2016-2017
Health Psychology
Category: Psychology
Code: IS 248
Level: 4
Credits: 15
Teaching Pattern
Week 1
4 x 2hrs
1 x 1hrs
Week 2
4 x 2hrs
1 x 1hrs
Week 3
4 x 2hrs
1 x 1hrs
Week 4
Seminar
4 x 2hrs
Lecture
1 x 1hrs
Fieldwork
1 x 8hrs
Tutorial
1 x 30mins
1 x 30mins
*you will be expected to do approximately 105 hours of independent study in addition to the above formal
teaching hours over the 4 weeks.
*Additional Field Trip fee of £45.00
Outline
The module covers the history and scope of Health Psychology from the subject origin through to the
use of present day telemedicine, such as on-line self-diagnostics, support groups and virtual clinics.
A range of theories and methodologies used within the discipline are considered, with specific topics
being psycho-immunology, stress, anger, anxiety, depression, optimism and coping. The module also
considers how broader social factors, such as social economic status and social support, can impact
on health. Both individual therapeutic interventions and wider health promotion campaigns are
reviewed. The module aims to equip students with knowledge, understanding and skills to recognise
the role that Health Psychology can play for individuals and societies wellbeing.
The importance of experiential learning and reflection is recognised, with critical thinking skills
enhanced through a variety of learning opportunities from group work and debates to individual
presentations. Lectures, seminars and e-learning are included to accommodate and encourage a
range of learning preferences and styles.
Learning Outcomes
The following formative assessments will provide an opportunity for students to use the following
psychology subject relevant skills:
Oral presentation - self-confidence, flexibility, interpersonal, teamwork, information technology,
intellectual debate, verbal communication and presentation.
Evidence retrieval & interpretation – information & technology, research skills, critical judgement &
evaluation & ethical sensitivity & awareness.
1
SUMMER Session 1
Essay writing – organisation & time management, research skills, literature review, independent
thinking, autonomy & independent learning & written communication.
Wk
1
2
3
4
Topic
Introduction to
Health Psychology
(Subject scope &
application, Stress &
interaction models,
Health behaviours &
models. Essay and
presentation skills).
Personality & Health
(Optimism, Anxiety,
Depression & Anger)
Social Factors &
Health (Social
Economic Status,
Social Support &
Coping)
Interventions &
Applied Health
Psychology
(Health promotion,
Therapeutics, Dr-Pt
communication, Online and virtual clinics)
2
Teaching and Learning
Activity
Lecture, tutor led
presentations regarding
target topics, as well as
essay and oral
presentation skills, seminar
discussion, self-directed
learning and opportunities
for individual and group
sharing IT skills.
Assessment
**Evidence
retrieval &
interpretation skills
**small group
spontaneous oral
presentations
Lecture, seminar,
discussions and debate,
small group work, selfdirected learning,
spontaneous group
presentations and
summative individual oral
presentations.
*Oral Presentation
(20%)
Lecture, tutor led
presentations regarding
target topics and journal
writing, seminar
discussion, small group
work, self-directed
learning.
*Learning Journal
(1,000 words)
(30%)
Lecture, tutor led
presentations, seminar
discussion, small group
work and self-directed
learning.
SUMMER Session 1
**Writing skills
(planning, writing,
referencing)
*Essay (2, 000)
(40%)
*Tutor assessment
(10%)
Learning
Outcomes
Draw upon a
published study to
inform a
hypothetical study
design
Demonstrate
prepared reading
and
communication
skills, regarding
potential
interactive
pathways for a
psychological state
on physiological
health.
Reflect upon the
wider process
affecting health,
both in terms of
own and others
experiences.
Mode of
Feedback
Immediate oral
to group.
Group via
internet
Immediate
Individual oral
feedback and
subsequent
written
feedback
Individual oral
and written
feedback
Immediate oral
to group.
Describe the
potential impact of
an intervention on
subsequent health
Individual oral
and written
feedback
Witten
feedback
Assessed Learning Outcomes

Draw upon a published study to inform a hypothetical study design.

Demonstrate prepared reading and communication skills, regarding potential interactive
pathways for a psychological state on physiological health.

Reflect upon the wider process affecting health, both in terms of own and others experiences.

Describe the potential impact of an intervention on subsequent health
Feedback
Week 1 The formative assessment of evidence retrieval and interpretation skills and small group
spontaneous oral presentations will receive immediate oral feedback to the group and
group feedback via internet.
Week 2. The summative oral presentation (20%) will receive immediate individual oral feedback and
subsequent written feedback.
Week 3. The summative learning journal (1,000 words) (30%) will receive individual oral and written
feedback.
Week 4. The formative assessment writing skills will receive immediate oral feedback to the group.
The summative essay (2,000 words) (40%) will receive individual oral and written feedback.
The summative assessment Tutor Report (10%) will receive individual written feedback.
Contacts
Lynn Willmott
3
SUMMER Session 1
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone :
Indicative Reading List
Core Reading:
Ogden, J. (2012) Health Psychology. London. UK. Open University Press.
Secondary Reading:
Armatige C. J. (2009) Can the Theory of Planned Behaviour predict the maintenance of physical activity? Health
Psychology. 24 3 235-245
Ayers, S., de Visser, (2011) Psychology for Medicine. London. Sage Publications.
Churchill, S., Jessop, D. C. (2011) Reflective and non-reflective antecedents of non-reflective behaviour: exploring the
relative contributions of impulsivity and implicit self-control to the prediction of dietary behaviour. British Journal of
Health Psychology. 16 257-272
Gollwitzer, P. M. Sheeran, P. (2006) Implementation intentions & goal achievement: a meta-analysis of effects and
processes. Advances in Experimental Social psychology. 38 69-119
Horne, R., Weinman, J. (2002) Self regulation and self management in asthma: exploring the role of illness
perceptions and treatment beliefs in explaining non adherence to preventer medicine. Psychology and health 17 17-72
Kaplan, R. M. (1990) Behaviour as the central outcome in health care. American Psychologist. 45 1211-1220
Matthews, K. A., Gallo, L. C. (2011) Psychological perspectives on pathways linking socioeconomic status and health.
Annual Review of Psychology. 62 501-530
Willmott, L. A., Harris, P., Gellaitry, G., Cooper, V., Horne, R. (2011) The effects of expressive writing following first
myocardial infarction; a randomised controlled trial. Health Psychology. 30 5 642-650
University Library
The Library,
University of Sussex,
Brighton
BN1 9QL
Phone: 01273 678163
[email protected]
4
SUMMER Session 1