PSY3130 - Health psychology

Leader(s): Dr Graeme Hyman & Dr Sue Burney

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will examine the range of psychological factors influencing people's health behaviour, their susceptibility and reactions to illness states and responses to medical treatment. Health psychology encompasses the application of psychological theories to the study of the maintenance and promotion of health, the prevention of illness and the dysfunction and the rehabilitation of those already disabled. This unit is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the effects of psychological variables on health and illness behaviour, the prevention of illness and adjustment to illness and dysfunction. Compulsory weekend school for off-campus students.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. explain the role of psychosocial variables in health and illness states, and deficiencies in the biomedical model;

2. explain the importance of psychosocial factors in patient adjustments to illness and dysfunction, treatment and rehabilitation;

3. indicate how they, as health psychologists, can function as an important member of the health care team; and

4. design educative programs in health psychology.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%
Report (2000 words): 30%
Literature review (1,500 words): 20%
Hurdle requirement: 75% lab attendance

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory attendance at weekend schools is required for all off-campus students

Co-requisites

PSY2011 & PSY2022 or PSY2031

Prohibitions

APY3080