Unit rationale, description and aim
In line with the scientistic-practitioner model of evidence-based practice, this unit is designed to provide a detailed study of health psychology, behavioural medicine and rehabilitation principles and procedures, and their evidence-based applications in clinical health settings. It will cover psychosocial processes associated with health, illness and health promoting behaviours and the application of evidence based psychological interventions targeting health and illness. There will be a particular focus on psychological interventions of major health problems (e.g., drug and alcohol, obesity problems). Motivational intervention and relapse prevention will also be covered. Issues related to working within a multidisciplinary team will also be addressed. The aim is to provide students with essential knowledge, analytic and practical skills to support the practice of clinical psychology in health settings.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Evaluate the complexities of the interrelationship...
Learning Outcome 01
Evaluate quantitative and qualitative research in ...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop programs aimed at health promotion and ill...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop an understanding of the role of psychologi...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Current models of health psychology and behavioural medicine and rehabilitation principles and procedures
- Biopsychosocial contributions to health and illness; implications for both prevention and treatment
- The nature of emotional responses as part of a complex set of interactions of genetic, physiological, behavioural and environmental factors influencing physical health
- The body’s physical systems
- Models of stress and coping and associated prevention and intervention models
- The role of beliefs and behaviours in health, illness and chronicity
- Pain and pain management
- Diet, exercise and obesity
- Sleep
- Research on health impairing and health protecting behaviours
- Sexual health and reproduction
- Dying and bereavement
- Patients’ engagement with the healthcare system
- Professional and organisational implications of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to demonstrate unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies are used including (1) a presentation and written summary to enhance students’ knowledge with reference to the specific role of Health Psychology in the management of various chronic diseases and physical health related issues, and (2) a written assignment aimed at enhancing students’ critical analyses and syntheses of information relevant to the practice of clinical health psychology.
Overview of assessments
Presentation and Written Summary: To develop know...
Presentation and Written Summary: To develop knowledge with reference to the specific role of Health Psychology in the management of various chronic diseases and physical health related issues
50
Written Assignment: To develop critical analysis...
Written Assignment: To develop critical analysis and synthesis of information skills relevant to the practice of clinical health psychology.
50
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and learning strategies may include lectures, workshops, and web-based learning.. Teaching and learning strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within class activities. Learning and teaching strategies used in lectures and workshops include active learning, case-based learning, group activities, and reflective/critical thinking activities. This range of strategies will provide students with appropriate access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for development of competency in clinical health psychology. Web-based learning allows for further self-directed learning of additional content.