Intellectual Development

Question 1

explain why “theory of mind” is relevant to medicine

Answer 1

Children do not understand others perspective other than theirs. If they are in pain, they expect everyone to experience their pain. - Need to get as much information from them. Using their parents as resource is important - zone of proximal development.

As a doctor, it is important to understand how patients feel, so you can empathise with them

Question 2

describe how children’s understanding of illness develops with age

Answer 2

In early years, they do not understand the complexities of illness causation. They only feel ill when it is physical. Difficulty to understand asymptomatic illness e.g diabetes. But will be scared and worried if blood is present.
Understanding of causes of illness also varies and improves with age. From punishment, contact, infections, stress.

Question 3

outline strategies to help children understand illness and medical procedures

Answer 3

Doctors need to use simplified terms and detailed explanation.
Children have better understanding of an illness if they have experienced it before. So relate current illness to previous illness.
Teddy bear hospitals - evidence shows it engages children as they know what to expect when they visit their doctor.
Concepts used needs to be age appropriate (capacity. abstract/ simple sensory)

Question 4

List the 2 theories of intellectual development

Answer 4

1. Piaget’s theory

2. Vygotsky’s theory

Question 5

List and explain the different stages in Piaget’s theory

Answer 5

1. sensorimotor - experience the world through their sense. they cannot think. about age 2
2. Pre-operational -
   symbols are used. thinking is not logical
   children are egocentric
3. Concrete operation
   thinking becomes more logical but is not yet abstract. perspectives of other people can be understood
4. Formal operations
   abstract thinking develops
   -thinking becomes multidimensional - can consider hypothesis/possibilities

Question 6

Explain Vygotsky theory

Answer 6

Same as Piagets theory. Same 4 steps. However different groups can overlap- children may be in different stages at the same time. Children learn best through problem-solving shared with someone else (adult/peer)- Zone of proximal development

Scaffolding- helps children to build existing skills and knowledge
Egocentric
Metacognition = thinking of thinking.-
-Theory of mind - understanding others have different thoughts and perspective.
-useful to feign illness
- bluffing in a game of poker

Autistic children show impairments in theory of mind tasks