module specification

This year long module focuses on the application of psychological theory and method to the promotion of health and treatment of physical and mental illness. Requires any 4 core level 4 and/or level 5 modules taken from the BSc Psychology programme. This module is assessed by two equally weighted case study reports.

Any three psychology module across level 4 and 5.

This module introduces students to Clinical and Health Psychology as applied areas within the discipline to allow informed and realistic decisions about further education and training in clinical and health psychology. The module aims to critically appraise key perspectives and approaches to clinical and health psychology as well as to evaluate diagnoses, explanations and treatments that are applied to a range of physical and mental disorders. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological and social mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illness and psychological disorders. Students will gain experience in constructing case reports thus providing an additional transferable skill for future employment.

This module introduces students to Clinical and Health Psychology as applied areas within the discipline to allow informed and realistic decisions about further education and training in clinical and health psychology. The module aims to critically appraise key perspectives and approaches to clinical and health psychology as well as to evaluate diagnoses, explanations and treatments that are applied to a range of physical and mental disorders. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological and social mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illness and psychological disorders. Topics such as Personality Disorders; Depression, self-harm and suicide; CBT; Motivational Interviewing; Stress and Health; Health across Lifespan; Doctor-Patient Relationships and Pain and Coping, will be discussed.

Lectures will deliver core material (e.g., key perspectives, empirical work and theoretical explanations) and will provide a framework for further reading and independent study. Small group workshops will require preparatory work on the part of the students and are a place where students can reflect on their own learning and development.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Critically appreciate the basic principles of diagnosis, assessment, formulation and treatment planning for a range of mental disorders.
2. Discuss the conceptual and evidential basis for explanations of physical and mental disorders.
3. Demonstrate understanding of major theories in clinical and health psychology and apply these to real-world issues.
4. Evaluate the role psychology plays in health promotion and illness prevention.

The module is assessed via 100% coursework in the form of two equally weighted case study reports. These problem-based learning exercises encourage a deep approach to learning, allow students an opportunity to reflect on their own practice, gain feedback on their performance and apply theory to practice. The first case study report (50%) will be in the form of a clinical case formulation and treatment plan detailing formulation, plans for investigation and relevant treatment options. The second case study report (50%) allows students to demonstrate independent and original thought by selecting and organising relevant material in the design of a tailored health intervention.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.
Comer, R. J. (2015). Abnormal psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.
Davey, G., (2014) Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology. BPS Blackwell. [CORE]
Marks, D. F., Murray, M., Evans, B. & Willig, C. (2011). Health Psychology: Research, Theory and Practice. Sage.
Morrison, V., & Bennett, P., (2012) Health Psychology: An Introduction. Pearson Prentice Hall. [CORE]
Ogden, J., (2012) Health Psychology: A Textbook. Open University Press.

Online Resources:
Hersen, M., Turner, S., & Beidel, D. (Eds.) (2012). Adult psychopathology and diagnosis. (e-version). Wiley.
www.DSM5.org
www.nice.org.uk
www.bps.org.uk