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 21)
power point presentations of the lectures posted on blackboard
Contact information
dr. V. De Gucht (Coordinator)
Room 2B44
Tel.: 071 527 3863
E-mail: degucht@fsw.leidenuniv.nl