Option A: The Psychology of Health

The module builds on and develops knowledge gained through the study of core psychology at levels 4 and its application to the study of health and illness. Health psychology is one of the fastest growing disciplines in psychology. This module will explore the key theoretical concepts that underpin the discipline and introduce you to the main models and theories that health psychologists use to explain the experience of health and illness and their links to other areas of psychology.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the core health psychology concepts, models and theories that underpin contemporary health psychology research
• Evaluate the application of health psychology theory to the maintenance of health
• Evaluate the role of health psychology research in understanding the experience of illness. 

Topics covered may include:

• Health psychology in context
• Core health Psychology theory
• Models of health behaviour
• Health promotion
• Psychological aspects of healthcare
• The health-illness link
• Chronic illness.