Unit Code: HPM501

Unit Name: Introduction to Health Psychology

Description: HPM501 will cover a variety of topics, such as, theoretical foundations of health psychology; understanding the role of psychology on individual and community health in the Pacific; understanding health related beliefs and behaviors; illness cognitions; understanding stress, pain and coping in relation to illness and daily stress.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1.Examine the theoretical foundations of health psychology 2. Examine the inter-relationship between psychological, biological, environmental & socio-cultural factors in the physical & mental health of individuals and communities within the South Pacific context. 3. Explain the various theories associated with understanding health beliefs and behaviors. 4. Explain the bio-psychosocial factors of stress and pain, and, the various coping strategies human beings employ to cope with stress and pain 5. Explain risk taking and its underlying beliefs and issues within specific populations 6. Design a health promotion activity on an important issue relevant to the health of peoples in the Pacific region. 7. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the research process & ability to produce written reports following the APA referencing conventions 8. Apply the ethical expectations associated with the health profession to guided student research. 9. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills (group work & presentations)

Prerequisite: NA

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 2