Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce the principles and practice of psychology as applied in general health settings. Prevention and treatment approaches are introduced.

Requisites

Prerequisites
PSY60006 Foundations of Health Psychology

Rules

Pre-requisite
Enrolment in:
DR-PHICP Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
OR
MA-PSYCLP Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
OR
DR-CLIPSY Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

Equivalent
HAY531 - Foundations of Health Psychology and HAY631 - Foundations of Health Psychology

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Analyse, appraise and explain the bi-directional relationships between biological, psychological, behavioural and social determinants of illness
  • Design and implement psychosocial/behavioural interventions appropriate for individuals’ physical health and well-being, tailored to individual risk factors and/or disease status
  • Develop and assess major health campaigns which target major public health issues particularly in the context of co-occurring physical and psychological conditions

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Seminar		2.00 12 weeks 24
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Tutorial		1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning		9.50 12 weeks 114
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Case ReportIndividual 30% 1,2,3 
Case StudiesIndividual 10% 1 
EssayIndividual 60% 1,2,3 

Content

  • Biological, social and psychological influences on health and illness
  • Stress and coping
  • The health care system, doctor-patient communication
  • Health promotion, disease prevention
  • Psycho-educational interventions for the medically ill
  • Rehabilitation after illness
  • Pain and Palliative care

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.