HOSPITAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) APPROACH

Abstract

Hospital Psychology provides emotional support to hospitalized individuals facing experiences such as pain, fear, grief, and psychological distress, using therapeutic strategies that promote healthy coping with these experiences. The objective is to analyze the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the mental health of hospitalized patients, seeking to understand how this approach contributes to psychological care in hospital settings. This is a qualitative literature review on the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the hospital setting. Scientific literature was searched through databases such as SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL) using the descriptors: Hospital Psychology; Coping Approach; and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The use of CBT-based interventions significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients, in addition to improving their quality of life and adherence to medical treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable and adaptable therapeutic strategy in the hospital setting, offering essential support for coping with physical illness and the emotional demands of hospitalization. More than just relieving symptoms, this approach contributes to comprehensive and humanized care, aligned with the patient's subjective needs and the complexity of healthcare.