Introduction to Pediatric Psychology

October 23, 2007

Description Is interdisciplinary in nature

Addresses physical & mental aspects

Addresses both health & illness

History of the Field Early 20th century

Late 1960’s Logan Wright

APA Clinical Psychology Division (12) - Section 5

Currently APA Division 54

Roots of Pediatric Psychology

PediatricPsychology

Clinical Health PsychologyDevelopmental Considerations

Importance of the family

Health PsychologyInteraction between health and

Psychological functioning

Training in Health Psychology Undergraduate, graduate, & post-doctoral

levels

Typically hold a doctoral degree

Diverse training program available

Working in the hospital… Inpatient

Outpatient

Consultative-Liaison Multidisciplinary Team

Member

Where Else Do They Work? Private hospitals Medical practices Rehabilitation facilities University Medical schools Pain Centers HMO’s

The Role of Pediatric Psychologists Screening, assessment, and diagnosis of

pediatric cases

Applying interventions aimed at promoting child’s health and adjustment

Relaying behavioral science info to medical staff

The Role of Pediatric Psychologists Teaching medical staff to be sensitive to

emotional and developmental needs of children

Training parents in behavior management

Providing a range of clinical services in routine clinics

Gaining Acceptance in Medical Settings Psychologists can get

training in physiological systems, medical illnesses, and treatment

Psychosocial factors are involved in patient’s health and illness

Medical staff have limited time & skills to deal with such psychosocial factors

Sample Areas Studied by Pediatric Psychologists

Diseases Procedures Devel. & Behav. Issues

Trauma

CancerCFDiabetesHIV/AIDSAsthma

ICUPainTransplants

Enuresis & EncopresisSleep disordersEating disordersSubstance abuse

BurnsAccidentsInjuries

Pediatric Psychology Research Assessment

Intervention

Prevention

Explicative

Related Journals

Journal of Pediatric Psychology Children’s Health Care Journal of Adolescent Health Journal of Developmental &

Behavioral Pediatrics Health Psychology Clinical Psychology in Medical

Settings

Housekeeping Issues

Changes… For HIV lecture: Replace Steele & Nelson (2007)

with: Ledlie, S.W. (2001). The psychosocial issues of children

with perinatally acquired HIV disease becoming adolescents: A growing challenge for providers. AIDS Patient Care and STD’s, 15(5), 231-236.

For Obesity lecture: Replace Puhl & Latner (2007) with: Jackson, D., Wilkes, L., & McDonald, G. (2007). ‘If I was in

my daughter’s body I’d be devastated’: Women’s experiences of mothering an overweight or obese child. Journal of Child Health Care, 11(1), 29-39.