Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Assessment and Diagnosis in Health Psychology
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish
Teaching staff
Introduction
This course offers a comprehensive approach to the psychological assessment process in clinical and healthcare settings, covering both adult and child/adolescent populations.
It addresses key assessment models, methods, and instruments, as well as the integration of information from various sources to understand an individual's psychological functioning and guide clinical decision-making.
The course places special emphasis on case formulation, psychopathological assessment, the evaluation of various areas of psychological functioning, and the communication of results, adopting a rigorous, person-centered clinical perspective.
Pre-course requirements
Hold a degree in Psychology. General knowledge of psychopathology, psychological processes, and the fundamentals of psychological assessment is recommended, as well as familiarity with the key concepts and models of clinical and health psychology.
Objectives
To enable the student to carry out a rigorous, systematic psychological assessment and diagnosis process oriented towards clinical decision-making in the field of General Health Psychology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN03 - Distinguish in depth the psychological nature of human behavior and its disorders, as well as the biological, social, and psychosocial factors influencing health and illness, with special attention to their impact on mental health.
- CN04 - Identify in detail the different models of evaluation and intervention in General Health Psychology, as well as the techniques and procedures derived from them, for addressing behavioral disorders and psychological factors associated with health problems in various contexts, such as the private sector, primary care, community settings, and crisis and emergency situations.
- CP01 - Communicate one's own conclusions, as well as the knowledge and rationale underpinning them, to specialized and general audiences in a clear, precise, and unambiguous manner, taking into account cutting-edge information and communication technologies in the clinical and healthcare field.
- CP02 - Work from the perspective of quality and continuous improvement, demonstrating autonomous and self-critical learning skills for responsible and effective professional performance in the clinical and healthcare field.
- CP04 - Implement strategies and mechanisms in the clinical and healthcare field to promote gender equality, equity, and respect for diversity, using inclusive and non-discriminatory language in professional practice.
- CP08 - Create psychological reports adapted to the characteristics and needs of the recipients, using clear and accessible language.
- CP11 - Manage the process of psychological evaluation of human behavior and psychological factors related to health problems, establishing a precise and effective assessment of them.
- CP14 - Apply the principles of human rights, democratic values, and sustainable development in professional practice, promoting a culture of peace and ensuring inclusive and sustainable environments that respect the dignity of all people in the healthcare field.
- HB04 - Demonstrate advanced interpersonal communication and emotion management skills with patients, relatives, and caregivers, ensuring person-centered care throughout the entire process of psychological evaluation, diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up.
- HB05 - Use previously critically examined clinical information sources, evaluating their relevance and validity for professional practice.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be able to:
- Apply the stages of the psychological assessment process in clinical settings, integrating information gathering, case conceptualisation and clinical formulation.
- Select psychometrically valid and reliable assessment techniques and instruments, considering quality criteria and their integration into the assessment process.
- Critically apply the main diagnostic classifications in mental health, considering their personal and social implications, as well as the potential for stigmatisation, in each clinical decision.
- Prepare psychological reports in accordance with ethical and legal standards, providing feedback on diagnostic information using clear, inclusive and non-stigmatising language.
- Apply the ethical obligations governing interventions in Health Psychology, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal principles.
- Assess inequalities based on sex and gender in order to design strategies aimed at achieving genuine equality, avoiding partial or discriminatory interpretations.
Syllabus
Assessment and Diagnosis in Health Psychology (Children and Adolescents):
- Cognitive abilities and intelligence
- Attention and executive functions
- Reading and writing skills
- Emotional functioning and psychopathology
- Report writing
Evaluation and Diagnosis in Health Psychology, adults:
- The clinical assessment process in adults.
- Initial interview and gathering of patient history (anamnesis).
- Interviewing skills and mental status examination.
- In-depth clinical assessment.
- Integration and clinical formulation.
- Differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and risk assessment.
- Report writing and feedback.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course is conducted entirely in person and combines various teaching methodologies designed to foster active, reflective, and evidence-based learning, promoting both independent and collaborative work.
Priority is given to an in-person, participatory methodology based on clinical reasoning, encouraging active participation, debate, and the integration of course content. To facilitate attentiveness, participation, and direct classroom engagement, the use of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic devices is not permitted during sessions, except when the teaching staff expressly indicates that they are required for a specific learning activity.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Assessment for the course will be based on two case studies: one focusing on child and adolescent psychology and the other on adult psychology.
Child and adolescent section: 50% of the final grade. Resolution and analysis of a case study, including psychopathological assessment, information integration, case formulation, and a proposal for assessment and diagnostic orientation.
Adult section: 50% of the final grade. Resolution and analysis of a case study, applying the same criteria within the context of health psychology for the adult population.
The assessment will place particular emphasis on clinical reasoning skills, the integration of information, the justification of diagnostic decisions, and the appropriate selection of assessment strategies and instruments.