Psychology MA, Emotion and Health, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to introduce the field of emotion and health, with a focus on health psychology and behavior medicine. Emotional processes are related to health, both in terms of predictive mechanisms and in terms of emotional consequences of health-related problems. The course will present different theories explaining associations between emotion and the development and maintenance of health-related problems, including mental disorders.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students will:

Knowledge and understanding
• Be able to understand associations between emotional and physiological processes that may influence physical health, mental health and well-being.
• Be able to describe the link between developmental factors (e.g., attachment related processes) and emotional and physical health.
• Be able to provide examples of existing interventions to improve mental or physical health and to present ideas for research to develop future interventions

Skills and abilities
• Be able to reflect upon the reciprocal relationship between emotion and health and discuss and present examples (both orally and in writing) of physiological processes that are relevant for emotional health.
• Be able to discuss and present examples (both orally and in writing) of emotional mechanisms involved in maintenance and prognosis of physical and mental health problems.

Judgement and approach
• Be able to assess the role of different response systems in relation to health-related problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to report, discuss and assess research methods (both orally and in writing) used to study emotional mechanisms in health-related problems.

Content

The course presents how basic research regarding emotional processes and physiological mechanisms may increase the understanding of the interaction between emotion and health and specific health-related problems, including mental disorders. Associations between emotion and health are described in terms of reciprocal processes (e.g., how stress might increase vulnerability for physical health problems and vice-versa). Emotional processes that are of relevance across and within specific mental disorders will be discussed, and existing and potential future interventions for treating and preventing health-related problems will be presented. Developmental aspects (e.g., attachment related processes and their link to emotions and health in later life) as well as a salutogenic perspective (what are the factors that support human health and well-being?) will be considered.

Entry requirements

A bachelor´s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology.

English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is taught through online lectures, seminars, and interactions as well as through individual and/or group assignments to be submitted online.

All parts of the course are a basis for the examination, and for scheduled examinations attendance are compulsory. Students are required to actively use the university's learning platform. The platform is the primary communication tool used for students and teachers, and students will find important information needed to complete the course in the course room.

Examination form

1101: Assignment Reports, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

2101: Seminars, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

3101: Written assignment and oral presentation, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

The course will be examined in three ways:
1. Completion of assignment reports (e.g., quizzes, to be submitted essays or other individual or group work tasks),
2. Active participation in online seminars and discussions (e.g., asking questions, contributing to discussions, oral presentations of individual or group assignments),
3. Written final assignment (e.g., proposal for a research project or reviews) and oral presentation (e.g., discussion of own and/or other students’ final assignments).

All examinations take place in English.

The final grade of the course is obtained when all examinations on the course are passed.
Link to subject-specific criteria for marks www.miun.se/betygskriterier

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

This course is being taught in English.

Course certificate, credit transfers, appeals etc are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.

The course can not be included in a degree together with the course code PS061A.