Speaker
Presentation in Spanish
ROCÍO DE LA VEGA
UNIVERSITY OF MÁLAGA. SPAIN
Rocío de la Vega, PhD, works at the University of Málaga (UMA), Spain, as a faculty member, with a Ramón y Cajal contract since 2020, where she leads a research line focused on digital interventions and pediatric pain.
She received her PhD in Health Psychology from the University Rovira i Virgili, in Tarragona, obtaining the International Mention and Extraordinary Award. In 2015, she moved to the United States (USA), and spent two years working on non- pharmacological pain management interventions at the University of Washington. In November 2017, she obtained a postdoctoral contract at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
She has several leadership appointments on international committees: Chair of the International Committee of the Society of Pediatric Psychology- APA Division 54 (SPP), Board member of the European Paediatric Psychology Network (EPPN), Faculty member in Pain In Child Health (PICH) Canadian initiative, and Board Member of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Early Career Network.
The role of psychologists in the treatment of youth with health conditions
Psychologists play a vital role in the care of youth with health conditions by addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of illness, which are often intertwined with physical health. Chronic illnesses and other health conditions can significantly impact a child’s mental well-being, influencing their coping mechanisms, resilience, and overall quality of life. This symposium aims to explore innovative psychological interventions for children and adolescents facing various health challenges. The focus is on enhancing care delivery and improving outcomes for young patients, particularly those without access to evidence-based treatments.
The first presentation, “Developing Interventions for Children Without Access to Evidence-Based Care: Involving Patients and Caregivers as Partners,” emphasizes the importance of collaboration with patients and caregivers in creating accessible, tailored interventions. This approach ensures that treatments are culturally sensitive and meet the unique needs of underserved populations.
“Behavioral Flexibility to Improve Resilience Using an ACT-Based Approach to Treatment in Pediatric Chronic Pain” delves into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a method to foster resilience among youths experiencing chronic pain. This talk highlights the significance of behavioral flexibility in managing pain and improving overall quality of life.
The session “Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Conditions” explores therapeutic strategies specifically designed for young patients with gastrointestinal issues. The focus is on integrating psychological techniques with medical treatment to address the complex interplay of physical and mental health in these conditions.
Finally, “Asking Children About Their Treatment Needs: The Case of Chronic Pain” stresses the importance of direct communication with young patients about their treatment preferences and needs. This approach empowers children, fostering a more patient-centered care model and improving treatment adherence and satisfaction.
Together, these presentations underscore the critical role of psychologists in treating youth with health conditions, advocating for integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered care models.
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