Clinical and Health Psychology (VPUPK_293)
About Study Course
Objective
To develop understanding of the concepts of clinical and health psychology, biopsychosocial approach to illness and health, to deepen the understanding of the work of a psychologist in the healthcare system, as well as to improve skills in using psychological assessment and support methods/interventions.
Prerequisites
General psychology, biological principles of psyche and psychophysiology. Clinical psychology, health psychology, pathopsychology, psychological assessment.
Learning outcomes
Students explain terminology of clinical and health psychology. Define main terms used in health prevention. Define social determinants of health and describe them. Explain the concepts of the risk factor, health determinant and confounding factor in the context of multi-causal theories of diseases. Define and describe models and theories of health behaviour. Identify and describe concepts of health and illness perception. Describe the manifestations of mental disorders and describe the process of their formation in the context of the biopsychosocial model. Describe the nature of pain, methods of assessment and control techniques. Define methods of psychological assessment and treatment (interventions) in health care system.
Use the correct concepts of health and illness. Choose and justify the most appropriate theoretical model for health prevention. Evaluate presence of social factors in the evolving and presence of different diseases. Compare health behaviour theories and models. Apply knowledge to assess a client/patient health and illness perceptions, as well as health behaviour and formulate goals for health-oriented behaviours. Detect, differentiate and describe psychopathological symptoms and syndromes in children, adolescents and adults. Choose and analyse the methods of psychological assessment and assistance.
Discuss concepts of health and disease. Independently choose the most appropriate, theory-based health promotion model for a specific target group and a health problem. Independently (in learning simulation) use theories and models of health and illness perception as well as health behaviour planning and goal setting. Choose effective interventions to correct health and illness perceptions, promote health behaviour, prevent health-compromising behaviour, and control pain (in learning simulation). Students critically evaluate methods of psychological assessment and treatment (intervention) applicable in the healthcare facilities.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Psychology, VPM | 1 | Master’s | Limited choice | Jeļena Koļesņikova, Ņikita Bezborodovs, Gunta Freimane, Toms Pulmanis, Jeļena Harlamova, Velga Sudraba | |
| Health psychology, VPMp | 1 | Master’s | Limited choice | Jeļena Koļesņikova, Ņikita Bezborodovs, Gunta Freimane, Toms Pulmanis, Jeļena Harlamova, Velga Sudraba |
