Introduction to the relationship between behaviour and the major biological, cognitive and social-emotional processes, applying them to health and development across the life span. Focuses on aspects of behaviour and development particularly relevant for the healthcare professional.
A review of the psychological factors involved in health and illness. Topics include: the understanding of patient behaviour in medical settings, preventative health behaviour, cognitive models of illness, stress and illness, communication and adherence to treatment, the psychology of physical symptoms and coping with chronic disease.
A review of the principal methods used in the design, conduct and analysis of studies in the health psychology area. This will focus on quantitative research, but qualitative methodologies will also be addressed.
Outlines the nature of the human immune system, its measurement and limitations of current practices and models. The main focus of the course is the extent to which psychological processes such as stress, emotions, and social interactions have been found to influence immune behaviour and the implications of these findings for health and wellbeing. Various theoretical frameworks through which psycho-immune relationships might be understood are presented and discussed.
Extends content knowledge in health psychology by focussing on the expanding literature linking emotions and emotion regulation with health outcomes. The course provides an overview of the nature and functions of emotions, discrete versus dimensional approaches, developmental and cultural considerations, and the links between emotions and cognitive processes. Specific topics include direct and indirect pathways linking emotions and health, links between emotions and health-deleterious behaviours, symptom detection, screening behaviour, treatment decision-making, and adherence.
Extends content knowledge in health psychology through the development of skills in the assessment and evaluation of constructs commonly used in health psychological research and practice. Includes consideration of general issues in psychometric theory and the specific assessment issues commonly confronting widely-used health psychological research designs, as well as detailed coverage of specific content areas including illness cognitions, health-related psychophysiology, emotions, and health outcomes.
Reviews the underpinning theory base for approaches commonly used in health psychology interventions such as CBT, and applies these approaches to examples from the field of health psychology. Individual and group/ community treatment targets will be considered, including common difficulties that impact on disease occurrence or management, and the psychological consequences of disease.
Focuses on the professional intervention skills necessary to practice health psychology. Topics include: interviewing and assessment skills, formulation of problems, design and evaluation of interventions and models for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary functioning. Relevant contexts include: hospitals, hospices, consultancies, general practice etc.
Common psychological disorders encountered in clinical practice and health settings. Practical teaching of clinical interview and diagnostic skills is completed in class.
Offers the opportunity for academic staff to provide a specific course of study for one or several students. It is available only by arrangement between the staff member(s) and students.
A practical component of supervised applied work of not less than 1,500 hours in approved health settings, and other work as required. A detailed written report of the work undertaken will be required of the student.
Requires students to undertake 300+ hours in at least two approved clinical placements in addition to associated workshops and training over a twelve month period.
Focuses on the psychological, social and biological mechanisms behind illnesses that present with medically unexplained symptoms. Such illnesses include: chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and the somatoform disorders. The diagnostic controversy surrounding these disorders and treatment approaches for these conditions will be addressed.
Explores the growing field of digital health and the impact that technology is having on psychological treatments and healthcare delivery. The course will cover a range of eHealth interventions in patient populations as well as discuss issues surrounding the development and implementation of digital health interventions.