Health and Psychological Wellbeing unit (PSY223)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellbeing as well as psychological theories of health promotion and illness prevention. Issues relating to the psychological aspects of illness causation and interpretation, prevention, and the management of chronic disease will be explored. Further, the unit will examine major sources of stress and models of stress and coping. Mechanisms, theories and principles of behaviour change will be explored, as well as communication skills needed to work with groups and individuals engaging in behaviour change. As such, experience in team-building will feature in this unit as you will serve as a resource for each other's learning experience.

Summary

Unit name	Health and Psychological Wellbeing
Unit code	PSY223
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Doctor Stephanie Smith
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain individual and population-based approaches to health, wellbeing, and coping.
• Apply theoretical and empirical knowledge to explain and predict health behaviour.
• Appraise the impacts of cross-cultural differences, gender, socioeconomic status, disease and chronic illness on health behaviour.
• Communicate psychological health and well-being concepts for a range of audiences.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090701	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	$1,192.00	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at introductory level

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KHA359

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 x 2 hr weekly Online Lecture Modules 1 x 2 hr weekly Practicals/Workbook and associated activities 6hrs Independent Study per week
Assessment	Final Exam (25%)|Health Infographic and Written Evaluation (35%)|Case Study (Individual assessment task) (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Nil
Recommended	Weeks 2 to 12 have recommended readings that are provided in the reading lists.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.