Pediatric medical psychology

Abstract

Paediatric medical psychology is a specialised field within clinical health psychology focussed on the behavioural, developmental, and psychological needs of children, adolescents, and families in healthcare contexts. Paediatric medical psychologists address a myriad of problems by employing evidence-based evaluations and interventions in order to support the well-being of paediatric patients and their families. In this paper, we provide an overview of paediatric medical psychology including the education and training required to be a paediatric psychologist followed by common problems addressed by paediatric psychology, the settings paediatric psychologists work in, and the services they provide. Discussion concludes with future application of integrating paediatric psychology throughout the continuum of care to optimise adjustment and health of paediatric patients.

Keywords:

• Paediatric medical psychology
• mental health
• medical psychology
• adolescent pychology
• health psychology
• behavioural medicine

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Abigail Fenton for her contributions to formatting support.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.