Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and principles of Health Psychology

4HW101  Health Psychology    Semester 2   2022/23

Assessment Preparation & assignment details 

Learning Outcome 1

Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and principles of Health Psychology

Learning Outcome 2

Apply a health psychology theory/model/approach to a specific health topic

Learning Outcome 3

Explore how an understanding of health psychology can or could inform policy and practice

Learning Outcome 4

Evaluate and apply health psychology research to a public health issue

An essay of 2,000 words (this will allow for 10% either side – 1800 – 2200 words)

Hand in on Tuesday 9th May 2023 (by 2PM)

Essay Question: Choosing one of the key health topics covered in the module (or you can select your own relevant public health topic – after consultation with lecturer)

a)      Provide a rationale for choice of topic as a significant health issue

b)      Identify and outline a relevant health psychology model or theory.

c)      Explore how this model/theory helps our understanding of this topic

d)     Using research examples, demonstrate how this model/theory can inform positive behaviour change. 

Essay Plan in 5 Steps:

1) Choose a Health Psychology topic to write about in order to give the essay a coherent theme

Outline the topic: What do we know about this topic?Why is it a PH problem? Can you give the results of any research studies on this topic?Can you give some statistics about this topic?Up to 500 words

Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and principles of Health Psychology

2) Outline at least one Health Psychology model, approach, theory or model. What are the features of this approach? Who has written about it? What do they say? What do the writers say the strengths and weaknesses of the approach are? What do the writers say are the advantages and disadvantages of the approach? At least 500 words 

3) How does this approach help you to understand the PH topic chosen? 

Apply a health psychology theory/model/approach to a specific health topic

Answer the following questions:

Does the model, theory or approach help explain why the PH problem happens?

Does the approach help you to understand the effects of the PH problem on individuals, a social group or a whole population?

Does the approach help you to make recommendations on how to intervene in this PH problem to reduce its occurrence or effects?

4) Can this model or theory be used to promote positive behaviour change?

Is there research evidence to suggest that this model, theory or approach can be used as part of health promoting interventions? 750 words

4) Write a conclusion for your essay summarising your main points 150 words max

5) Write the introduction to your essay – saying what the contents of your essay are going to be now that you know what they are.Put this at the start of your essay 100 words max

Marking Criteria:

Essay element

Outline of the chosen Public Health topic

15%

Outline of at least one Health Psychology approach, theory or model

15%

Discussion of how this approach might help us to understand the chosen Public Health topic

25%

A good range of academic sources (Books from the library & academic articles found in academic Journals, Government statistics, trustworthy organisations information) are used to support all sections of the essay.

The use of non-academic websites is minimal (Wikipedia, psychology websites, essay websites, red top newspapers + the Daily Mail / Express and local newspapers).

15%

The Harvard System of Referencing is correctly used within the essay script.

The Reference list is correctly organised according to the Harvard System and is in alphabetical order according to the first Author’s family name.

15%

The essay is written in simple, clear and coherent language with few spelling, typing or grammatical errors.

The essay is typed up in a WORD document with at least 1.5 line spacing and size 12 font.

The essay is coherently organised using the first 3 marking criteria as an essay plan.

15%

100% Plagiarism Free & Custom Written, Tailored to your instructions