Abstract

The subject investigates psychological aspects of health and health care. It examines the influence of stress and certain risk behaviours on health, and people's reactions to illness and medical treatment. The subject also discusses psychological approaches to health care.Students should note that this subject does not contribute to an Australian … For more content click the Read More button below.

Syllabus

Models of health and illnessPersonality and social influences on healthStress and copingHealth risk behaviours and methods of behaviour changeModels of health behaviours and methods of health promotionUse of medical services and medical compliancePain and pain managementCoping with chronic illness, disability and terminal illness

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
1.
be able to outline and compare major models of health and illness;
2.
be able to identify the influence of personality and social factors on health;
3.
be able to define the concept of stress, and discuss physiological and psychological reactions to stress;
4.
be able to critically evaluate psychological factors associated with certain risk behaviours, such as substance abuse;
5.
be able to evaluate psychological approaches to changing risk behaviours, and outline methods of health promotion; and
6.
be able to analyse reactions to illness, disability, pain and medical treatment.

Assumed knowledge

It is assumed students will have knowledge equivalent to PSY101 or PSY111

Enrolment restrictions