Health psychology II: Lifestyle perspectives, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with the relationship between lifestyle and health from a clinical but maily a public health perspective. A biopsychosocial perspective is taken by emphasizing the interplay between biological, psychological and social factors and its consequences. Examples of areas covered in the course are the role that intersectionality and psychology play for health per se, health equality, health-related quality of life, the role behavior plays for health and ill health, and how behavior can be changed for a healthier lifestyle. In addition to theoretical elements, exercise is given in motivational interviewing. The course also contains elements in current research and developmental work.

Expected learning outcomes

After completed course the student shall:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role that intersectionality, health equality and psychology play and the importance of quality of life in health work
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concept of health behavior, the impact of behavior (e.g. physical activity, diet and alcohol consumption) on health, and how behavior can be changed for a healthier lifestyle and for improved adherence to recommender lifestyle
• show insight into current research and developmental work related to lifestyle and health

Skills and ability

• demonstrate ability to conduct motivational interviewing
• demonstrate ability to apply theories to lifestyle change and analyze its relevance to practical work
• demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing clearly present and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that form the basis for these in dialogue with different groups

Evaluation ability and approach

• actively and independently assess one's own knowledge needs and further develop one's skills, abilities and knowledge in health psychology

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS from an internationally recognized university. Special requirements: 90 ECTS in health or behavioral science subjects, including physiotherapeutic and occupational therapeutic subjects.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars, research presentations, and practical exercises.

The right to receive teaching and supervision applies only during the time the course, for which the student is registered to, is ongoing. 

Examination modes

The examination includes a written individual hall examination, practical exercises, written reports individually and in group, and individual oral presentation.

Grades for the course/respective components are given when all examination elements are passed. The grading scale consists of the grades Pass, Pass with Distinction or Fail. On the written hallexam, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given. On other examination elements, only the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) are given. Students are entitled to 5 or 2 examination opportunities (two opportunities if it concerns internship or clinical teaching or equivalent). The occurrence of examination elements is stated in the schedule. All teaching that occurs can provide support for the examination.

For students who have not passed the regular examination, additional examination opportunities will be arranged in accordance with the University's Regulations for Grading and Examination, FS 1.1-574-22. A student who has failed an examination twice for a course or part of a course has the right to request a different examiner, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF Chapter 6, Section 22). Requests for a new examiner should be addressed to the Head of the Department of Psychology. Students have the right to be examined under the same syllabus as the original examination at least twice within two years after their initial registration.

The provisions of the Discrimination Act (2008:567) include requirements for universities to offer the possibility of adapted examinations or alternative forms of examination. Deviations from the syllabus's examination form may be made for a student with a decision for pedagogical support due to a disability.

The examiner may decide on deviations from the syllabus's examination form. Individual adjustments to the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the course's expected learning outcomes. A student requiring an adapted examination must request the adjustment from the responsible department no later than 10 work days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adapted examination, and this decision is communicated to the student.