Health Psychology

This module connects the application of educational, scientific and professional contributions of psychology to the explanation, maintenance, enhancement and promotion of behaviours associated with health and exercise. The learning takes place in an applied, introspective and interactive environment.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of psychology in health
• Identify the physical features of the central nervous system
• Identify the psychological aspects of stress
• Identify psychosocial modifiers of the stress response
• Identify coping mechanisms
• Explore the relationship of health and behaviour
• Identify the nature and symptoms of pain
• Learn effective psychosocial interventions for people with chronic conditions >
• Explore the conceptual roots of exercise psychology
• Identify any relationships between aerobic fitness and the response to psychological stress
• Identify any developmental aspects of exercise psychology
Explore the stress reducing-effects of physical exercise

Content areas

• An overview of psychology and health
• Human physiology
• Stress factors
• Psychosocial modifiers of stress
• Coping with stress
• Health and behaviour
• The nature and symptoms of pain
• Psychosocial interventions for people with chronic conditions
• Conceptual roots of exercise psychology
• Aerobic fitness and the response to psychological stress
• Developmental aspects of exercise psychology
• Stress-reducing effects of physical exercise