Health Psychology for clinical and medical contexts

Activity type

Psicologia generale e fisiologica

SSD

M-PSI/03

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

36 laboratory hours

Lecturers

DAIANA COLLEDANI

Activity type

Psicologia generale e fisiologica

SSD

M-PSI/03

Year

1st year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

MARCO LAURIOLA

The course aims at promoting knowledge and ability to implement this knowledge about statistical techniques useful for selecting valid and reliable measures of quality of life. Moreover it aims at promoting knowledge and ability to apply this knowledge about analysis statistical techniques useful for testing efficacy and effectiveness of interventions.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
The general objectives of the course are: To provide an in-depth understanding of the theory and methodologies of clinical psychometrics applied to the measurement of mental health and quality of life; Prepare students to critically evaluate and apply psychometric tools in research and clinical contexts; Encourage the adoption of an ethical and scientifically informed approach in measuring the psychological aspects of health. Students will acquire knowledge on the following aspects of the discipline: Fundamental principles of psychometrics, including validity, reliability, and standardization techniques; Various scales and instruments used to measure quality of life and mental health; How psychometric measurements influence the assessment of effectiveness of treatments and clinical interventions. At the end of the course, students will be able to: Select and apply appropriate psychometric tools based on specific research or clinical practice needs; Interpret the results of psychometric tests and use them to make clinical or research assessments; Adapt psychometric tools to different cultural and social contexts. Students will develop the ability to: Critically evaluate research literature on psychometrics applied to mental health and quality of life; Identify limitations of existing psychometric tools and potential areas for improvement; Make informed choices in selecting measurement instruments for specific research or clinical contexts. Students will learn to: Effectively communicate psychometric results to colleagues, researchers, and patients, using appropriate and accessible language. Present and defend methodological choices in academic and professional contexts. Students will be able to: Continuously update themselves on new methodologies and psychometric tools; Apply the acquired skills to enhance their professional or research practice.


Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
The general objectives of the course are: To provide an in-depth understanding of the theory and methodologies of clinical psychometrics applied to the measurement of mental health and quality of life; Prepare students to critically evaluate and apply psychometric tools in research and clinical contexts; Encourage the adoption of an ethical and scientifically informed approach in measuring the psychological aspects of health. Students will acquire knowledge on the following aspects of the discipline: Fundamental principles of psychometrics, including validity, reliability, and standardization techniques; Various scales and instruments used to measure quality of life and mental health; How psychometric measurements influence the assessment of effectiveness of treatments and clinical interventions. At the end of the course, students will be able to: Select and apply appropriate psychometric tools based on specific research or clinical practice needs; Interpret the results of psychometric tests and use them to make clinical or research assessments; Adapt psychometric tools to different cultural and social contexts. Students will develop the ability to: Critically evaluate research literature on psychometrics applied to mental health and quality of life; Identify limitations of existing psychometric tools and potential areas for improvement; Make informed choices in selecting measurement instruments for specific research or clinical contexts. Students will learn to: Effectively communicate psychometric results to colleagues, researchers, and patients, using appropriate and accessible language. Present and defend methodological choices in academic and professional contexts. Students will be able to: Continuously update themselves on new methodologies and psychometric tools; Apply the acquired skills to enhance their professional or research practice.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
To fully benefit from the course, students should have: Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics; Familiarity with the general principles of clinical psychology as an evidence-based empirical science.


Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
To fully benefit from the course, students should have: Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics; Familiarity with the general principles of clinical psychology as an evidence-based empirical science.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
Frontal lectures (24 hours total). Introduction to Quality of Life: The concepts of Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO), the definition and importance of quality of life, its historical development, and the reasons for measuring it will be explored. The role of quality of life in pharmacological and psychotherapy clinical trials will be discussed and the main assessment tools will be introduced. Clinical Trials: Clinical trials will be defined, highlighting differences with other types of studies. Research designs, efficacy (effect-size), sample size, bias and methodological issues specific to clinical trials in psychotherapy will be addressed. Principles of Measurement Scales (e.g., SF-36): The importance of quality of life as a standard outcome measure in health will be discussed, especially for individuals with chronic, functional or psychological conditions. Key concepts, principles, applications, scoring methods and criteria for selecting appropriate quality of life measurement instruments will be reviewed. Questionnaire Development: Emphasis will be placed on the process of developing and standardising rating scales, with a focus on the concepts of validity and reliability, both theoretical and psychometric. The module includes the performance of individual and group practical activities.
Laboratory (36 hours total). Cross-Sectional Data Analysis: You will learn how to compare two groups, control for covariates, perform one-way analysis of variance, and apply planned comparisons and post-hoc tests. Analysis of Longitudinal Data: Assumptions will be tested, analysis of variance applied for repeated mi-sure and mixed models, delving into the temporal dynamics of the phenomena studied. Regression and Factor Analysis: This module will be devoted to regression techniques and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), also introducing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Theoretical foundations and practical demonstrations will be provided. Path Analysis: Indirect (mediation) and conditional (moderation) effects analysis techniques will be explored, handling multiple independent and dependent variables, for in-depth analysis of causal relationships and predictive models.



Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
Frontal lectures (24 hours total). Introduction to Quality of Life: The concepts of Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO), the definition and importance of quality of life, its historical development, and the reasons for measuring it will be explored. The role of quality of life in pharmacological and psychotherapy clinical trials will be discussed and the main assessment tools will be introduced. Clinical Trials: Clinical trials will be defined, highlighting differences with other types of studies. Research designs, efficacy (effect-size), sample size, bias and methodological issues specific to clinical trials in psychotherapy will be addressed. Principles of Measurement Scales (e.g., SF-36): The importance of quality of life as a standard outcome measure in health will be discussed, especially for individuals with chronic, functional or psychological conditions. Key concepts, principles, applications, scoring methods and criteria for selecting appropriate quality of life measurement instruments will be reviewed. Questionnaire Development: Emphasis will be placed on the process of developing and standardising rating scales, with a focus on the concepts of validity and reliability, both theoretical and psychometric. The module includes the performance of individual and group practical activities.
Laboratory (36 hours total). Cross-Sectional Data Analysis: You will learn how to compare two groups, control for covariates, perform one-way analysis of variance, and apply planned comparisons and post-hoc tests. Analysis of Longitudinal Data: Assumptions will be tested, analysis of variance applied for repeated mi-sure and mixed models, delving into the temporal dynamics of the phenomena studied. Regression and Factor Analysis: This module will be devoted to regression techniques and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), also introducing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Theoretical foundations and practical demonstrations will be provided. Path Analysis: Indirect (mediation) and conditional (moderation) effects analysis techniques will be explored, handling multiple independent and di-pendent variables, for in-depth analysis of causal relationships and predictive models.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
• Niero. Qualità della vita e della salute. Strategia di analisi e strumenti per la misurazione. Franco Angeli.
• Fayers & Machin. Quality of Life. The assessment, analysis, and interpretation of patient-reported outcomes. 2° edition. Wiley. (Selected Chapters)
• Richardson, P., & Machan, L. (2021). Jamovi for Psychologists. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Slide delle lezioni e articoli selezionati ad integrazione (disponibili su elearning).



Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
• Niero. Qualità della vita e della salute. Strategia di analisi e strumenti per la misurazione. Franco Angeli.
• Fayers & Machin. Quality of Life. The assessment, analysis, and interpretation of patient-reported outcomes. 2° edition. Wiley. (Selected Chapters)
• Richardson, P., & Machan, L. (2021). Jamovi for Psychologists. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Slide delle lezioni e articoli selezionati ad integrazione (disponibili su elearning).

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
N/D
Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
N/D

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
Lectures with slide presentations. Guided discussions on the concepts and topics dealt with. Practical-guided exercises on the construction and analysis of psychological tests (Laboratorio). Individual study with the support of the text manual provided.


Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
Lectures with slide presentations. Guided discussions on the concepts and topics dealt with. Practical-guided exercises on the construction and analysis of psychological tests (Laboratorio). Individual study with the support of the text manual provided.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
The attendance is strongly recommended for front classes and workshops, according to the timing and modalities established by the Graduate Course Board.


Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
The attendance is strongly recommended for front classes and workshops, according to the timing and modalities established by the Graduate Course Board.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
The exam is in written form only. The exam will be conducted in-person using the www.exam.net platform and includes: 5 open-ended questions on slides and topics from the textbook. 3 practice questions for the lab portion (possibly replaceable with in-progress evaluations of group work done in the classroom). Exam duration: 45 minutes (lecture part) + 15 minutes (lab part). Each question is graded from 0 to 4 points based on the quality of the answer. The examination on the face-to-face lectures and laboratory is unique and takes place in the same hour/day.



Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
The exam is in written form only. The exam will be conducted in-person using the www.exam.net platform and includes: 5 open-ended questions on slides and topics from the textbook. 3 practice questions for the lab portion (possibly replaceable with in-progress evaluations of group work done in the classroom). Exam duration: 45 minutes (lecture part) + 15 minutes (lab part). Each question is graded from 0 to 4 points based on the quality of the answer. The examination on the face-to-face lectures and laboratory is unique and takes place in the same hour/day.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
Sample questions and/or exercises are available on the course e-learning page.


Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
Sample questions and/or exercises are available on the course e-learning page.

Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life
N/D
Module: Data analysis and assessment of quality of life - Lab
N/D