Accessibility statement

PS1: Psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing. - HEA00084C

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module explores key underpinning sociological and psychological theory relating to health and wellbeing. It explores the impact of social determinants of health on health and well being across the lifespan.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2024-25

Module aims

Understand the psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Describe key psychological and sociological theories of health.
  2. Explore an individual’s experience of health.
  3. Identify ways in which forms of evidence influence understanding of health and wellbeing.
  4. Reflect on the application of fundamental communication skills and potential barriers.
  5. Outline concepts of culture and community.
  6. Outline how equality and diversity influence health.

Module content

Person experience/ ‘Good’ health - Psychological theories
Sociological theories, Attachment / Research - - Types of evidence, Community/‘Good’ health - Psychological theories
Sociological theories/ Research - - Types of evidence, Family, carers, significant other-personal experiences/‘Good’
health - Psychological theories, Sociological theories/Patient preference and actions
Gender diversity, Personal experience/, Patient preference and actions/ Fundamental comms skills /Barriers
to communication, Nursing Process / Patient preference and actions / Professional values, accountability,
reflection Personal experience

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 100

Module feedback

Written feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

Arnold, E and Boggs, K (2016) Interpersonal Relationships. Professional Communication Skills for
Nurses. Missouri Elsevier
Bee, D and Boyd, D (2015) Lifespan Development. 7th Edition. London. Pearson.
Barry, AM and Yuill, C (2016) Understanding the Sociology of Health. (4 Ed) London. Sage Davidson, A
(2015) Social Determinants of Health. A comparative approach. Ontario. Oxford University Press
Seedhouse, D (2017) Thoughtful health care. Ethical awareness and Reflective practice. London.Sage.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.