39110 - Loss and Mourning

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student knows and has the ability to understand the clinical applications of clinical psychology to be able to perform an adequate counseling function in this regard.

Course contents

Definition of Clinical Psychology and its fields of application. The contribution of cognitive-behavioral clinical psychology to understanding the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, with particular relevance to the midwifery context. Psychological factors in pregnancy, abortion, and in relation to voluntary termination of pregnancy. The role of the helping relationship in the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal context. Grief and loss in the field of midwifery. The psychological response to acute and chronic illness, and the emotional and cognitive dimension of grief and loss in the midwifery field. Adaptation, psychological flexibility, tolerance to psychological and physical distress: risk and protective factors. The main psychopathological manifestations related to the context. Overview of psycho-oncology related to the pre/perinatal context. Work stress, burnout, and resilience in the midwifery profession.

Readings/Bibliography

There is no need to purchase specific textbooks. Through the platform "Virtuale" , educational material, slides, and texts will be provided for this course. Additionally, a list of pertinent studies and contributions will be supplied, constituting supplementary bibliographic material recommended for further exploration, but not directly included in the examination.

Teaching methods

The instructional approach of this course is structured around comprehensive lecture sessions, cumulatively spanning 24 hours of instructional time. The subject matter outlined in the syllabus will be elucidated and enriched with illustrative examples derived from real-life clinical cases.

Assessment methods

The assessment aims to evaluate the understanding of the main models of clinical psychology to comprehend, manage, and enhance the caregiving relationship in the context of the midwifery profession. The assessment, through a written exam, consists of a open questions. The possibility of introducing a midterm assessment is being considered

Teaching tools

Slides, videos, clinical case presentations and interactions with students will be used

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Cattivelli