Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
PS30101 Psychology of pain |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20092 and take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 and take PS20109 |
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Aims: To provide students with a fundamental understanding of the role that psychological factors play in pain and pain-related behaviours. To cover core topics such as definitions of pain, sensory pain pathways, treatment approaches, and psychological issues in pain.
Learning Outcomes: To critically evaluate theoretical models of pain To critically evaluate the physiological approach to pain To critically evaluate the way in which psychological factors can affect the experience and perception pf pain To critically evaluate the role that psychological interventions can have in pain management programmes. Skills: Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F A) Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology. Has detailed knowledge of several specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A) Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A) Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (F) Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (F) Content: Definitions of pain Theoretical models of pain modulation Peripheral and spinal mechanisms in pain Central pain pathways Coping with pain The role of emotion in pain Sex, gender and pain Pharmacological management of pain Physical management of pain Psychological management of pain. |