School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Health and Clinical Psychology

• Unit Code

  PSY5150

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

This unit examines psychological, biological and social influences on peoples health. The determinants of healthy behaviour will be considered, as will how people stay healthy, how and why they become ill and how they deal with acute and chronic illness. Both physical and mental health and illness will be the focus of the unit. Students will further their knowledge of contemporary issues in health psychology through an intensive residential school.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe and discuss the major theoretical models applied in health psychology.
2. Describe the applications of psychological principles to interventions and treatment of individuals in clinical and health settings.
3. Describe the applications of psychological principles to organisations and the community through health promotion and illness prevention approaches.
4. Discuss the place of theory and models in health and clinical psychology.
5. Have broad knowledge of the concomitants of health and well-being, such as exercise and sport participation.
6. Have knowledge of contemporary health care systems, policies and priorities.
7. Understand health and illness measurement scales and tests.
8. Understand the application of systemic interventions in health and clinical psychology.

Unit Content

1. Theoretical approaches to health psychology.
2. Understanding the biological, social and psychological determinants of health and illness.
3. Knowledge of health systems and health care management.
4. Knowledge of core psychological treatments and interventions in health settings.
5. Primary and secondary health promotion, relapse prevention and coping with psychological effects of physical illness.
6. Knowledge of specific topics in health and clinical psychology such as pain management, substance use and abuse, cardiovascular disease and stress.
7. Research methods in health and clinical psychology, including epidemiology and evaluation and treatment outcome measurement.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Online delivery supported by online discussions, textbook and readings with an on-campus residential school (Joondalup campus).

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^

  Morrison, V., Bennet, P., Butow, P. Mullan, B., & White, K. (2012). Introduction to health psychology in Australia (2^nd ed.). French Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia

• Allen, F. (2010). Health psychology and behaviour in Australia. Sydney, NSW: McGraw Hill.
• Ledley, D.R., Marx, B.P., & Heimberg, R.G. (2010). Making cognitive-behavioural therapy work: Clinical process for new practitioners. New York: Guilford.
• Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S.R. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. New York: Guilford.
• Ogden, J. (2012). Health psychology: A textbook (5th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.
• Teyber, E. (2011). Interpersonal process in therapy: An integrative model (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brookes Cole.

Journal References

• American Journal of Public Health
• Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being
• Australian Journal of Psychology
• Australian Psychologist
• Journal of Health Psychology

^ Mandatory reference

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