Exploration of advanced theoretical, methodological and empirical issues in health psychology.
Health psychology is a diverse field of research that addresses the role of psychological processes in health and illness as well as the provision and receipt of healthcare. This paper provides an advanced introduction to health psychology. As a student in this paper you will develop an understanding of some major ideas and debates within health psychology, learn to critically evaluate the evidence for those ideas and debates, and develop your skills in academic writing, working in teams, and giving oral presentations.
| Paper title | Advanced Topics in Health Psychology |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PSYC423 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.0833 |
| Points | 10 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $704.22 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PSYC 470
- Eligibility
Entry into Psychology 400-level normally requires a major in Psychology, a B+ average or higher in Psychology 300-level papers, and a pass in PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods. We highly recommend that students have completed PSYC 310. Students from other universities must show evidence of an equivalent level of competence.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Psychology's website
- Teaching staff
Lecturer: Professor Gareth Treharne
- Paper Structure
Example topics:
- Research methods in health psychology
- The psychology of health promotion
- The psychology of screening programmes
- Health psychology and sexual health
- Health psychology and transgender healthcare
- Health psychology and cultural diversity
- The psychology of illness perceptions
- The psychology of adherence to treatment
- Health psychology and reproductive health
- Health psychology and end-of-life care
Assessment:
- Weekly reading critiques (500 words): 50% (10% for the best 5)
- Oral presentation (10 minutes): 10%
- Examination (2 hours): 40%
- Textbooks
Required: Articles will be set on a weekly basis.
Supplemental: Lyons, A. C., & Chamberlain, K. (2006). Health psychology: A critical introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy,
Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the key theories and empirical findings across a range of advanced topics in health psychology
- Understand how a range of psychological research methods are applied ethically in health psychology research
- Demonstrate awareness of the nature, causes and potential solutions to health inequalities across culture, gender, sexuality and other aspects of identity
- Critique existing research, conduct independent searches to find and synthesise diverse research findings in health psychology, and articulate these points in discussions and written work
- Give a short oral presentation about a piece of research, debate the findings of existing research, and effectively present innovative ideas for future research
