Health Psychology (VPUPK_137)
About Study Course
Objective
To develop students’ understanding of health psychology concepts, basic issues, tasks, biopsychosocial approach as a methodological basis, main principles, research directions and its integration into health care, as well as public health promotion.
Prerequisites
Biological foundation of psyche.
Learning outcomes
Name and describe the goals, tasks, basic methodological principles, sub-sectors, current issues, approaches of health psychology. Describe the connection of stress and personality factors with health. Characterise the difference between acute and chronic pain and pain control techniques. Formulate the differences between health behaviour patterns and name their components. Describe communication styles between doctors and patients and their impact on health behaviour. Describe the physical and sociopsychological consequences of chronic diseases, as well as the factors that influence the management of chronic diseases.
Apply knowledge to describe the biopsychosocial aspects of specific research / problems / tasks / situations. Apply theories and models of health behaviour to characterise specific phenomena (e.g., compliance, medication use, lifestyle change, preventive examination) and to interpret health behaviour. Analyse the impact of different communication styles on health behaviour. Analyse stress management strategies and their relationship to health.
Separate / distinguish between clinical, public, critical, community and occupational health approaches and select the most appropriate approach to a particular health psychology problem. Link the goals and tasks of health psychology with current health psychology problems / public health issues. Use a biopsychosocial approach, evaluating the phenomena of health psychology, psychological problems of specific clients / groups.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, LFPSb | 6 | Bachelor’s | Required | Zane Gulbe | |
| Psychology, PSb | 6 | Bachelor’s | Required | Zane Gulbe |
