This elective CU is a part of the training offer in the 2nd year.
Intended learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
Regarding knowledge, students should:
- identify behavioral determinants of health (e.g., smoking);
- describe the main health behavior theories (e.g., theory of planned behavior);
- enumerate psychological factors relevant to health promotion (e.g., health literacy);
- enumerate psychological factors relevant to illness development (e.g., hostility);
- understand the impact of illness;
- enumerate factors influencing psychosocial adaptation to illness (e.g., cognitive appraisals).
Regarding technical skills, students should know how to:
- communicate medical information to patients;
- implement motivational interviewing;
- communicate bad news to patients.
Syllabus
Introduction to health psychology:
- Behavioral determinants of health.
- Health behavior theories.
Health promotion:
- Psychological influence factors (e.g., health literacy, adherence, risk perception, help-seeking).
- Intervention of medical professionals (e.g., transmission of information, motivational interviewing).
Illness management:
- Psychological influence factors in illness development (e.g., neuroticism, hostility, stress).
- Psychosocial impact and adaptation to illness.
- Intervention of medical professionals (e.g., communication of bad news).
