PY0655 - Health Psychology

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, in-class workshops and seminars, small group tutorials and independent study.

You will attend a series of two-hour interactive lectures to learn about the interplay between psychological factors and physical health. In these lectures, the principles of health behaviour change and the role of Health Psychology in promoting healthy behaviour will be discussed. These lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. The interactive elements will involve discussion about key, topical research papers, debates and group discussions regarding particular topic areas introduced in the taught sessions. The aim of the interactive lectures is to consolidate information learnt through independent reading and to encourage you to apply your knowledge in a problem-based learning situation. The opportunity for group discussion will enable you to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. Effective oral and visual communication skills will be developed through such activities. Workshops will further consolidate the material covered in the interactive lectures, by giving you the opportunity to replicate key research studies covered in the lectures, and to analyse, interpret and discuss the findings. Where relevant, guest lecturers with specific expertise relating to aspects of the module content will be invited to deliver sessions.

Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists, which will serve as a basis for further, independent study. This will be further encouraged through the provision of study questions and topics. Independent learning skills and reflection on the role and value of those skills will prepare you for career development learning.

Together, the learning strategies of interactive lectures, workshops, seminars directed and independent study aim to develop conceptual knowledge of the topic area and illustrate the range of paradigms and methods that can be used to investigate it. Tutorials will provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, directed assessment related-activities) along with links to relevant videos and online materials to encourage further exploration of Health Psychology. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto lecture recording.
Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module and the module assessment with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge of Health Psychology by critically discussing relevant theory, recent research and methodological approaches
• MK2: You will be able to apply relevant psychological concepts to promote healthy behaviour

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will demonstrate the skills and the capacity to deliver health promotion messages to diverse audiences
• MIP2: You will develop the skills to take charge of own career development learning, through critical self-evaluation and reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: You will value research and be able to communicate contemporary research in Health Psychology to diverse audiences, and in so doing develop your Northumbria Psychology graduate attributes.

Formative Assessment
Formative assessments will comprise group activities related to the final assessment, where you will have the opportunity to critically evaluate existing health promotion campaigns and leaflet interventions. These will be evaluated by peers, and through discussion with the module tutor. (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

Summative Assessment
The main assessment comprises one piece of individual written work worth 90% of the module mark. In a problem-based learning scenario, you will create a health promotion leaflet (2 sides A4) in addition to a commentary (2000 words), which critically evaluates research and theory from the Health Psychology literature to provide a rationale for the approach which you’ve taken to developing your leaflet. (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark.

Feedback
For formative assessments, the module tutor will provide immediate verbal feedback in addition to peer feedback provided through discussion in group activities.

For the summative report, feedback will be provided on the electronic submission in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify a minimum of one strength, one weakness and one area for improvement.

You will be required to arrange a tutorial with your personal guidance tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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Though interactive lectures, workshops and group activities, you will examine the interplay between psychological factors and physical health. Using research led and research tutored approaches, it specifically aims to explore i) the origins of Health Psychology as a discipline, and how these have shaped contemporary Health Psychology research and practice, ii) methods typically employed in Health Psychology research, iii) how personality and individual differences can influence physical health, iv) health promotion and techniques to modify health behaviours, v) the interplay between stress and health, vi) health disparities and the physical health consequences of social deprivation, and vii) the psychological causes and consequences of chronic physical illness. Where relevant, guest lecturers with specific expertise relating to aspects of the module content will be invited to deliver sessions. The module is assessed in two parts; i) a health promotion leaflet accompanied by a commentary which provides the rationale for the health behaviour change techniques employed in your leaflet, and ii) a reflective passage which evaluates the skills you have gained through the module and how these may be applied to your degree pathway and wider career.