Psychology of Health and Wellness

This unit is an elective within the course and provides an overview of the psychological and behavioural factors associated with health and wellbeing coaching. Students will examine the connection between lifestyle, psychological and social factors and wellness; as well as the study of health behaviour change models designed to promote optimal health and wellbeing. The unit will address the psycho-social-behavioural components of health issues of greatest concern (i.e., National Health Priority Areas); and strategies to promote health and wellness across the lifespan. This elective unit would be critical for those seeking to engage in health and wellness coaching.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the holistic nature of health and wellness
  • Understand the psychophysiological processes related to stress and health
  • Understand the psychosocial modifiers of the stress response
  • Understand models of health behaviour and change
  • Discuss the nature and symptoms of pain and pain reduction strategies
  • Explore psychosocial interventions for enhanced health and wellbeing
  • Explore psychosocial interventions for people with chronic conditions
  • Identify and explain relationships between physical activity and psychological wellbeing
  • Critically analyse current issues in health and wellness promotion

Content Areas

  • Holistic perspective of Health and Wellness
  • Psychological and Behavioural Factors in Health and Wellness
  • Psychophysiology of Stress and Wellness
  • Psychosocial modifiers of Stress
  • Models of Health Behaviour and Change
  • Sleep and Health
  • Pain Management
  • Psychosocial Interventions for Health and Wellness
  • Psychosocial Interventions for People with Chronic Conditions
  • Physical Activity and Wellbeing
  • Current Trends in the Health and Wellness Industry
  • Promoting Health and Wellness

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.