Health Psychology

There is no recommended Basic Knowledge.

The curricular unit will prioritise active and participatory learning methodologies, centred on the exploration of problem-based issues, the analysis and discussion of situations related to health and Physiotherapy practice, and the application of the course content to specific situations. The presentation and systematisation of the main concepts will be combined with individual and small-group activities, promoting participation, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge.

Knowledge

By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:

1. Distinguish between the biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health and illness.
2. Characterise the main determinants of health behaviours and their relationship with the health-illness process.
3. Characterise the influence of cognitive, emotional, motivational, and social factors on health behaviours.
4. Describe the concept of treatment adherence and the main factors that influence it.
5. Characterise the main occupational risks and their consequences for health and occupational well-being.

Skills

By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:

1. Interpret clinical situations in light of the biopsychosocial model.
2. Analyse the factors that influence the adoption and maintenance of health-related behaviours.
3. Propose strategies to promote treatment adherence that are appropriate to the individual and the situation.
4. Analyse the psychological impact of illness or injury on the recovery process.
5. Assess occupational risk situations, considering the factors that contribute to them and their potential consequences.

Competences

By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:

1. Integrate knowledge of Health Psychology into the management of situations relevant to Physiotherapy practice.
2. Adapt communication and intervention strategies to the characteristics, needs, and context of the individual.
3. Promote the individual’s participation in decision-making and in the therapeutic process.
4. Tailor interventions to the individual’s psychological needs throughout the recovery process.
5. Manage factors related to their own health and occupational well-being.

Module 1 – Conceptions of Health and Health Psychology

• 1.1 Conceptions of Health and Illness
• 1.2 Health Psychology

Module 2 – Health Behaviours and Their Determinants

• 2.1 Health-Related Behaviours
• 2.2 Determinants of Health Behaviours
• 2.3 Barriers to and Facilitators of the Adoption and Maintenance of Health Behaviours

Module 3 – Treatment Adherence and Participation in Healthcare

• 3.1 Treatment Adherence
• 3.2 Factors Influencing Adherence
• 3.3 Particularities of Adherence in Physiotherapy
• 3.4 Promoting Adherence

Module 4 – Psychological Impact of Illness and Adaptation to Recovery

• 4.1 Psychological Impact of Illness and Injury
• 4.2 Adaptation to Recovery
• 4.3 Adapting Intervention to Individual Needs

Module 5 – Health, Work, and Occupational Well-Being

• 5.1 Work and Health
• 5.2 Occupational Risks in Physiotherapy
• 5.3 Negative Effects of Work on Health and Well-Being

The assessment of students throughout the semester will be carried out through:

1. Participation in flash active-learning activities carried out during class, with particular emphasis on the student's regular engagement and participation (10%).
2. An individual written test comprising questions designed to assess knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply the contents of Modules 1 and 2 (45%).
3. An individual applied assignment assessing, for Modules 3 and 4, students' understanding and their ability to apply and analyse issues related to treatment adherence and the psychological impact of illness (25%).
4. An individual applied assignment assessing, for Module 5, students' understanding and their ability to apply and analyse behaviours in the workplace, drawing on the knowledge acquired throughout the course unit (20%).

The grade awarded for participation in classroom activities will be contingent upon the student's participation in at least 75% of the proposed classroom activities. For the remaining assessment components, a minimum grade of 9 out of 20 is required. To pass the course unit, students must achieve a weighted average grade of at least 9.5.

Students who do not successfully complete the course unit through assessment carried out during the semester may sit a written examination during the assessment periods scheduled for that purpose. The examination will cover all course content and will consist of a written test assessing students' understanding and analysis of the topics covered, as well as their ability to apply knowledge to specific situations. Successful completion requires a grade of at least 9.5 out of 20.

NAO