Health Psychology

Course details

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

No formal qualifications are required. However, all modules are taught at university level and students should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students new to psychology will benefit from undertaking some preparatory reading as detailed below.

AIMS

To provide an introductory overview of the way in which the study of psychology may be of benefit in the promotion of health and the provision of health care.

OBJECTIVES

• Introduce the biopsychosocial model of health psychology.

• Explore the possible uses of psychology in promoting beliefs and behaviours which support health.

• Give an overview of the possible uses of psychology in service provision.

• Point to the links between health psychology and psychobiology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal and personality psychology.

• Give an overview of the Research Methods used within psychology including a basic evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• Identify the ethical issues involved when conducting research in psychology (with particular consideration of harm) and the issues that arise when trying to generalise results (for example across cultures).

• Support students to take part in the assessment process.

• Support and develop students' study skills, including note taking and essay writing.

• Build students' confidence in presenting their own ideas and in critical thinking.

• Identify areas of interest for students that may be pursued in further study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Highlight links between health psychology and other branches of psychology.

• Explain how psychological principles may be used to help modify health behaviours

• Explain the ways in which the study of psychology may impact on the practice of health professionals both in terms of service provision (eg the quality of communication) and in terms of treating specific problems (eg pain) and conditions (eg cancer).

• Recognise a range of research methods that might be appropriate to the study of this area of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies, including both qualitative as well as quantitative approaches).

• Identify the ethical issues when conducting research in this area (with particular consideration of harm).

• Demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and research.

• Think critically about the subjects covered.

• Present your own ideas about issues addressed on the course.

• Discuss and implement a range of strategies to support your learning.

• Successfully plan and write essays or other assignments which have been set to support your learning on this course.