94166 - General and Health Psychology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to possess the knowledge and skills required to critically examine the contents and theoretical models of general psychology acquired during the first cycle of studies. They should also have developed the ability to establish connections across disciplines, with a view to promoting the health of the assisted population, healthcare professionals, and students in training.

Course contents

The course explores selected applied areas of general psychology within healthcare and educational settings. It will address the construction of the experience of health and illness, illness representations, appraisal, risk perception, self-efficacy, and psychological models of health behaviour.

It will also examine stress and coping, quality of life, decision-making under uncertainty, heuristics and cognitive biases, risk communication, and health literacy. Part of the course will be devoted to the well-being of healthcare professionals and students in training, with attention to psychosocial risk factors, burnout, and psychological resources that support self-care, emotional regulation, and the maintenance of a sustainable care relationship.

Readings/Bibliography

The specific reading list and supplementary materials will be indicated by the lecturer during the course.


As a reference text for a psychological framework in medical and healthcare contexts, the following is recommended: Bassi, M., & Delle Fave, A. (Eds.), Psicologia generale per le professioni medico-sanitarie, UTET Università.


For the possible revision or consolidation of basic contents in General Psychology, an introductory textbook may be indicated.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures integrated with case discussions, the analysis of situations drawn from healthcare and educational contexts, reflective exercises, and guided discussion. Theoretical models will be presented in relation to their implications for health promotion, the care relationship, and the well-being of healthcare professionals and students in training.

Assessment methods

Assessment will consist of a written examination including multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions and/or brief applied case analyses.

The assessment will evaluate knowledge of core concepts and theoretical models, the ability to critically connect them to healthcare and educational contexts, the relevance of their application, the quality of argumentation, and clarity of expression.

Teaching tools

Slides, teaching materials, case studies, and any supplementary resources will be provided by the lecturer and made available on the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Martoni