This module has been designed to provide an introduction to the areas and concerns of health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. Content moves from a basic coverage of the relevant literature to an appreciation of the methodological and theoretical issues underpinning research in the health setting in order to advance students' theoretical and practical knowledge of health psychology and to develop their critical and evaluative skills to apply to health related research. Students will consider ethical dimensions of health research and gain insight into the professional practice of health psychology. Content will include: historical and current theories and approaches in health psychology; theoretical models of health-related behaviour change and cognitions including health enhancing and compromising behaviours, efficacy and control beliefs, attributions, health beliefs and attitudes, social and individuals representations of health and illness, and symptom and risk perception; an introduction to related disciplines such as medical sociology, health policy, and medicine and the implementation of policy, strategy and legislation in health contexts; the physiology of health and illness; stress and psychoneuroimmunology; issues across the lifespan including the impact of hospitalisation on adults and children; and issues relating to a range of client groups including cross-cultural perspectives and sex and gender differences.

A room in which discussion groups can be formed. Computers, Internet and Library Resources

At least a 2.1 degree in Psychology (GBC recognized) or equivalent

One critical review of a health psychology literature of 3,500 words: 50% (LO's 1 and 2)
One plan of an empirical study/draft grant application of 3,500 words: 50% (LO's 3 and 4)

Students will be required to gain a pass in all elements of assessment within the module.
Additional assessment details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via structured written feedback identifying strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement on plans submitted for both assessments. In addition verbal formative feedback will be given strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement for presentation tasks completed by students as part of the module.

Marks, D.F., Murray, M., Evans, B., & Estacio, E. V. (Eds.). (20115). Health Psychology: Theory Research and Practice. Sage: London.
Ogden, J. (2019). Health Psychology. London: McGraw-Hill
Murray, M. (Ed.). (200415). Critical Health Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan: London.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (84 hours)
Twenty eight, three-hour workshops during which issues and concerns of health psychology will be explained, discussed and explored. These will include two or three sessions dominated by student led presentations and three or four led by practicing health psychologists.
This will be supported by two scheduled independent study sessions (3 hours each) and two hundred and sixteen hours of independent learning during which reading about the topics to be researched, analysing literature and writing reports will take place

Marks, D.F., Murray, M., Evans, B., & Estacio, E. V. (Eds.). (2015). Health Psychology: Theory Research and Practice. Sage: London.
Ogden, J. (2019). Health Psychology. London: McGraw-Hill
Murray, M. (Ed.). (2015). Critical Health Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan: London.

This module has been designed to provide an introduction to the areas and concerns of health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. Content moves from a basic coverage of the relevant literature to an appreciation of the methodological and theoretical issues underpinning research in the health setting in order to advance your theoretical and practical knowledge of health psychology and to develop your critical and evaluative skills to apply to health related research. You will consider ethical dimensions of health research and gain insight into the professional practice of health psychology. Content will include: historical and current theories and approaches in health psychology; theoretical models of health-related behaviour change and cognitions including health enhancing and compromising behaviours, efficacy and control beliefs, attributions, health beliefs and attitudes, social and individuals representations of health and illness, and symptom and risk perception; an introduction to related disciplines such as medical sociology, health policy, and medicine and the implementation of policy, strategy and legislation in health contexts; the physiology of health and illness; stress and psychoneuroimmunology; issues across the lifespan including the impact of hospitalisation on adults and children; and issues relating to a range of client groups including cross-cultural perspectives and sex and gender differences.