HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description

This course is designed to present theoretical formulations and empirical findings on the bio-psychosocial factors associated with health and well-being. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the adaptive behavioral changes that enhance acquisition and maintenance of health, facilitate prevention of disease and disorders. Emphasis is placed on the role of psychosocial factors and of specifically stress on health and well-being. Multicultural and multidisciplinary aspects of health psychology are discussed. In addition, health inequalities, health disparities, perceptions in health and illness, how the body reacts during illness, various anatomical systems, pain and symptom perception and interpretation, and quality of life are among topics that will be discussed in detail.

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 To define the basic research topics of health psychology
2. 02 To explain how health psychology can be applied to improve public health
3. 03 To demonstrate how theories can be used to explain health behaviour

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Ogden, J. (2012). Health Psychology (Fifth Edition). McGraw-Hill Education

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 To define the basic concepts associated with health and health psychology SOLO 2
2. L02 To classify behaviors that are considered to be risky for our health. SOLO 3
3. L03 To explain behaviors that are beneficial for our health. SOLO 4
4. L04 To explain why we do certain health behaviors SOLO 4
5. L05 To apply theories in predicting health behaviors SOLO 4
6. L06 To differentiate between certain health behaivors SOLO 4
7. L07 To identify chronic illnesses associated with behavioral pathogens SOLO 2
8. L08 To explain how symptoms of health and illness are perceived and interpreted. SOLO 4
9. L09 To demonstrate a working understanding of basic health psychology theories SOLO 3

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Demonstrate an understanding of the core subfields of psychology — including but not limited to clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and biological/neuroscientific psychology — and their interconnections with other scientific disciplines, critically evaluating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry in psychology.
2. P02 Apply scientific methods, research techniques, measurement and psychometric principles (e.g., reliability, validity, scale development/adaptation), and quantitative/statistical reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena, recognizing methodological strengths, limitations, common reasoning fallacies, and the flaws of pseudoscience.
3. P03 Employ logical, intuitive, and creative thinking to analyze psychological concepts, evaluate theories (including their historical and philosophical development), synthesize information, and solve complex problems related to cognition and behavior.
4. P04 Integrate psychological theories and findings into practical settings (e.g., business, policy, clinical/counseling contexts, and daily life), applying foundational applied skills such as interviewing, observation, and case formulation, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform individual, organizational, and societal practices.
5. P05 Describe key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, critically applying these principles to dilemmas across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
6. P06 Recognize how individual differences (e.g., beliefs, values, backgrounds) impact behavior and relationships; use psychological knowledge to prevent or resolve intercultural and interpersonal conflicts and promote inclusive, respectful interactions.
7. P07 Exhibit self-regulation and self-awareness, demonstrating a commitment to psychological well-being, effective time management, constructive incorporation of feedback, and ongoing personal and professional development.
8. P08 Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, demonstrating responsibility, bias awareness, conflict resolution skills, and leadership in achieving collective goals.
9. P09 Communicate psychological knowledge clearly and appropriately for academic, professional, and public audiences using inclusive language, both in written and oral formats, and by accurately summarizing and presenting research findings.
10. P10 Use information and communication technologies (including AI and digital media) responsibly and effectively for research, collaboration, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge.
11. P11 Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in response to evolving psychological knowledge and societal needs, engaging with global perspectives and demonstrating intercultural awareness.

Po-Lo Matrix