Module Code - Title:
PS6121
-
ADVANCES IN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to review recent developments in health psychology research and to reflect on the contributions of health psychology to individuals and societies, locally and globally. This includes the critical review of theoretical developments, methods, applications, and social and political aspects of health psychology research and applications.
Syllabus:
The module will first give an overview of recent developments in health psychology research in theory building, research methods (e.g., biological technologies, psychological tests, interviews), and findings. The focus will be on the degree to which these developments have progressed knowledge and increased reliability and validity in research. Subsequently the module will explore critical evaluations of the health psychology paradigm and applications of health psychology in society. This will include comparisons with alternative approaches and reflections on the social and political dimensions of health and health psychology. Of particular interest will be the relationships of health psychology to clinical psychology, community psychology, medical health, and public health.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Describe the challenges and characteristics of health psychology.
• Debate the pros and cons of specific approaches in health psychology.
• Assess the quality of the health psychology research methods and applications.
• Critically discuss the effectiveness of a health psychology interventions.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be / should be able to:
• Display confidence in discussing health psychology approaches, findings, and application.
• Embrace the research designs that health psychology offers.
• Appraise the role of psychological science in evaluating the usefulness of health psychology practices.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will consist of facilitated engagement with recent advances in health psychology with, for example, elements of didactic teaching, activities and interactive group work. Students will examine health issues from the theoretical perspectives of health psychology models and interventions. In addition, learning will take place through guided and independent reading and formative assessment. Students will actively discuss and critically evaluate the given topics. Students will also complete structured written assessments in which they will they critically reflect on theory-building, methods, and intervention strategies in health psychology.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Horrocks, C., & Johnson, S. (2012)
Advances in health psychology: Critical approaches.
, UK: Red Globe Press.
Marks, D. F., Murray, M., & Estacio, E. V. (2018)
Health psychology: Theory, research, and practice.
, London, UK: Sage.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MPPSSCTFA - Psychological Science
MAPSYCTFA - PSYCHOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
stephen.gallagher@ul.ie