56423 - Clinical Psychology of Rehabilitation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - understands the nature and classification of different types of disabilities; - understands the psychological-clinical and psychosocial aspects of adaptation to disabilities and chronic illnesses, analyzing the role and impact on family members and caregivers; - understands clinical-psychological approaches to rehabilitation, including assessment, interventions, and psychological support techniques.

Course contents

The lessons will be held in the second semester (from February to May 2026), at the Cesena teaching site (FC), Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestari." The course will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Clinical Psychology of Rehabilitation.
Definition; historical perspectives on disability and chronic illness; the six principles of clinical psychology of rehabilitation; theoretical foundations.

• Attachment and Mentalization.
Associations between attachment, mentalization, and emotion regulation processes. Applications to chronic illness and disability; clinical implications for the therapeutic relationship and intervention in clinical psychology of rehabilitation.

• Systemic-Family Paradigm and Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability.
Family adaptation processes; young caregivers. Clinical implications for family-level interventions.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Models in Chronic Illness and Disability.
The cognitive model, main cognitive distortions, case conceptualization, and definition of treatment goals; discussion of clinical cases in chronic illness and disability.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Chronic Illness and Disability.
Principles of ACT, psychological flexibility, case conceptualization, and main intervention strategies in chronic illness and disability.

• Clinical Applications to Specific Conditions (e.g., chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cancer) and Emerging Topics in Rehabilitation Psychology.

 

Readings/Bibliography

The reference material for exam preparation consists primarily of the slides and materials discussed during the lectures, which represent the fundamental basis for individual study. These materials are complemented by the readings assigned from time to time during each lecture (scientific articles and/or book chapters).

For optional further study, the following texts are recommended:

· Dunn, D. S. (Ed.). (2025). The Oxford handbook of rehabilitation psychology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

· Baldoni, F. (2010). La prospettiva psicosomatica. Dalla teoria alla pratica clinica. Bologna: Il Mulino.

· Taylor, R. R. (2006). Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic illness and disability. Springer Science+Business Media.

· Owen, R. (2014). Living with the Enemy: Coping with the stress of chronic illness using CBT, mindfulness and acceptance. Routledge.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be supplemented with role-playing, active participation techniques, group discussions, and clinical cases simulations.

Assessment methods

The oral examination includes 3 open-ended questions, to verify the student's learning. The exam grade is the arithmetic mean of the grade assigned to each of the 3 answers.

Registration for the exam is done through the AlmaEsami application, following normal procedures.

Erasmus or exchange students must contact the professor before the beginning of the course.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders can contact the professor and the University Disability and DSA Student Service (http://www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/ ) to agree on appropriate teaching and assessment methods.

Teaching tools

To deepen the topics covered in the course, specific teaching materials and handouts will be provided and can be accessed on the platform: Virtuale, address: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

The following will be used:

- lectures;

- group discussions;

- analysis of clinical cases and intervention projects;

- powerPoint presentations;

- videos.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Landi