Critical Health Psychology

at Massey University

Our postgraduate health psychology programme and courses provide an overview of health psychology, emphasising community, public health, and critical health psychology.

The overall approach is based on a critical health psychology perspective, which looks at the root causes of poor health outcomes and seeks to promoting more holistic and empowering approaches to health.

Our courses therefore examine the social, political, and economic factors influencing health and well-being, challenging traditional biomedical perspectives.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Student experiences

Bella's reflection on her learning experience in our "Understandinding Health and Illness" course was published as a blog post by the International Society for Critical Health Psychology (ISCHP). She said:

When I first plunged back into postgraduate studies, I had no idea it would lead me here: to new perspectives that have unravelled not only my previous academic understandings, but also understandings of myself, my identity, my intentions, and the world around me. From the confines of traditional, biomedical conceptions of mainstream psychology, to the emancipatory horizons of critical health psychology (CHP)… and from naïve teenage dreams to practice as a private psychologist, to the raw reality of working in a peer support role at the pointy end of public health, in the Nelson Hospital Emergency Department. Perhaps most pivotal of all, has been the congruence between my learnings and real-life examples in my working environment – to observe, encounter and critique applied healthcare interactions in motion and from a unique position at the intersection of clinical and peer-led models of practice.

Read Bella's full post here.

A sneak peek...

Our courses explore the intricate connections between psychology, physical health, and the complexities of human experience. Together they provide insights into the interplay between mind, body, and society.

Understanding Health & Illness: This is an engaging and thought-provoking journey exploring the interplay between mind, body, and society... In this course, we explore how psychology applies to physical health, illness, and disease. In a sense, the course follows the course of: becoming ill noticing and interpreting the illness, and then requesting professional help. We dive into the fascinating factors that influence our well-being, including the way we perceive symptoms, interact with healthcare professionals, and navigate the journey from becoming ill to seeking help.

Promoting Health: Health promotion is an integral part of public health that aims to bring about positive health outcomes using a wide range of social and environmental interventions and strategies, including policy, advocacy, and media. This course will introduce you to the current psychological theories that help us understand how our behaviours and social conditions impact our health. Throughout this course, we will delve into the practical applications of these theories in health promotion interventions, while also addressing the ethical, social, and political considerations associated with their implementation.