39133 - General Psychology (of Behavior)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of cognitive, emotional, and motivational functions and processes, and their influence on behavior. They will be familiar with behavior assessment techniques, with particular emphasis on eating behavior. Students will also develop communication skills and learn how to apply information strategies aimed at modifying eating behaviors and lifestyles that affect health conditions. They will be able to present content, information, and ideas related to their field of study using appropriate communication forms tailored to different audiences. Moreover, they will be capable of using appropriate language based on the characteristics of the patient and providing adequate psychological support.

Course contents

Module 1 (Prof. Mazzetti)

1. Cognitive, emotional, communicative, and relational processes, with particular focus on their impact on eating behavior: associative learning and reinforcement, vicarious learning, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, stress responses and coping styles, individual differences, and different eating behavior patterns.

2. Effective communication in healthcare settings; psychological aspects that facilitate or hinder the HEALTHCARE PROVIDER–PATIENT RELATIONSHIP and THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES.

3. Discussion of research studies and scientific articles related to nutritional education and the influence of individual, relational, and social variables on eating behavior.

Module 2 (Prof. Gavaruzzi)

1. Determinants of health and disease: the biopsychosocial model and major theoretical frameworks in prevention and health promotion (e.g., Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Transtheoretical Model, COM-B model).

2. Mental models and information processing: cognitive and affective biases and distortions, actual risk vs. perceived risk.

3. Influence of social norms in information processing. The rise of artificial intelligence.

Readings/Bibliography

MODULO 1

Feldman R.S. (2017), PSICOLOGIA GENERALE. McGraw-Hill.
Bellomo, A. (2004), Psicologia medica e abilità relazionali, Edizioni Minerva Medica (Capp: 5,6)

MODULO 2

Gremigni e Gorini (2022), Psicologia e Salute, Carocci Editore (capp. 1, 4, 5)
Pellegrino, Parrino, Pasqua (2024), Psicologia della Nutrizione – Comprendere i meccanismi alla base delle scelte alimentari - Springer Healthcare

Additional materials, especially applied research articles on eating behavior, will be suggested during lectures.

Teaching methods

All topics will be addressed during lectures. In-depth discussions will include theoretical and applied research articles related to healthcare, and practical exercises based on scenario analysis.

Assessment methods

The General Psychology and Behavior examination will consist of a comprehensive evaluation based on:

1. A WRITTEN EXAM (Module 1) lasting one hour, with three open-ended questions covering the entire syllabus.

2. Exercises (Module 2) conducted both in class and as individual assignments, to be completed by the end of the teaching period.

Exam dates for Module 1 will be published on the Almaesami platform; registration is mandatory.

The final grade for the Integrated Course (CI) will be the weighted average of the marks obtained in the two modules of Psychology and History of Medicine. Honors (cum laude) will be awarded to students with an average mark of 30/30 and at least one “cum laude” in either of the two modules.

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities:
It is recommended that they contact the appropriate University Office in advance: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en
The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students, which must, in any case, be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

• In-class simulations of classic experiments from General Psychology.

• Exercises (conducted individually or in small groups, in class or independently) based on health promotion and nutritional education scenarios.

Office hours

See the website of Michela Mazzetti

See the website of Teresa Gavaruzzi