This module will provide an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology, introducing students to a variety of health psychology theories, models and research. Topics may change annually to reflect the debates at the forefront of the discipline, but illustrations of topics include models and theories of health behaviour, long-term conditions, communication issues in health-care settings, health promotion, and health inequalities. Throughout the module, students will develop skills in applying health psychology theory, research and models to real-world scenarios.

Coursework = Client case study essay (addresses LO 1, 2 and 3)

From a choice of case studies, students will be asked to choose one and pick THREE ‘issues.’ Drawing upon relevant health psychology theory, models and research, students will then be asked to critically discuss the issues by addressing questions that will be provided in the assessment brief.

Formative Feedback: Students will have opportunity to practice on a formative case study and then, in a dedicated assessment session, the module leader will talk through the formative case with guidance on what they could have included and what we will expect for their summative assessment. Students will have opportunity to reflect on their formative work in light of the guidance and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

Teaching sessions will be a combination of interactive lectures, with some support seminars/drop-ins (30 hours). Guided Independent Study will include reading in preparation for lectures, assessment preparation, preparation for class-based activities and discussions. Where appropriate sessions will be delivered by guest speakers/those with lived experience

Demonstrate a critical understanding and awareness of some of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research, and application
Knowledge and Understanding

Critically evaluate theory and contemporary research within the field of health psychology
Analysis
Enquiry

Critically apply knowledge and understanding of health psychology theory and research to a real-world setting
Application
Learning
Problem-Solving

Blackboard VLE

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

There is no set text for this module. Individual lecturers will provide a reference list/recommended reading. The following 3 textbooks are recommended as introductions to the field:

Conner, M & Norman, P. (2015). Predicting and Changing Health Behaviour: Research and practice with social cognition models. Buckingham: Open University Press. Library number: 616.0019

Ogden, J. (2012). Health Psychology: A Textbook (5th Edition). Maidenhead: O.U. Press. Library number: 616.0019

Marks, D., Murray, M., Evans, B., & Estacio, E. V. (2015). Health Psychology: Theory research and Practice (4th Edition). London: Sage. Library number: 616.0019

This module will provide an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology. Topics may change annually to reflect the debates at the forefront of the discipline, but illustrations of topics include models and theories of health behaviour, long-term conditions, communication issues in health-care settings, health promotion, and health inequalities.