PYB307 Health Psychology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PYB307 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PYB100 or PYB102 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Successful completion of all first and second year units is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PYB307 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PYB100 or PYB102 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Successful completion of all first and second year units is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Karen Sullivan | karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit examines the psychological dimension of physical illness, health, and health care. There is a strong focus on health psychology in an Australian context with a focus on cross-cultural and Indigenous health-related issues. The unit examines definitions of health and health psychology; the role of health psychology; the determinants of health behaviours (e.g., cognitive, attitudinal, motivational, personality, social, developmental); community health; medical settings and patient behaviour; patient and practitioner communication; stress, illness, and coping; and chronic illness.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the major theories of health psychology and the ability to retrieve, synthesise and critically reflect on current research in health psychology as well as understand the methodologies, measurement and assessments employed in health psychology.
- Critically analyse the cross-cultural, Indigenous, and gender-related implications and philosophies of health psychology theory and research in a climate that shows an adherence to professional and ethical practice.
- Evaluate the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health and illness.
- Communicate health psychology concepts in a concise and thorough manner required within the psychological profession.
Content
Health psychology is the application of psychological science and practice to the promotion and maintenance of health-related behaviour and healthy outcomes, the prevention and treatment of illness, the identification of causes and diagnostic correlates of health and illness, the analysis and improvement of the health care system, as well as the dissemination of knowledge to promote human health. This unit discusses health psychology as a specialisation within psychology by dealing with the psychological dimension of physical illness, health, and health care. The content includes definitions of health and health psychology; the role of health psychology; the determinants of health behaviours (e.g., cognitive, attitudinal, motivational, personality, social, developmental); medical settings and patient behaviour; patient and practitioner communication; stress, illness, and coping; and chronic illness. Specifically, it focuses on developing your understanding of the key theoretical, research and methodological assessment issues that are relevant to the discipline of health psychology. The unit has a strong focus on health psychology in an Australian context. This includes consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and other cultural groups that comprise contemporary Australia. Completion of units in social psychology, developmental psychology, or personality would be beneficial for your successful progress through the unit.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of lectures, which will address the theoretical and research foundations of health psychology. Self-paced activities will be provided to help prepare for assessment tasks. Weekly drop-in sessions will be available for you to ask questions about the unit content and assessment.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit through formative and summative feedback. General formative feedback will also be provided in the class activities and discussions. Summative feedback will be provided through the assessment tasks detailed below.
Assessment
Overview
The essay in this unit will be submitted electronically. You will be required to submit your assignment via content-matching software. Written assignments will be marked online and your feedback will be supplied via Canvas.
This is an internally offered unit; students are required to attend examinations in person, on QUT Brisbane campuses.
Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Individual Essay
An individual essay on a current health issue. Students will write from the perspective of a psychology researcher who is writing a report on a health behaviour change issue and recommend the intervention that has demonstrated the most evidence of success. Students must demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of this area of Health Psychology as well as the most current research and its applications. Full details will be provided in the first two weeks of Semester. The essay will be in APA format and will include an abstract.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Final Examination
A final examination consisting of multiple-choice questions relating to the recommended readings, lecture and tutorial content.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Morrison, V., & Bennett, P. (2022). An introduction to health psychology (Fifth edition.). Pearson.
Risk Assessment Statement
You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions and, if appropriate, advise teaching staff if you do not wish to participate. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
- Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
Relates to: Final Examination - Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
Relates to: Individual Essay, Final Examination - Employ strategies for self-reflection, with regards to your conduct, values and impact on others and the profession in a culturally sensitive, inclusive, ethical and sustainable way.
Relates to: Individual Essay - Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
Relates to: Individual Essay