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Psychology Applied to Health

Module description

Health and illness are not only influenced by biological factors (viruses, bacteria etc.) but also by psychological and social factors, including emotions, personality, and our relationships with other people. Understanding the interplay between these different influences is critical to medical research and clinical practice. This module will provide students with an introduction to this field and highlight research relevant to both treatment and prevention of ill health.

The option module is delivered by expert psychologists who conduct research in a variety of health contexts and is likely to interest final year students of BSc Medical Sciences and related disciplines (e.g. Psychology, Biosciences, Human Sciences, Sport and Health Sciences).

Module aims - intentions of the module

Students are introduced to contemporary research in key areas of psychology applied to health (including stress, social support, medication adherence), and study how research findings are translated into practice in healthcare settings (e.g., through health promotion and behaviour change interventions). By critically appraising how social and psychological processes influence health and illness, students will develop an integrative, holistic understanding of important problems in healthcare. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate understanding of key research and findings in psychology applied to health
• 2. Review key psychological theories and research studies in health psychology
• 3. Critically appraise research in psychology applied to health, in terms of theoretical and methodological rigour
• 4. Evaluate research that has been applied in preventative health contexts (e.g., in healthcare and public health interventions) and consider the implications of this research for the future of healthcare and public health policy

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Describe and critically appraise methods used in health psychology research
• 6. Critically appraise scientific research papers in psychology

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Study autonomously, managing private study, soliciting and using feedback
• 8. Interact effectively with others and contribute to scientific discussions
• 9. Communicate ideas effectively by written means

Syllabus plan

The syllabus is for 2020-2021 delivery will be a combination of lectures, seminars and structured discussions, and will be all online. Specifically, students will attend a series of lectures which provide the core content of the module, in terms of theoretical frameworks and key empirical studies within the field. Group learning seminars will enable students to work with others in developing critical appraisal skills and fostering deeper understanding of module material. Structured discussions will allow students to discuss key topics from lectures. 

The syllabus is supported by an on-line clinic for questions, comments and advice. Students are expected to engage in independent study across the module. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Jetten, J. et al. (2011). The Social Cure: Identity, Health and Well-being. Hove: Psychology Press.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Primary research publications and review articles covering various topics, as directed by the module team and identified through independent study. 

Key words search

Psychology, Health, Behaviour Change, Health Promotion, Interventions