Health Psychology

This unit is expiring
The expiry date of this unit is 31/07/2025.

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
QU025835
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Grade Descriptors

  • GD1-Understanding the subject
  • GD2-Application of knowledge
  • GD7-Quality

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the role of psychology in health.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Discuss definitions of health.
  • 1.2

    Discuss current perspectives in health psychology.

    For example biopsychosocial perspectives.

  • 1.3
    Compare and contrast research methods used in health psychology.
2

Understand causes and consequences of stress and means of controlling/coping with stress.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Discuss the various physiological mechanisms underlying stress.
  • 2.2
    Evaluate research in relation to sources of stress.
  • 2.3

    Explain how stress affects health.

  • 2.4
    Explain the treatments and methods of coping with stress.
3

Understand theories of pain, biopsychosocial aspects of pain, methods of pain assessment and pain management.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Examine the qualities and dimensions of pain.

    For example acute vs chronic pain.

  • 3.2

    Analyse theories of pain.

    For example gate control theory

  • 3.3
    Explain how social and emotional experiences affect pain management.
  • 3.4

    Evaluate the main methods of assessing pain.

    For example self reports

  • 3.5

    Discuss the main methods of pain control.

    For example medical, behavioural, cognitive methods.

4

Understand patient/practitioner interactions and patient's compliance with medical advice.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Discuss the behaviour and style adopted by both patient and practitioner and their effect upon interactions.
  • 4.2

    Analyse reasons why people do not always adhere to medical advice.

  • 4.3

    Discuss research into ways of improving
    a) patients' understanding and
    b) patients' satisfaction in medical consultations.