Health Psychology
This subtopic introduces learners to health psychology, examining how psychological factors influence physical health and illness. It contrasts the traditional medical model, which views health purely in biological terms, with the bio-psychosocial model, which integrates biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Understanding these models enables care professionals to adopt a more holistic approach to patient well-being.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Health and Care Professions (RQF) is a vocational qualification designed to prepare you for a career in health and social care. It covers essential knowledge and skills needed to work in roles such as healthcare assistant, support worker, or care assistant. The diploma is structured around core units that include understanding the principles of care, communication, equality and diversity, and safeguarding. You will also explore specific areas like infection control, health and safety, and person-centred approaches. This qualification is recognised by employers and provides a solid foundation for further study, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care or apprenticeships.
Why does this matter? The health and social care sector is one of the largest employers in the UK, with a growing demand for skilled workers. This diploma ensures you understand the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin care practice, such as the Care Act 2014 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. You will learn how to support individuals with their physical and emotional needs while promoting their independence and dignity. The course also emphasises the importance of working in partnership with other professionals, families, and carers. By completing this qualification, you demonstrate that you are ready to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential homes, and community services.
This diploma fits into the wider subject of Health and Social Care by bridging the gap between introductory courses and more advanced study. It is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is equivalent to GCSEs at grades A*-C. The skills you gain are transferable across different care environments, and the qualification is designed to meet the standards set by Skills for Care and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether you aim to become a nurse, social worker, or care manager, this diploma gives you the foundational knowledge and practical understanding to progress in your career.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Person-centred care: This means tailoring support to the individual's preferences, needs, and values. You must understand how to involve the person in decisions about their care and respect their choices, even if they differ from your own views.
- →Safeguarding: You need to know how to protect vulnerable adults and children from abuse, neglect, and harm. This includes recognising signs of abuse (physical, emotional, financial, etc.) and following your organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures.
- →Equality and diversity: The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination. You must treat everyone fairly, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. This includes adapting your communication and care to meet diverse needs.
- →Communication: Effective communication is vital in health and social care. You need to use verbal and non-verbal techniques, active listening, and appropriate language. Also, understand how to overcome barriers like hearing loss or language differences.
- →Health and safety: You must follow legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Key areas include risk assessment, infection control (e.g., hand hygiene, PPE), moving and handling, and fire safety. Always report hazards and incidents.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Know about the role of psychology in health., Know about the medical model approach to health., Know about the bio-psychosocial approach to health.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurately explaining the medical model, including its focus on biological causes of illness and treatment through physical interventions like medication or surgery.
- Award credit for describing the bio-psychosocial model by referencing all three components: biological (e.g., genetics, viruses), psychological (e.g., stress, beliefs), and social (e.g., cultural norms, support networks).
- Award credit for identifying the role of psychology in health, such as influencing health behaviors (e.g., smoking, diet), coping with chronic illness, or managing pain through psychological techniques.
- Award credit for comparing the two models, highlighting limitations, e.g., the medical model ignores psychological and social factors.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡When describing models, use concrete examples to illustrate their application (e.g., compare treatment of depression via medication vs. therapy and social support).
- 💡Ensure that in assignment evidence, you explicitly name each model and link it to the learning outcomes, as assessors will check for clear references.
- 💡Tip 1: Use real-life examples in your answers. When explaining a concept like person-centred care, describe a specific scenario, such as helping a resident choose their meal or activity. This shows you can apply theory to practice, which examiners reward.
- 💡Tip 2: Know your legislation. Questions often ask about legal frameworks. Memorise key acts: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Care Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, and the Data Protection Act 2018. Mention the correct act and explain how it applies to the situation.
- 💡Tip 3: Structure your answers clearly. For longer questions, use the 'PEEL' method: Point (state your answer), Evidence (give a fact or example), Explanation (explain why it matters), Link (connect back to the question). This helps you stay focused and cover all marks.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Assuming the medical model is entirely outdated rather than recognizing its continued relevance in acute care.
- Failing to differentiate between psychological and social factors in the bio-psychosocial model, leading to a conflation of, for example, personal beliefs and societal influences.
- Listing only one component of the bio-psychosocial model (e.g., just biological or psychological) without demonstrating integration.
- Misconception: 'Person-centred care means doing whatever the person wants.' Correction: Person-centred care involves balancing the individual's wishes with their safety and well-being. For example, if a person with dementia wants to walk alone but is at risk of falling, you should find a compromise, such as supervised walking or using a walking aid.
- Misconception: 'Safeguarding only applies to children.' Correction: Safeguarding applies to all vulnerable individuals, including adults at risk. The Care Act 2014 defines an adult at risk as someone aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect. You have a duty to report concerns for both children and adults.
- Misconception: 'Confidentiality means never sharing information.' Correction: Confidentiality is important, but there are exceptions. You must share information if there is a risk of harm to the individual or others, or if required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns). Always follow your organisation's information-sharing protocols and seek advice if unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Health Psychology
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of health and social care settings, such as hospitals, care homes, or domiciliary care. You should know the roles of different care workers (e.g., healthcare assistant, support worker).
- •Literacy and numeracy skills at Entry Level 3 or above, as you will need to read policies, write reports, and handle medication calculations.
- •A willingness to reflect on your own values and attitudes, especially regarding equality and diversity. This course requires you to challenge stereotypes and develop empathy.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Know about the role of psychology in health., Know about the medical model approach to health., Know about the bio-psychosocial approach to health.
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