Introductory description

This module will focus on the link between physical and mental health and will prepare you for the early stages of the workplace project in Term 3. In the first half of the module, we will review a brief history of the mind-body (mental-physical) connection, followed by an in-depth look at research examining the role of lifestyle factors in mental health and wellbeing. The second half of the module will facilitate student learning on the methodological considerations of health research, alongside practical classes in analysing and visualising data. Students will develop advanced skills in the critical analysis of research. The module will draw on existing research and perspectives from the medical sciences and epidemiology, as well as health, clinical and quantitative psychology.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Although the content may vary, the module will cover subjects such as: The mind-body connection; Longitudinal research; Data visualisation; Evaluating the quality of health research; Sleep; Chronic pain.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically discuss the link between physical and mental health.
• Compare different research methodologies for studying physical and mental health over time.
• Perform simple and advanced longitudinal analyses and specific tasks involved in the conduct and reviewing of RCTs.
• Select the most appropriate way to visualise data.
• Evaluate the quality of health research.
• Design a project plan to examine how physical health interventions relate to mental health over time.

Indicative reading list

Twisk, J. W. (2013). Applied longitudinal data analysis for epidemiology: a practical guide. cambridge university press.
Grant, R. (2018). Data visualization: charts, maps, and interactive graphics. CRC Press.
Ryff, C. & Krueger, R. F. (2019). Oxford handbook of integrative health science. Oxford university press.

Research element

Students will be expected to write a research project outline for a longitudinal study.

Subject specific skills

Effective evaluation of a range of techniques for analysing longitudinal data.
Critical appraisal of the credibility and dependability of longitudinal research and identification of errors in poor longitudinal design.
Familiarity with the principles of good data visualisation.
Conduct, interpret and present a variety of approaches to longitudinal analysis relevant to mental health research.

Transferable skills

Evidence-based and critical reasoning.
Project design and planning.
Effective written communication skills to develop coherent and logical arguments supported by relevant evidence.
Analysis and interpretation of data.
Critical evaluation of primary and secondary data sources.