2015

Contents

Instructions from the Topic Guide
1
Possible discussion points    3
References that may be useful    3
Marking Criteria    5

Instructions from the Topic Guide

Length:    3000 words approximately

The main assignment revolves around the topic of chronic illness with a specific focus on cystic fibrosis (CF). Further instructions and marking criteria for the assignment will be provided down.
In 3000 words, you need to:
1. Outline a developmental psychology theory in relation to cystic fibrosis. In
particular, discuss where an adolescent with cystic fibrosis may fit developmentally and why.
2. Use 2 of the discussion points provided and empirical research (journal articles) to discuss the psychological impact of living with cystic fibrosis (again with a particular focus on adolescence).
3. Consider why it is important to have an understanding of human development and
psychological responses to illness and how this is relevant to health professionals.

In responding to these items, your assignment should do the following things:
•   Discuss a psychological developmental theory and link this to cystic fibrosis
(CF). To do this, think about what the relevant developmental issues might be.
Consider the cognitive, psychological, social, emotional, and physical implications of living with this chronic disease. It may help to think about how lifespan development for someone with CF might differ from that of a ‘healthy’ person.
•    Use 2 of the discussion points provided to further aid your discussion. To do this, look at the discussion questions provided and see what the literature says about CF and these topics.
•    Discuss the importance of understanding the way people think, feel and behave in relation to what your role may be as a future health professional.
•    Include sufficient resources to show that you understand your theory of choice and the issues related to cystic fibrosis. At a minimum, you will include eight (8)
academic sources. That is, the written assignment will consist of:
o A minimum of five (5) peer reviewed research articles. They should be published from 2000-2015, but you may find a ‘classic’ article that is relevant and was
published earlier. You will need to justify its inclusion. These articles may include, but are not limited to:
–   Articles that have considered a particular age group with cystic fibrosis
–    Articles that focus on cystic fibrosis in general (or chronic illness in childhood/adolescence).
–    Articles that focus on the particular stage in the lifespan (e.g. infancy, adolescence, adulthood, etc.)
–    You may discover that you cannot find articles that cover BOTH the cystic fibrosis AND the stage in the lifespan in the same article. You may be able to justify that research on other chronic illnesses is relevant.
–   Research articles should be peer reviewed and academic in nature.
o Appropriate chapters from lifespan development texts and health psychology texts should be used in relation to the theoretical perspectives and/or the wider research agenda.

Formatting your assignment

Assignments need to be typed in times new roman, 12 point font, double spaced, with 2.5-3.2 cm margins. It is recommended that you use sub-headings.
Indent the first line of each paragraph. Number all pages of your assignment and include your name or your student ID number on each page.
The word count starts at the title and ends before the reference list. The word count includes everything in-between. There are no penalties for word counts + or – 10%. When writing your essay, consider whether your essay meets the criteria rather than excessively focusing on the word count.
References and in-text referencing are required to be in APA referencing format.

Possible discussion points

Below is a list of discussion points/key questions that can guide the discussion in your essay in response to discussion point 2. You should choose 2 to discuss and spend roughly the same number amount of words on each. All discussion should be linked to previous research (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles):

?    Describe psychological and social influences that contribute to how people stay healthy, become ill and respond to illness

?    Discuss any potential issues related to treatment adherence for someone with CF and identify factors that enhance or inhibit adherence to treatment at different life stages.

?      Discuss psychological or social issues related to food or nutrition for people with CF.

?      Discuss the impact of having CF within the family network.

?      Discuss coping mechanisms used by children with CF

?      Discuss any social determinants of health that would impact on how a person with CF
deals with the disease?

?      Discuss factors involved with the relationships/ social networks that someone with CF
can maintain?

?      Discuss how positive coping strategies or elements of resilience might be useful.

?      Would loss affect someone with CF? Or their family? If so, what type of loss?

?      You can also devise your own (relevant) discussion point

References that may be useful

Below are a selection of peer-reviewed journal articles. Depending on the discussion points that you choose, they may or may not be relevant for your essay.

Besier, T., Born, A., Henrich, G., Hinz, A., Quittner, A. L., Goldbeck, L., & The TIDES Study Group. (2011). Anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction in parents caring for children with cystic fibrosis, Pediatric Pulmonology, 46, 672-682, doi:
10.1002/ppul.21423

Graetza, B. W., Shute, R. H. & Sawyer, M. G. (2000). An Australian study of adolescents with cystic fibrosis: perceived supportive and nonsupportive behaviors from families
and friends and psychological adjustment, Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 64-69, doi:
10.1016/S1054-139X(99)00026-9

Grossoehme D. H., Szczesniak R., McPhail G. L., Seid M. (2013). Is adolescents’ religious coping with cystic fibrosis associated with the rate of decline in pulmonary function?-A preliminary study. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 19, 33-42, doi:
10.1080/08854726.2013.767083.

Jamieson, N., Fitzgerald, D., Singh-Grewal, D., Hanson, C. S., Craig, J. C., & Tong, A. (2014). Children’s Experiences of Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies, Pediatrics, 133, e1683-e1697, doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-0009
Pfeffer, P. E., Pfeffer, J. M., & Hodson, M. E. (2003). The psychosocial and psychiatric side of cystic fibrosis in adolescents and adults, Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 2, 61-68, doi:
10.1016/S1569-1993(03)00020-1

Rosina, R., Crisp, J. & Steinbeck, K. (2003). Treatment adherence of youth and young adults with and without a chronic illness, Nursing and Health Sciences, 5, 139-147.

Trevena, L., Davey, H., Barratt, A., Butow, P. & Caldwell, P. (2006). A systematic review on communicating with patients about evidence, Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 12, 13-23.

Reynolds, N., Mrug, S., Hensler, M., Guion, K., & Madan-Swain, A. (2014). Spiritual Coping and Adjustment in Adolescents With Chronic Illness: A 2-Year Prospective Study, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 39, 542–551, doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsu011

Segal, T. Y. (2008). Adolescence: what the cystic fibrosis team needs to know, Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine,101 Suppl 1, S15-27. doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2008.s18005.

Szyndlera, J. E., Townsa, S. J., van Asperenb, P. P., McKay, K. O. (2005). Psychological and family functioning and quality of life in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 4,135-144, doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2005.02.004

Marking Criteria
Needs Improvement    Satisfactory    Good    Excellent
Title    No title included or poor title (e.g., “Introduction”).        Includes an appropriate title that reflects the topic of the paper
Introduction    Topic not well introduced; scope & purpose of essay
is not clear. The introductory paragraph may be rambling and lengthy, too short, uninformative or unclear.    Focus of the essay has been
outlined adequately.    Introduction clearly outlines the scope
and purpose of the essay.    The scope and purpose of the essay has been
clearly outlined. Succinct, engaging introduction to the topic; sound grasp of the essay topic is evident.
/5 marks
Explanation of relevant
theoretical framework    Some aspects of the theory are missing.
Understanding not evident; or incorrect definitions or explanations; or the theory has been superficially
addressed.    Most aspects of the theory are
described well. Links to cystic fibrosis or chronic illness may
be missing.    Theory is clearly outlined and relevant.
Each developmental stage has been appropriately outlined and most are
linked to cystic fibrosis or chronic
illness.    A relevant developmental psychology theory
has clearly and thoroughly been addressed within the essay in relation to cystic fibrosis
(i.e., each developmental stage has been clearly
linked to cystic fibrosis).
/20 marks
Discussion points:
2 discussion points are identified and discussed/explored in response to question 2.    Discussion points not identified; No or poor attempt
to use previous literature to aid discussion points (i.e., have not used at least 5 journal articles). Understanding not evident; or incorrect definitions
or explanations; Generalisations are made without supporting evidence; Lack of clear argument; not clear if main points are understood.    Some attempt to discuss
previous literature in relation to each discussion point. Argument may be unclear;
irrelevant information is presented; or understanding is not evident for some discussion points.    Previous literature related to each
discussion point is outlined well. Information provided is relevant to each discussion point. Some minor
flaws (e.g., some aspects are unclear).    Excellent & concise discussion of the literature
relevant to each discussion point; Statements are clearly backed up with empirical research (e.g., peer reviewed journal articles);
Understanding is evident; accurate definitions and explanations of terms / concepts used. Critical analysis and synthesis is evident.
/20 marks
Relevance of psychology
for health professionals                Succinct summary of the main points & their
relevance and implications for practice.
/5 marks
Conclusion    Conclusion draws on new material or is not related
to the assignment focus. Conclusion is not clear, not stated; or relevance and implications not identified.        Conclusion is logically drawn from preceding discussion and is related to the focus of the assignment; Succinct summary of the main points & their relevance and implications for practice.
/5 marks
Written expression and presentation    Poorly organised or sequenced; superfluous
information; Spelling or grammatical errors and/or colloquial language used. Poor sentence or paragraph structure. Unclear writing style, difficult
to read and follow.        Logical structure, material is well organized and sequenced; no irrelevant information.
Correct grammar, spelling & use of academic language. Clear, concise and well-structured sentences; paragraphs develop a single theme; easy to read and follow.  Within 10% of word limit.
/2.5 marks
Referencing    Referencing style not adhered to; Incorrect or no
acknowledgement of sources; minimal literature utilised or inappropriate sources.        Referencing consistently conforms to APA style referencing. Correct acknowledgment of
sources; Relevant material & literature utilised.
/2.5 marks

Othe

F        P        CR        DN       HD

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