Health Psychology — SEG Awards End-Point Assessment Health & Social Care Revision

    Learners need to know the role of psychology in health, the medical model, and the bio-psychosocial approach. They compare these models and understand thei

    Topic Synopsis

    Learners need to know the role of psychology in health, the medical model, and the bio-psychosocial approach. They compare these models and understand their implications for health care.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Health Psychology

    SEG AWARDS
    vocational

    This subtopic introduces the fundamental concepts of health psychology, focusing on how psychological processes impact physical health and illness. It contrasts the traditional medical model, which views health purely in biological terms, with the bio-psychosocial approach that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. This knowledge is essential for understanding patient behaviour, designing holistic care interventions, and preparing for further study in health science professions.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    12
    Key Skills
    11
    Key Terms
    14
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions
    SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions
    SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

    Topic Overview

    The SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and skills required for careers in health and social care. This qualification covers key areas such as human anatomy and physiology, infection control, communication in healthcare settings, and the principles of safeguarding. It provides a stepping stone to Level 3 qualifications or apprenticeships in nursing, midwifery, or allied health professions.

    Studying this diploma helps you understand how the human body functions, the importance of maintaining health and safety, and how to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. You will explore real-world scenarios, such as managing infections in a hospital ward or supporting individuals with mental health needs. This knowledge is crucial for anyone aspiring to work in the NHS, private healthcare, or social care settings.

    The qualification is vocationally related, meaning it combines theoretical learning with practical application. You will develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and reflective practice, which are highly valued by employers and further education providers. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation to progress to more advanced study or entry-level roles in health science professions.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Human Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of major body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems, and how they interrelate.
    • →Infection Prevention and Control: Knowledge of standard precautions, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the chain of infection to reduce the spread of pathogens.
    • →Communication in Health and Social Care: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, active listening, and overcoming barriers such as language or sensory impairments.
    • →Safeguarding and Duty of Care: Principles of protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect, and understanding legal responsibilities under the Care Act 2014.
    • →Health and Safety Legislation: Key regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, risk assessment processes, and emergency procedures in healthcare environments.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Describe the key ways psychology contributes to understanding health, illness, and healthcare delivery.
    • Explain the core principles and limitations of the medical model approach to health.
    • Define the bio-psychosocial model and identify its three interacting components.
    • Compare and contrast the medical and bio-psychosocial models in explaining chronic pain conditions.
    • Analyse how the bio-psychosocial approach can inform individualised care plans.
    • Evaluate the implications of adopting a bio-psychosocial perspective for health promotion strategies.
    • Know about the role of psychology in health, Know about the medical model approach to health, Know about the bio-psychosocial approach to health
    • Explain the role of health psychology in understanding illness prevention and management.
    • Describe the key assumptions of the medical model and its limitations in healthcare.
    • Analyse how psychological factors such as stress and coping influence physical health.
    • Evaluate the biopsychosocial model as a framework for holistic patient care.
    • Apply the biopsychosocial model to a case study in a counselling context.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurate definition of the bio-psychosocial model with reference to biological, psychological, and social factors.
    • Award credit for explaining the role of psychological factors such as stress, beliefs, or coping in health outcomes.
    • Award credit for providing clear examples of how the medical model fails to address psychological or social influences on health.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying when each model is most appropriately applied in healthcare settings.
    • Award credit for demonstrating understanding of how psychology contributes to behaviour change interventions.
    • Describes the role of psychology in health.
    • Explains the medical model approach to health.
    • Explains the bio-psychosocial approach to health.
    • Compares the medical and bio-psychosocial models.
    • Gives examples of how psychology influences health behaviours.
    • Award credit for clearly distinguishing between the medical model and the biopsychosocial model.
    • Expect explicit reference to psychological factors (e.g., beliefs, emotions, behaviour) when explaining the role of psychology in health.
    • Look for the application of theory to a realistic counselling scenario, demonstrating integration of biological, psychological, and social elements.
    • Assess understanding that the biopsychosocial model does not disregard biological factors but adds depth to them.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Use specific terminology such as 'predisposing factors', 'precipitating factors', and 'perpetuating factors' when discussing the bio-psychosocial model.
    • 💡Always link psychological theories to real-world health scenarios, e.g., diabetes management or post-surgery recovery, to demonstrate applied understanding.
    • 💡Structure answers to show clear comparisons between models, using tables or clear paragraphs to highlight differences.
    • 💡When evaluating models, reference evidence or recognised studies to support your arguments, even in brief.
    • 💡Read assignment briefs carefully to identify exactly which model aspects need to be discussed, avoiding irrelevant detail.
    • 💡Use specific health conditions to illustrate models.
    • 💡Remember the bio-psychosocial model includes biological, psychological, and social factors.
    • 💡Be prepared to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
    • 💡Use specific examples (e.g., obesity, diabetes) to illustrate both models rather than abstractly defining them.
    • 💡When answering assessment questions, consistently refer back to the biopsychosocial model as the preferred framework in counselling.
    • 💡For written assignments, structure your work by addressing biological, psychological, and social influences separately before integrating them.
    • 💡Be prepared to critique the medical model's reductionism and highlight the benefits of a more holistic approach in a therapeutic relationship.
    • 💡Use specific examples from healthcare settings to illustrate your answers. For instance, when discussing infection control, mention a scenario like a nurse using PPE when caring for a patient with MRSA.
    • 💡Always link your answers to relevant legislation or policies, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act or the Care Quality Commission standards. This shows depth of understanding.
    • 💡Practice applying the 'chain of infection' model to different pathogens. Examiners look for your ability to break down how infections spread and how to break the chain at each link.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing the bio-psychosocial model with a purely social or holistic approach, neglecting biological factors.
    • Failing to differentiate between the medical model and biomedical reductionism, using them interchangeably.
    • Providing vague or generic definitions of health psychology without linking to specific health conditions.
    • Overlooking the practical implications of each model for professional practice in care settings.
    • Describing the medical model as entirely obsolete rather than recognising its value in acute care.
    • Confusing the medical model with the bio-psychosocial model.
    • Overlooking psychological factors in health.
    • Providing vague examples without clear links.
    • Confusing the medical model with the biopsychosocial model by assuming they are complementary rather than contrasting paradigms.
    • Focusing solely on mental health issues and neglecting how psychology relates to physical illnesses like heart disease or chronic pain.
    • Describing the biopsychosocial model as simply 'all three factors are important' without showing how they interact.
    • Omitting social factors such as culture, family, or socioeconomic status when discussing health outcomes.
    • Misconception: Infection control only involves hand washing. Correction: While hand hygiene is critical, it also includes proper use of PPE, waste disposal, cleaning protocols, and respiratory etiquette.
    • Misconception: Communication is just talking to patients. Correction: Effective communication includes active listening, observing non-verbal cues, adapting to individual needs, and documenting information accurately.
    • Misconception: Safeguarding only applies to children. Correction: Safeguarding applies to all vulnerable individuals, including adults at risk, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, and involves multi-agency collaboration.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of human biology, such as the main organs and their functions, from Key Stage 3 or GCSE Science.
    • •Familiarity with health and safety concepts, like risk assessment, from previous studies or work experience.
    • •Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, as the course involves report writing and role-play scenarios.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Role of psychology in health
    • Medical model limitations
    • Bio-psychosocial model application
    • Patient-centred care
    • Health behaviour change
    • Know about the role of psychology in health, Know about the medical model approach to health, Know about the bio-psychosocial approach to health
    • Psychological determinants of health
    • Biomedical model critique
    • Biopsychosocial integration
    • Holistic client assessment
    • Stress and health outcomes

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