Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Health Behaviour

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_142
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To provide students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge about the concepts of the health behaviour, the main theories/models of health behaviour and the main theories of the mind-body connection, as well as to develop skills of using these concepts in future professional activities.

Preliminary Knowledge

Not required.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students define the notion of health behaviour; they compare and evaluate different theories and models of health behaviour; describe fundamental principles of main theories of health behaviour; describe signs and indicators of stress; analyse health-promoting and health risk behaviour; explain the role of healthy lifestyle.

Skills

1.Students use terminology acquired during the course, apply knowledge to analyse individual health-related behaviour and possible health behaviour goals; students use theories and models of health behaviour in planning possible strategies of health behaviour improvement or change; use techniques of self-regulation.

Competences

1.Students are able to assess health behaviour of a person and to formulate goals of health behaviour change; students are able to explain and motivate the chosen health promotion strategies in accordance with health behaviour theories and models.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Group Project: The group will create a presentation on the assigned health behavior theory/model, including examples from research studies. Final Paper: An essay on the application of the knowledge gained from the health behavior course in one's professional practice.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
Group Work Presentation (30%): • Engaging Visualization: • Slides are not overloaded with information (only essential content), with references cited according to APA 7 style. • The group adheres to the time limit—up to 15 minutes. • The presentation uses terminology learned in the course. • The presentation follows this structure: o Title Slide (Topic Title, Student Name/Last Name, Course Name); o If necessary, explanation of abbreviations; o Description of Theory or Model (main components; advantages and disadvantages; areas of application); o Examples of studies that utilized the presented theory or model; o References used, formatted according to APA 7, not older than 10 years.
2.
Examination
-
-
Final Paper (60%): • Demonstrates the correct contextual use of health behavior terminology learned during the course, including at least 10 terms in the essay. • Develops a glossary or explanatory dictionary of the used terms with definitions and contextual explanations of why and how each term was used in the context of the chosen target audience. • Utilizes literature no older than 10 years, formatted according to APA 7 style (at least 7 sources). • Selects and describes a specific target audience, justifying its relevance with reference to research: • Includes information search, planning for the specific target audience (time period of research; age group/gender; if applicable: social group/employment status; a unified study object, selected databases, and their justification). • Describes the research object (problem) within the context of the chosen target audience. • Chooses a health behaviour theory or model and describes why it was selected in the context of the chosen target audience. • Correctly formulates health-promoting behavioural objectives. • Describes and analyses factors that promote and compromise health within the context of the chosen target audience. • Develops an action plan to achieve the health-promoting objective for the chosen target audience.
3.
Examination
-
-
Active Participation in All Lectures and Sessions (10%) Group Project Presentation (30%) Final Paper (60%)

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Semester 1
  1. The concept of health and disease

Annotation: Course Objectives, Structure, Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria Historical Perspectives on the Relationship Between Health and Disease: This section examines the historical perspectives on the relationship between health and disease, focusing on various ancient civilizations, including Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient India, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Greece. Concepts of Health from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century: The course explores the evolving understanding of health from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. It includes discussions on key figures such as Harun al-Rashid and Abu Ali al-Husayn, and covers the influence of the Church and folk medicine in Medieval Europe. Additionally, it examines the three predominant approaches to health and disease during the Renaissance period in Europe. Health-Promoting and Risk Factors: An analysis of the factors that contribute to health promotion and those that pose risks to health. Topics covered during the class: How do the perspectives on health and disease differ between prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, and the present day? What branches of health theories emerged during the Renaissance? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Health behaviour and related concepts

Annotation: Concepts of Health and Disease This section explores the fundamental definitions and interpretations of health and disease, examining how these concepts have evolved over time. It considers various theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of what constitutes health and what characterizes a disease. Categories of Diseases This part delves into the classification of diseases, discussing the different categories based on ages we live in. It covers both traditional and modern approaches to categorising diseases, including infectious, chronic, genetic, and lifestyle-related conditions. Health Behavior and Related Concepts This section examines the behaviors that influence health outcomes, including lifestyle choices, habits, and actions that impact an individual's well-being. It also discusses the psychological, social, and environmental factors that drive these behaviors and their implications for public health. Health-Promoting and Health-Compromising Behaviours, Aspects, and Causes Here, the focus is on distinguishing between behaviors that enhance health and those that pose risks. The section discusses the various aspects of these behaviours, including their psychological, social, and cultural dimensions, and investigates the underlying causes that lead individuals to engage in either health-promoting or health-compromising actions. Preventive Health Behavior This part explores strategies and actions aimed at preventing illness and maintaining health. It covers individual and collective efforts in adopting preventive measures, such as vaccinations, regular health screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices, and evaluates their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of diseases. The Concept of Illness and the Role of the Patient This section discusses the conceptualization of illness and the experience of being a patient. It examines the psychological and social roles associated with illness. Topics covered during the class: What categories of diseases exist? What types of health behaviors are encompassed by preventive health behavior? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Theories and models of health behaviour

Annotation: SWOT (SVID) and SMART Analysis This section addresses the use of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) frameworks for evaluating and planning health strategies. Transtheoretical Model (Stages and Processes of Health Behavior Change) Examines the Transtheoretical Model, detailing stages of behavior change from precontemplation to maintenance and the processes that facilitate progression through these stages. Protection Motivation Theory Explores how perceived severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy motivate individuals to engage in protective health behaviors. Health Belief Model Focuses on how perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers influence health-related decisions and behaviors. Theory of Planned Behavior Discusses how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control affect intentions and health behaviors. Health Behavior Model Overviews models explaining health behaviors, emphasizing psychological and social influences. Health Behavior Model in Social Cognitive Theory Applies Social Cognitive Theory, highlighting observational learning, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations in understanding health behaviors. Common Sense/Self-Regulation Model Explains how individuals interpret and manage their health conditions through cognitive and emotional processes. Topics covered during the class: What aspects should be considered when selecting a theory or model for working with clients/patients? What are the risks associated with each theory or model? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
3.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Factors influencing health and health behaviour

Annotation: Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors (Factors Affecting Mental Health) Explores how biological, psychological, and social factors impact mental health, including those that promote or compromise well-being. Habits and Lifestyle (Recommendations and Benefits) Examines the influence of habits and lifestyle choices on health, highlighting recommendations for healthy behaviors and their benefits. Control of Emotional, Behavioral, and Motivational Signals (Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems, Loveheim’s Emotion Cube, Kübler-Ross Model) Discusses the regulation of emotional, behavioral, and motivational signals, including the roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, Loveheim’s Emotion Cube, and the Kübler-Ross Model. Impact of Emotions on Nervous System Function (Stress Effects) Investigates how emotions affect the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, with a focus on the impact of stress Topics covered during the class: What are the physical manifestations of activated parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems? How do emotions influence physiological processes in humans?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
3.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Health-promoting behaviour and change of health behaviour

Annotation: Stress Coping Strategies (Problem-Focused and Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies) This section explores different strategies for coping with stress. It includes problem-focused coping strategies, which involve addressing and resolving the source of stress, and emotion-focused coping strategies, which involve managing and regulating emotional responses to stress. Methods for Facilitating Health Behavior Change (Problem-Solving Therapy Model) This part examines various methods designed to facilitate changes in health behaviors. It specifically highlights the Problem-Solving Therapy Model, which is a structured approach aimed at helping individuals identify, analyze, and solve problems that hinder health behavior change. Topics covered during the class: What are the strategies for coping with stress? What factors should be considered when employing methods from Problem-Solving Therapy?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
3.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Motivational interviewing and self-regulation methods

Annotation: Motivational Interviewing Methods for Exploring Ambivalence Techniques and Strategies CBT Scale Questions, CBT Miracle Question 7-Step Self-Regulation Model Stress Regulation Techniques Topics covered during the class: When should Motivational Interviewing be used? What are the limitations of various stress coping techniques?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
3.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
4.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
  1. Presentation of the final work

Annotation: Students will present their final projects in the order they have agreed upon among themselves.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
3.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Semester 1
  1. The concept of health and disease

Annotation: Course Objectives, Structure, Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria Historical Perspectives on the Relationship Between Health and Disease: This section examines the historical perspectives on the relationship between health and disease, focusing on various ancient civilizations, including Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient India, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Greece. Concepts of Health from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century: The course explores the evolving understanding of health from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. It includes discussions on key figures such as Harun al-Rashid and Abu Ali al-Husayn, and covers the influence of the Church and folk medicine in Medieval Europe. Additionally, it examines the three predominant approaches to health and disease during the Renaissance period in Europe. Health-Promoting and Risk Factors: An analysis of the factors that contribute to health promotion and those that pose risks to health. Topics covered during the class: How do the perspectives on health and disease differ between prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, and the present day? What branches of health theories emerged during the Renaissance? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Health behaviour and related concepts

Annotation: Concepts of Health and Disease This section explores the fundamental definitions and interpretations of health and disease, examining how these concepts have evolved over time. It considers various theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of what constitutes health and what characterizes a disease. Categories of Diseases This part delves into the classification of diseases, discussing the different categories based on ages we live in. It covers both traditional and modern approaches to categorising diseases, including infectious, chronic, genetic, and lifestyle-related conditions. Health Behavior and Related Concepts This section examines the behaviors that influence health outcomes, including lifestyle choices, habits, and actions that impact an individual's well-being. It also discusses the psychological, social, and environmental factors that drive these behaviors and their implications for public health. Health-Promoting and Health-Compromising Behaviours, Aspects, and Causes Here, the focus is on distinguishing between behaviors that enhance health and those that pose risks. The section discusses the various aspects of these behaviours, including their psychological, social, and cultural dimensions, and investigates the underlying causes that lead individuals to engage in either health-promoting or health-compromising actions. Preventive Health Behavior This part explores strategies and actions aimed at preventing illness and maintaining health. It covers individual and collective efforts in adopting preventive measures, such as vaccinations, regular health screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices, and evaluates their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of diseases. The Concept of Illness and the Role of the Patient This section discusses the conceptualization of illness and the experience of being a patient. It examines the psychological and social roles associated with illness. Topics covered during the class: What categories of diseases exist? What types of health behaviors are encompassed by preventive health behavior? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Theories and models of health behaviour

Annotation: SWOT (SVID) and SMART Analysis This section addresses the use of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) frameworks for evaluating and planning health strategies. Transtheoretical Model (Stages and Processes of Health Behavior Change) Examines the Transtheoretical Model, detailing stages of behavior change from precontemplation to maintenance and the processes that facilitate progression through these stages. Protection Motivation Theory Explores how perceived severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy motivate individuals to engage in protective health behaviors. Health Belief Model Focuses on how perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers influence health-related decisions and behaviors. Theory of Planned Behavior Discusses how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control affect intentions and health behaviors. Health Behavior Model Overviews models explaining health behaviors, emphasizing psychological and social influences. Health Behavior Model in Social Cognitive Theory Applies Social Cognitive Theory, highlighting observational learning, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations in understanding health behaviors. Common Sense/Self-Regulation Model Explains how individuals interpret and manage their health conditions through cognitive and emotional processes. Topics covered during the class: What aspects should be considered when selecting a theory or model for working with clients/patients? What are the risks associated with each theory or model? Literature: Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand. ISBN 978-1-118-62900-0
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Factors influencing health and health behaviour

Annotation: Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors (Factors Affecting Mental Health) Explores how biological, psychological, and social factors impact mental health, including those that promote or compromise well-being. Habits and Lifestyle (Recommendations and Benefits) Examines the influence of habits and lifestyle choices on health, highlighting recommendations for healthy behaviors and their benefits. Control of Emotional, Behavioral, and Motivational Signals (Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems, Loveheim’s Emotion Cube, Kübler-Ross Model) Discusses the regulation of emotional, behavioral, and motivational signals, including the roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, Loveheim’s Emotion Cube, and the Kübler-Ross Model. Impact of Emotions on Nervous System Function (Stress Effects) Investigates how emotions affect the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, with a focus on the impact of stress Topics covered during the class: What are the physical manifestations of activated parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems? How do emotions influence physiological processes in humans?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Health-promoting behaviour and change of health behaviour

Annotation: Stress Coping Strategies (Problem-Focused and Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies) This section explores different strategies for coping with stress. It includes problem-focused coping strategies, which involve addressing and resolving the source of stress, and emotion-focused coping strategies, which involve managing and regulating emotional responses to stress. Methods for Facilitating Health Behavior Change (Problem-Solving Therapy Model) This part examines various methods designed to facilitate changes in health behaviors. It specifically highlights the Problem-Solving Therapy Model, which is a structured approach aimed at helping individuals identify, analyze, and solve problems that hinder health behavior change. Topics covered during the class: What are the strategies for coping with stress? What factors should be considered when employing methods from Problem-Solving Therapy?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Motivational interviewing and self-regulation methods

Annotation: Motivational Interviewing Methods for Exploring Ambivalence Techniques and Strategies CBT Scale Questions, CBT Miracle Question 7-Step Self-Regulation Model Stress Regulation Techniques Topics covered during the class: When should Motivational Interviewing be used? What are the limitations of various stress coping techniques?
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
  1. Presentation of the final work

Annotation: Students will present their final projects in the order they have agreed upon among themselves.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Mārtinsone K., Sudraba V. (zin.red.) (2019). Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīva.

2.

Mārtinsone K., Sudraba V. (red.) (2016). Veselības psiholoģija. Kolektīvajā monogrāfijā.

3.

Mārtinsone, K., Šmits, D., Mihailovs, I. J., Mārtinsone, A., Ruža, A., Vanadziņš, I., ... & Paičs, I. (2021). Pašpalīdzības un pašvadības iespēju arsenāls krīzes un transformāciju laikā: Metodes ikvienam.

Additional Reading

1.

Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath. (2015). Health Behavior : Theory, Research, and Practice (5th edition). Jossey - Bass, A Wiley Brand

2.

Mārtinsone K., Miltuze A. (red.). (2015). Psiholoģija 1: Pamatjautājumi – teorijas un pētījumi. Zvaigzne ABC.

3.

Mārtinsone K., Miltuze A. (red.). (2015). Psiholoģija 2: Personība, grupa, sabiedrība, kultūra (13.nodaļa: Veselība un slimība psiholoģijā). Zvaigzne ABC.

4.

Mārtinsone K., Miltuze A. (red.). (2015). Psiholoģija 3: lietišķās jomas. Zvaigzne ABC.

5.

Sanderson C.A. (2013). Health psychology (2nd ed.). NY: Wiley.

6.

Bite, I., Mārtinsone K., Sudraba V. (red.). (2016). Konsultēšanas un psihoterapijas teorija un prakse. Zvaigzne ABC.

7.

Ļevina J., Mārtinsone K. (2016). Konsultēšana un konsultatīvā psiholoģija. Rīga: RSU.

Other Information Sources

1.

British Journal of Health Psychology

2.

Journal of Epidemiology of Community Health

3.

Journal of Health Psychology

4.

Psychology and Health

5.

Publikāciju bibliogrāfiskās un citēšanas informācijas datubāzes: Scopus, Web of Science.

6.

E-žurnālu datubāzes: Academic Search Complete, Cambridge journals, Wiley-Blackwell, ScienceDirect.

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