PSY3130 - Health psychology - 2018

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.

Upon successful 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.

• Literature review (2,000 words) (30%)
• Report (1,500 words) (20%)
• Examination (2 hours) (50%) (hurdle)

Hurdle: Students must pass the examination to achieve a pass for this unit.

Attendance at tutorials is required in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.

Attendance at lectures: 1 x 2 hour weekly

Tutorials: 6 x 2 hours

See also Unit timetable information

Psychology

Psychological science

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html