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).