MSc Clinical and Health Psychology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Mind and Body

Course unit fact file
Unit code PSYC69822
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit introduces the concept of medically unexplained illness and the contributions of different approaches (biological, cognitive, emotion-regulation, interpersonal, socio-cultural) to our understanding of medically explained and unexplained conditions will be considered.

The topics of stress and psychoneuroimmunology will be addressed in depth, examining how psychological processes may influence our health. Throughout, there will be a focus on methodological and measurement issues, and students will be encouraged to develop skills of critical evaluation.

 

Aims

The unit aims to:

  • Provide an understanding of the role of psychological factors in disease and illness, for example, the roles of stress and psychoneuroimmunology, and a focus on medically unexplained illness.
  • Draw on recent research to critically discuss methodological issues which are important when we are trying to understand the relationship between mind and body.
  • Develop skills of critical reading of original research papers within the field.
     

Learning outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  • Understand how psychological factors interact with and impact on physiological processes, including in the context of medically unexplained symptoms.
  • Describe current research on the role of psychological factors in the functioning of the immune system
  • Critically evaluate research related to the relationship between psychological and physiological processes. Integrate ideas and concepts from several literatures (including cognitive psychology, biological psychology and medicine)
  • Practice communication and interaction in small groups and class discussions.
  • Show a sophisticated and sympathetic understanding of illness without disease.
  • Be able to critically evaluate evidence, noting both positive and negative qualities.
     

 

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be delivered over a 10 week period involving a mix of asynchronous materials and synchronous sessions. The synchronous sessions will be online or on-campus. This will involve lecture and interactive seminar components - for example working with set reading to gain a deeper understanding of the area and to build critical evaluation skills; experiencing relaxation exercises. Students will be provided with electronic resources on Blackboard including PowerPoint slides, reading lists and web links. A discussion board on Blackboard will also be available for discussing issues and questions with staff and peers.

Assessment methods

2 x Précis and Tweet: (1000 words and 360-characters). 100% of mark.

Recommended reading

Key readings are listed below. Additional references will be provided with individual sessions.

Brown, R. J. (2004). Psychological mechanisms of medically unexplained symptoms: An integrative conceptual model. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 793-812. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.5.79

Brown, R. J. (2013). Explaining the unexplained. The Psychologist, 26(12), 868-872.

Cohen S, Tyrrell D.A.J., & Smith, A.P., (1991). Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. New England Journal of Medicine, 325, 606-612.

Deary V., Chalder, T., & Sharpe, M. (2007). The cognitive behavioural model of medically unexplained symptoms: a theoretical and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Review, 27, 781-797

Morrison, V & Bennett, P (2012). Pain. In: An Introduction to Health Psychology (3rd Ed). Harlow: Pearson.

M., Osmer, C., Johnston, M. (2016) Psychological preparation and postoperative outcomes for adults undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,Issue 5. Art. No.: CD008646. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008646.pub2.

Rief, W., & Broadbent, E. (2007). Explaining medically unexplained symptoms - models and mechanisms. Clinical Psychology Review, 27, 821-841.

Sapolsky, R.M. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. 3rd Ed. New York: Holt Paperbacks.

Walburn, J., Vedhara, K., Hankins, M., Rixon, L., & Weinman, J. (2009). Psychological stress and wound healing in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 67, 253-271.

Wills TA, Ainette, MG (2012). Social networks and social support. In: Baum A, Revenson TA,Singer J (eds). Handbook of Health Psychology (2nd Ed). New York & Hove: Psychology Press.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 20
Independent study hours
Independent study 130

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Rachael Powell Unit coordinator

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