This module will introduce students to a range of areas and concerns in health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. The aims of the module are to advance theoretical and practical knowledge of health psychology and develop critical and evaluative skills applied to health-related research. During the module, students will examine the broad context and different perspectives of the discipline and be aware of current debates within the field. Content will cover theoretical models of health-related behaviour and cognitions; health beliefs and attitudes; the physiological mechanisms of health and illness; and issues across the lifespan. In addition, students will examine factors which influence health and illness, ranging from individual characteristics to wider determinants of health, and the impact of health inequality on the experience of health and illness. Students will be encouraged to think critically in relation to methods, design, and measurement across these areas.

Mini-Systematic Review (100%, 3000 words)
Students will conduct a mini-systematic review of psychological research within a chosen area of health psychology (3000 words). This will involve identifying a review question; carrying out scoping searches; developing a protocol; systematically searching selected databases; screening and assessing eligibility of papers; assessing the quality of included papers using appropriate tools; and synthesising evidence. The review should aim to include 6-10 papers in order to manage its scope and guidance will be provided in relation to the required systematic tasks (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

Students will be provided with written formative feedback on a systematic review protocol. In addition, verbal formative feedback will be given in relation to strengths, limitations, and guidance for improvement through assessment related activities completed as part of the module.

Taught sessions, in the form of interactive workshops, will be delivered during which issues and concerns of health psychology will be explained, discussed and explored. Some sessions will be facilitated by practicing health psychologists, many of whom are graduates from this course.

Students will also be supported to conduct their mini-systematic review through interactive workshops which will include details of each element of the review process, from identifying a review question to synthesising evidence. The module leader will provide students with tailored formative feedback within these workshops in addition to written feedback on a protocol document.

Taught sessions will be supported by independent learning which will include extended reading, preparation for taught sessions and completing assessment relating activities.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of historical and current theories, approaches and perspectives in Health Psychology.
Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning.

2. Critically evaluate, appraise and synthesise psychological literature in Health Psychology and communicate conclusions clearly.
Communication, Knowledge & Understanding.

3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research work in Health Psychology and apply established techniques of research and enquiry to conduct extensive and systematic literature searches. Application, Problem Solving, Reflection.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. Access to statistical software capable of analysing various research designs and analytic approaches (e.g., SPSS, NVivo) covered in the module. Web-based databases to review current relevant literature in electronic database. Internet access. Library. Resource rooms and supervision space. Guest speakers.

Boland, A., Cherry, G., & Dickson, R. (Eds.). (2017). Doing a systematic review: A student's guide. Sage Publications.

Haslam, C., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G. A., & Haslam, S. A. (2018). The new psychology of health: Unlocking the social cure. Routledge.

Murray, M. (Ed.). (2015). Critical Health Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan.

Ogden, J. (2019). Health Psychology. McGraw-Hill.

Ogden, J. (2018). Thinking Critically about Research. A Step-by-Step Approach. Routledge.

Students must be registered on the MSc Health Psychology.

This module will introduce students to a range of areas and concerns in health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. Students will examine the broad context and different perspectives of the discipline and be aware of current debates within the field. Content will cover theoretical models of health-related behaviour and cognitions; health beliefs and attitudes; the physiological mechanisms of health and illness; and issues across the lifespan. In addition, students will examine factors which influence health and illness, ranging from individual characteristics to wider determinants of health, and the impact of health inequality on the experience of health and illness. Students will be encouraged to think critically in relation to methods, design, and measurement across these areas.