There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Students are given a brief introduction to the historical development of the study of Psychology and become familiar with a range of approaches, cognitive, behavioural, psychodynamic, biological/medical and evolutionary. Key psychological theories are placed in the context of healthcare.The focus moves to psychological aspects relevant to healthcare. The students learn to recognise patient attitudes and responses to physical illness and to understand how depression and anxiety can influence patient behaviour, for example, in ‘white coat syndrome’.The biopsychosocial framework is explained which helps students understand the interrelation between physical, mental and social/cultural factors in influencing patient behaviour. Cultural perspectives, for example, values, beliefs, lifestyle practices often determine patients’ thinking and actions around healthcare, including reactions to health promotion and illness prevention programmes. The interplay between mental and physical is considered in relation to both mental and physical illnesses and how to respond to patients in stressful circumstances.